How to Reset Your Windows 11 PIN: A Step-by-Step Guide

This post shows students and new users the steps to reset a PIN in Windows 11. Windows 11 has a Windows Hello feature that provides a more personal and secure way to sign into Windows.

With Windows Hello, one can use a PIN, facial recognition, or fingerprint to sign into their devices. You’ll also need to set up a PIN when setting up facial recognition or fingerprint to sign into Windows. A PIN can also be used independently to sign into Windows 11.

If you forget your Windows PIN, you can reset it from the sign-in screen, log in with your password account, and then reset it from the Windows Settings app. Whatever method you use to reset the PIN should be easy and simple.

Since your PIN is also tied to your Microsoft account, you need to know the sign-in credentials for your Microsoft account. A local password account may be needed if you can’t validate your Microsoft account.

If you have forgotten your Windows PIN and wish to reset it, the steps below show you how.

How to reset a forgotten PIN in Windows 11

Resetting a Windows PIN depends on having a valid local password or a Microsoft online account. If you can’t validate those accounts, you may be unable to reset your account PIN.

On Windows 11 logon screen, you can click the I forgot my PIN link to reset your forgotten PIN.

If you can log in with your local password or Microsoft account, sign in and go to the Widows Settings app to reset your PIN.

Windows 11 has a centralized location for the majority of its settings. Everything can be done, from system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows from its System Settings pane.

To get to System Settings, you can use the Windows key + I shortcut or click on Start ==> Settings, as shown in the image below:

Alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar and search for Settings. Then select to open it.

Windows Settings pane should look similar to the image below. In Windows Settings, click Accounts, then select the Sign-in options tile on the right pane of your screen, shown in the image below.

On the Sign-in options settings pane, under Ways to sign in, click on the PIN (Windows Hello) tile to expand it.

Then click the I forgot my PIN link to reset your PIN.

Click the Continue button to confirm that you wish to reset your PIN.

Once you click the forgot PIN link, you’ll have two options to validate your account. You can use a local password account to confirm

or a Microsoft account.

Once you validate your account, you can reset your Windows PIN.

That should do it!

You can close the Windows Settings app.

Conclusion:

• Resetting your Windows 11 PIN is a straightforward process, whether you use a Microsoft account or local password.
• Always ensure you have access to your Microsoft account credentials or local account password to complete the PIN reset.
• Windows Hello offers a convenient and secure way to sign into your device, enhancing your overall user experience.
• Regularly updating your PIN can help maintain your device’s security.
• For further assistance, consult the Windows support page or community forums for additional resources.