How to Turn On or Off PIN Expiration in Windows 11

What is a 🪟 Windows 11 PIN?

A Windows PIN is a short numerical code that replaces your full password for quick, secure sign-ins. It offers an efficient way to get into Windows 11, working alongside biometric options like fingerprint or face recognition.

Windows 11 also allows you to sign in using a picture password, fingerprint, or face recognition.

Windows 11 PIN expiration sits turned off by default, meaning your PIN does not expire. Administrators can set the PIN to expire after a specific duration, ranging from 1 day to 730 days (2 years). This change mandates periodic updates to the code. Alternatively, configuring the system for permanent PIN retention remains an option.

How to Turn PIN Expiration On or Off Using Group Policy Editor

The Group Policy Editor (found in Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education versions) controls whether your Windows 11 PIN expires. This interface lets administrators determine renewal frequencies or turn off expiration features entirely.

1. Click the Start button and type Edit group policy. Click the app that appears. This opens the Local Group Policy Editor.
2. In the window that opens, go to this folder path on the left side: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > PIN Complexity
3. On the right side, find and double-click the setting called Expiration.
4. A new window will pop up. Here you can choose:

   • Not Configured – This is the default. It works the same as Disabled.
   • Enabled – Turn on PIN expiration. You can then set how many days until the PIN expires (between 1 and 730 days). Enter 0 if you want the PIN to never expire.
   • Disabled – Turn off PIN expiration.
5. After choosing your option, click OK to save.

How to Turn PIN Expiration On or Off Using the Registry Editor

The Registry Editor modifies PIN expiration rules, though caution is necessary because configuration mistakes cause system instability. The Registry Editor adjusts advanced settings, including schedules for updating credentials.

The registry stores critical Windows settings, and changing them incorrectly can cause issues.

Open the Registry Editor:

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run box.
2. Type regedit and press Enter.
3. Navigate to this folder path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\PassportForWork\PINComplexity
4. If you don't see PassportForWork or PINComplexity, right-click on the previous folder. Choose New > Key to create them.
5. Right-click on PINComplexity. Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it Expiration.
6. Double-click the new Expiration entry. Select Decimal under Base. Then enter:

   • A number between 1 and 730 to set the PIN expiration days.
   • Or 0 to never expire.
7. Click OK, then close the Registry Editor.
8. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Reverting to default behavior and stopping PIN expiration requires deleting the Expiration value you created.

Summary

• Windows 11 lets you make your PIN expire after a set number of days. Or it can never expire.
• By default, PINs do not expire.
• You can change expiration settings using either the Group Policy Editor (for Pro and higher) or the Registry Editor.
• Always back up your data before making system changes.
• Regularly reviewing your PIN settings helps keep your PC secure.

Windows 11 PIN expiration settings establish limits for how long credentials remain valid before requiring a change. Alternatively, configurations can allow PINs to never expire. The Group Policy Editor or the Registry Editor both handle these Windows 11 PIN expiration adjustments.

More Info from Microsoft: Official Microsoft PIN Expiration Settings