I cannot sign into my account

At the sign-in screen, choose Other ways to sign in and use a password, email code, Authenticator approval, or another method already attached to the account instead of the incorrect passkey.

Get back into the account

1. Press Windows key + Plus (+) to enlarge the Windows 11 sign-in screen. Press it repeatedly for more magnification; press Windows key + Esc when finished.^1^
2. Select Sign-in options, Other ways to sign in, or Sign in another way.
3. Choose an available method:
   • Password
   • Code sent to a backup email or phone
   • Microsoft Authenticator approval
   • Another passkey or security key

A password can replace the passkey as the first sign-in step, but two-step verification may still require an available second method.

A Windows Hello PIN normally unlocks that particular PC; it is not necessarily available when signing into the Microsoft account in a web browser. If the passkey became invalid after changing the PIN or biometric method, Microsoft’s documented fix is to sign in another way, create a new passkey, and then remove the obsolete passkey.^2^

After access is restored

The safer option is to replace the invalid passkey and add an accessible backup method rather than disabling two-step verification:

1. Open the Microsoft account Security page:
   https://account.microsoft.com/security
2. Select Manage how I sign in.
3. Add and test a new sign-in method.
4. Remove the old passkey or verification method only after the replacement works.^3^

If you still want to disable two-step verification:

1. On the same Security page, select Manage how I sign in.
2. Under Additional security → Two-step verification, select Turn off.
3. Complete the on-screen confirmation.^4^

Warning: Turning it off weakens the account’s protection and increases the risk of someone gaining access if they obtain the password. Keeping two-step verification with an easier backup method is safer.

If no alternative method is available

Use Microsoft’s Sign-in Helper:

https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2214157

If two-step verification was enabled and none of its verification methods are accessible, Microsoft Support cannot bypass it, send a reset link, or alter the account details. The normal recovery form also cannot override that protection.^5^

For additional support, use:

https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2300955

Enter the sign-in problem, select Get Help, and then Contact Support if offered. Support can help diagnose the sign-in issue but cannot manually remove account security checks.^2^

References

1. Windows 11
2. Troubleshoot signing in with a passkey | Microsoft Support
3. Removing a sign-in verification method | Microsoft Support
4. How to use two-step verification with your Microsoft account | Microsoft Support
5. Help with the Microsoft account recovery form | Microsoft Support