Remove PIN from Account in Windows 11

What is Windows Hello and PIN?

Windows Hello and your PIN provide distinct ways to sign into your Windows 11 computer. Operating much like a password, this code stays unique to your device, offering faster and more secure authentication than standard credentials.

A Windows 11 account PIN consists of a numeric code or a combination of letters and symbols. Because this PIN ties exclusively to a specific device, it delivers much stronger protection than a traditional password.

Why is a PIN better than a password?

• PIN is tied to your device
  
  Your PIN only works on your computer or device. If someone steals your PIN, they still can’t get into your account without your device.
• PIN stays on your device
  
  Unlike a password, your PIN isn’t sent over the internet or stored on Microsoft’s servers. It stays safe on your device only.
• PIN is backed by special hardware
  
  Your device has a special chip called TPM that protects your PIN and stops hackers from breaking in.
• PIN can be as strong as a password
  
  Your PIN can be simple or very complex with letters, numbers, and symbols, depending on your settings.
• PIN is needed for biometrics
  
  You must have a PIN to use fingerprint or face sign-in. The PIN works as a backup if the biometric sign-in doesn’t work.

Because your PIN ties directly to hardware, nobody can use it to break into your account from another machine. Even if someone discovers the code, they still need physical possession of your PC. The system keeps your PIN completely private, storing it solely on local hardware.

How to Remove PIN on Your 🪟 Windows 11 PC

Option 1Remove PIN Using Settings

1. Press Win+I to open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts in the left menu.
3. Click on Sign-in options on the right.
4. Under Ways to sign in, find PIN (Windows Hello) and click it to expand.
5. Click the Remove button next to “Remove this sign-in option”.
6. If the Remove button is gray, make sure “For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device” is turned off.
7. Confirm by clicking Remove again when asked.
8. Enter your Microsoft account password (not PIN) to verify and click OK.
9. You can now close Settings.

Head to Settings › Accounts › Sign-in options to locate the PIN controls. Clicking the remove button clears the authentication code from the system.

Quick Link to Sign-in Options Settings

Windows 11 users can open Sign-in options directly by clicking the "Open Sign-in options" link. This shortcut bypasses manual navigation, granting immediate access to security configurations for managing login credentials.

Option 2Remove PIN for All Users Using a Batch File (Advanced)

Alternative troubleshooting methods become necessary when standard removal fails across a multi-user installation. Fixing corrupted system directories resolves persistent roadblocks that prevent credential resets.

Damaged storage directories disrupt normal authentication routines in Windows 11. When these records break, logging in or changing credentials throws persistent errors. Erasing the broken files forces the operating system to rebuild a clean authentication state.

• "Something went wrong (code: 0x8009002d)" when signing in with PIN.
• "Something went wrong. Try again later" when adding or changing a PIN.
• PIN sign-in option missing or not working.

Executing a custom script via a batch file (a text file saved with a .bat extension) clears the corrupted directory and resets local credentials:

@echo off
powershell -windowstyle hidden -command "Start-Process cmd -ArgumentList '/s,/c,takeown /f C:WindowsServiceProfilesLocalServiceAppDataLocalMicrosoftNGC /r /d y & icacls C:WindowsServiceProfilesLocalServiceAppDataLocalMicrosoftNGC /grant administrators:F /t & RD /S /Q C:WindowsServiceProfilesLocalServiceAppDataLocalMicrosoftNgc & MD C:WindowsServiceProfilesLocalServiceAppDataLocalMicrosoftNgc & icacls C:WindowsServiceProfilesLocalServiceAppDataLocalMicrosoftNgc /T /Q /C /RESET' -Verb runAs"

How to use this code:

1. Open Notepad and copy-paste the above code.
2. Save the file with a .bat extension, for example, ResetPIN.bat.
3. Right-click the file and choose Run as administrator.
4. Your PIN data will be reset. You can now try setting up a PIN again.

Summary

Dropping your PIN disables Windows Hello biometric features like face and fingerprint recognition, since those sign-in methods require a PIN backup. Your account stays secure because the hardware-bound PIN never uploads to cloud servers.

• Removing the PIN also removes face and fingerprint sign-in.
• The PIN works only on your device, so it helps keep your account safe.
• PIN data is stored securely on your PC, not online.
• Admins can fix PIN problems for all users by resetting the PIN folder.
• Removing the PIN may turn off some account protection features in Windows Security.

Reviewing your authentication preferences helps maintain robust system security. Reverting to standard passwords provides an alternative workflow for anyone preferring traditional logins.

More Help

Explore official Microsoft documentation for deeper insights into authentication workflows:
Sign-In Options in Windows - Microsoft Support