Remove PIN from Account in Windows 11
Removing the PIN from your Windows 11 account lets you use different ways to sign in, like your regular password.
The Windows 11 Sign-in options screen is where you manage how you log into your PC.
You can turn off the PIN login if you no longer want to use it after Windows 11 version 22H2.
This change lets you pick a simpler sign-in method.
Open Settings, go to Accounts, then Sign-in options. Click PIN (Windows Hello), then Remove. Confirm by entering your Microsoft account password. This will also remove any associated face or fingerprint sign-in options.
What is Windows Hello and PIN?
Windows Hello and your PIN are ways to sign into your Windows 11 computer. Your PIN is like a password but is unique to your device, making it safer and quicker to log in than a regular password.
A Windows 11 account PIN is a numeric code or a mix of letters and symbols. This PIN is unique to a specific device, offering better security than a regular 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.
A PIN offers better security than a password because the PIN connects only to your specific device. This PIN protection means that even if someone obtains your PIN, they cannot access your account without possessing your actual computer. Your PIN remains private and stored only on your device.
How to Remove PIN on Your 🪟 Windows 11 PC
Option 1Remove PIN Using Settings
- Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Click on Accounts in the left menu.
- Click on Sign-in options on the right.
- Under Ways to sign in, find PIN (Windows Hello) and click it to expand.
- Click the Remove button next to “Remove this sign-in option”.
- 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.
- Confirm by clicking Remove again when asked.
- Enter your Microsoft account password (not PIN) to verify and click OK.
- You can now close Settings.
You can remove your PIN from Windows 11 using the Settings app. Open Settings, go to Accounts, then Sign-in options, find your PIN, and click the remove button.
Quick Link to Sign-in Options Settings
Option 2Remove PIN for All Users Using a Batch File (Advanced)
If standard methods don’t work, you can remove a Windows 11 PIN for all users with an advanced batch file. This is useful if a corrupted PIN folder is causing problems and you need to reset PIN access for everyone.
A corrupted folder that stores PIN information can cause errors. When the PIN information folder is damaged, Windows 11 might prevent users from logging in or resetting their PIN. To fix this problem, locate and delete the specific corrupted folder. Deleting this damaged folder restores normal account access.
- “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.
To fix this, you can reset the folder where Windows stores your PIN data by running this code in a batch file (a text file saved with a .bat extension):
@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:
- Open Notepad and copy-paste the above code.
- Save the file with a
.batextension, for example,ResetPIN.bat. - Right-click the file and choose Run as administrator.
- Your PIN data will be reset. You can now try setting up a PIN again.
Summary
Removing your PIN in Windows 11 also means face and fingerprint sign-ins are gone. Your account stays safer because the PIN is unique to your device and isn’t stored online.
- 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.
Users can manage Windows 11 sign-in preferences and keep accounts secure by following these steps. Removing a PIN makes account access easier for users who prefer other login methods, such as a password.
More Help
Want to learn more about sign-in options in Windows? Visit this official Microsoft page:
Sign-In Options in Windows – Microsoft Support
How do I remove a PIN from 🪟 Windows 11 start?
A quick note on the Start menu: If you were looking to remove an app shortcut from the Start menu, you’d right-click it and select ‘ Unpin from Start’.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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