How to Reset Your PIN in Windows 11

What is Windows Hello and PIN?

Windows Hello offers ways to sign in to your Windows 11 PC without a traditional password, using options like a PIN, your face, or fingerprint. Unlike a standard password that works anywhere, a Windows 11 PIN ties strictly to your specific hardware.

This device-specific PIN offers greater security than a standard password, as it cannot be used on any other computer.

Why use a PIN instead of a password?

• PIN works only on your device. If someone steals your password, they can use it anywhere. But a PIN only works on your own PC.
• Your PIN stays on your device. It’s not sent over the internet or stored on a Microsoft server, which keeps it safer.
• Your device has special hardware protection. A chip called TPM keeps your PIN very secure, protecting it from hackers.
• You can make your PIN more complex. You can use numbers, letters, and symbols for a stronger PIN.
• If your device is lost or stolen, it’s very hard for anyone to guess your PIN because the device locks after many wrong tries.
• You need a PIN even if you use your face or fingerprint. This is a backup way to sign in if the biometric sensor doesn’t work.

Using a PIN instead of a password boosts security. Your PIN stays private on your device, never sent online or stored on Microsoft servers, and protected by hardware like a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip.

How to Reset Your PIN in 🪟 Windows 11

Option 1Reset PIN from Settings (When You Are Signed In)

1. Press Win+I to open Settings.
2. Click Accounts on the left side.
3. Click Sign-in options on the right.
4. Under Ways to sign in, click on PIN (Windows Hello) to expand it.
5. Click the link that says I forgot my PIN.
6. Click Continue to confirm.
7. Enter your Microsoft account password (not your PIN) and click Sign in.
8. Now, create a new PIN. You need to enter at least 4 numbers. You can also check Include letters and symbols to add more characters if you want.
9. Click OK to save your new PIN.
10. You can now close Settings.

Signed into your Windows 11 PC and need to reset your PIN? The Settings ⚙️ app makes this process accessible. Open Settings by pressing Win+I, navigate to Accounts, and then click Sign-in options. Expand the PIN (Windows Hello) section, click ‘I forgot my PIN’, and follow the prompts. Your Microsoft account password will be required.

Option 2Reset PIN from the Sign-in Screen (If You Can’t Sign In)

Forgetting your Windows 11 PIN and being unable to sign in happens frequently, but resetting it directly from the lock screen remains an option. Look for the 'I forgot my PIN' link located below the password or PIN entry box on the sign-in screen. Clicking this link starts the process to reset your PIN, requiring identity verification using your Microsoft account password.

1. On the sign-in screen, below the PIN box, click I forgot my PIN.
2. Enter your Microsoft account password and click Sign in.
3. If you have two-step verification on, choose how to get your security code (email or phone), then click Send code.
4. Enter the code you received and click Verify.
5. Click Continue to proceed.
6. Create a new PIN (minimum 4 digits). You can check Include letters and symbols if you want.
7. Click OK to finish.
8. You will now sign in with your new PIN.

Summary

• Resetting your PIN is easy and helps you get back into your PC quickly.
• Windows Hello uses a PIN that only works on your device, making it safer than a password.
• You need your Microsoft account password to reset your PIN.
• Try to use a strong PIN with numbers, letters, and symbols for better security.
• If you need more help, check Microsoft's official sign-in options page.

Resetting your PIN provides a quick way to regain access to your PC. Keep in mind that Windows Hello PINs remain unique to each device for enhanced security, and finishing the setup requires your Microsoft account password. Creating a strong PIN with numbers, letters, and symbols delivers the best protection.