Windows 11 log in issue

Jim Grant 0 Reputation points
2026-11-12T23:04:55.6266667+00:00

I have not created the pin I need to sign in. I have my password but that is not enough.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Settings
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  1. Manoel Barros 23,385 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-13T00:20:38.4466667+00:00

    Hi! What specific login issue are you experiencing? Please tell me the exact error message that appears on your screen.

    Regarding the use of a password, you can follow the instructions provided by the AI ​​Answer. Click on Sign-in options > the key icon > and then use the password you set or your email password.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-11-12T23:05:43.8866667+00:00

    At the Windows 11 sign-in screen, select Sign-in options, choose the password/key icon, and enter the password for the displayed account; a PIN is not required if password sign-in is available.^1^

    Sign in and create the PIN

    1. On the sign-in screen, verify that the correct user account is selected.
    2. If this is a Microsoft account, select the Network icon and connect the computer to the internet.
    3. Select Sign-in options.
    4. Select Enter your password or the key/password icon—not the PIN keypad.
    5. Enter:
      • Your Microsoft account password if the account displays an email address, or
      • Your local Windows account password if it is a local account.
    6. After reaching the desktop, open: Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN (Windows Hello).
    7. Select Set up and complete the account-verification prompts to create a new device PIN. The PIN is separate from your Microsoft account password.^2^

    If “Sign-in options” does not offer a password

    If I forgot my PIN appears and this is a Microsoft account, select it and follow the prompts to verify the account and create a PIN. This option is not available for local accounts; local accounts must use Sign-in options > Enter your password first.^2^

    If neither option is usable, try password sign-in through Safe Mode:

    1. At the sign-in screen, hold Shift while selecting Power > Restart.
    2. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
    3. After restart, press F5 or select 5 — Safe Mode with Networking.
    4. Sign in with the account password. PIN and biometric sign-in are unavailable in Safe Mode.^3^
    5. Once signed in, return to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN (Windows Hello) and create the PIN.

    Avoid resetting the PC at this stage; password sign-in, PIN recovery, and Safe Mode are the non-destructive recovery paths.

    References

    1. User Account Access in Windows | Microsoft Support
    2. Change or reset your PIN in Windows | Microsoft Support
    3. Troubleshoot Problems Signing In to Windows | Microsoft Support
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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