Forgotten pin on my Surface

Dominique 20 Reputation points
2026-11-04T17:47:20.45+00:00

Hello! Can someone help me to restart my Surface tablet. I have forgotten my pin, when I start the tablet they asked me to enter a code next they asked me to put my pin , but they do not give me the a option to re enter a new pin. I am locked into a "loop"

Surface | Surface Laptop | Safety and security
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Answer accepted by question author
Ian-T 15,695 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
2026-11-04T23:03:49.3533333+00:00

Hi @Dominique

The code shown after several incorrect attempts is only a challenge phrase. Enter it exactly as displayed, but when Windows asks for the PIN afterward, select Sign-in options.

Choose the password/key icon and sign in using your Microsoft account password. Once signed in, open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN (Windows Hello), select I forgot my PIN, and create a new one.

If I forgot my PIN appears directly below the PIN box, you can use that instead. This option is available for Microsoft accounts, but not local accounts.

If neither the password option nor I forgot my PIN is displayed, please confirm whether the Surface uses a Microsoft account or a local account, and which icons appear under Sign-in options.

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