Hi Scott, I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. Clearing the TPM removes the security keys used by Windows Hello, which explains why the old PIN no longer works. Please do not clear the TPM again or reset/reinstall Windows until you have backed up your files.
Since you can access the PC through the new administrator account, try the following:
- Open File Explorer and browse to
C:\Users. - Open the folder belonging to the old Windows profile.
- Copy your personal folders, such as Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Music, and Videos, into the corresponding folders under the new profile.
- If you receive an access-denied message, approve the administrator prompt. Windows may need time to apply permission changes.
- Copy the files rather than moving them, and back them up to an external drive before making any further system changes.
This is the standard method for transferring local files from an inaccessible or corrupted profile into a new administrator profile. Programs and some app settings cannot simply be copied and may need to be reinstalled or configured again.
However, if the old drive or profile was encrypted and Windows requests a BitLocker recovery key, the new administrator account cannot bypass that encryption. Also, files stored only in the old account’s OneDrive cannot be transferred unless access to that Microsoft account is recovered.
When you say, “Windows 11 is gone,” please clarify what you currently see under Settings > System > Activation before attempting a reset or reinstall.
Thank you and have a nice day!