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Lost your Windows 11 PIN? Don't worry, it happens to the best of us! Instead of panicking, let's walk through the steps together to get you back into your computer. Ready to regain access? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Accessing the Sign-in Options
This is your first crucial move. When you're on the Windows 11 lock screen and it's asking for your PIN, don't just stare blankly! Look for the "Sign-in options" link. It's usually located below the PIN entry field.
Clicking "Sign-in options"
- Go ahead and click on that link. This will reveal alternative ways to sign in to your Windows 11 account.
Identifying the Password Option
- Among the displayed options, you should see an icon that looks like a key, accompanied by the word "Password". This is your gateway to resetting your PIN.
Step 2: Signing in with Your Microsoft Account Password
Now that you've found the password option, it's time to use it.
Entering Your Password
- Click on the "Password" option. You'll now be prompted to enter the password associated with your Microsoft account.
- Carefully type in your password. Double-check for any typos to ensure a successful login.
Successful Login
- If you enter the correct password, Windows 11 will log you into your account. Congratulations, you're in! But we're not done yet; we still need to reset that forgotten PIN.
Step 3: Resetting Your Windows 11 PIN
Once you're logged in using your password, you can proceed to reset your PIN.
Navigating to Account Settings
- Click on the "Start" button (the Windows icon usually located at the bottom-left of your screen).
- Type "Settings" in the search bar that appears and press Enter, or simply click on the "Settings" app if it's listed.
Accessing the Accounts Section
- In the Settings window, look for and click on the "Accounts" option.
Finding Sign-in Options
- Within the "Accounts" settings, on the left-hand sidebar, you'll find "Sign-in options". Click on it.
Locating the PIN (Windows Hello) Setting
- On the right side of the "Sign-in options" window, you'll see various ways to sign in. Look for "PIN (Windows Hello)".
Removing the Existing PIN
- Click on "PIN (Windows Hello)". You should see a "Remove" button. Click on this button.
- Windows will likely ask you to confirm that you want to remove your PIN. Click "Remove" again to confirm.
Setting up a New PIN
- After removing the old PIN, the "Remove" button will be replaced by an "Add" button. Click on "Add".
- You'll be prompted to verify your account. This usually involves entering your Microsoft account password again. Enter it and click "OK".
- Now, you'll see a dialog box where you can set up your new PIN. Carefully enter your desired new PIN in the "New PIN" field and then enter it again in the "Confirm PIN" field to ensure it's correct.
- Click "OK".
Excellent! You've successfully reset your Windows 11 PIN. The next time you start your computer, you can use this new PIN to sign in.
Step 4: Alternative Method - Using Account Recovery (If You've Forgotten Your Password Too)
What if you've forgotten your Microsoft account password as well? Don't panic! There's still a way.
On the Lock Screen
- Just like in Step 1, on the Windows 11 lock screen, click on "Sign-in options".
- Select the "Password" option.
"I forgot my password" Link
- Below the password entry field, you should see a link that says "I forgot my password". Click on this link.
Following the Account Recovery Steps
- You'll be taken through a series of steps to recover your Microsoft account. This usually involves:
- Verifying your identity using a recovery email address or phone number associated with your account.
- Entering a security code sent to your recovery contact information.
- Potentially answering security questions you set up when you created your account.
Resetting Your Password
- Once your identity is verified, you'll
1 be given the option to reset your Microsoft account password. Choose a strong and memorable new password.
Signing in with the New Password and Resetting the PIN
- After resetting your password, you can now sign in to Windows 11 using this new password (as described in Step 2).
- Once logged in, follow the steps in Step 3 to remove the old PIN and set up a new one.
How to... Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions related to forgetting your Windows 11 PIN:
How to prevent forgetting my PIN again?
- Quick Answer: Choose a PIN that's easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess. Consider writing it down in a secure place if you have trouble remembering.
How to change my PIN if I remember it?
- Quick Answer: Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN (Windows Hello), click "Change", and follow the prompts.
How to use a picture password instead of a PIN?
- Quick Answer: In Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, look for "Picture password" and click "Add" to set one up.
How to disable the PIN login option?
- Quick Answer: Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN (Windows Hello), click "Remove", and confirm. Note that this might affect other Windows Hello features.
How to manage other sign-in options like fingerprint or facial recognition?
- Quick Answer: These options are also located in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options under "Windows Hello Face" and "Windows Hello Fingerprint" if your device supports them.
How to ensure my Microsoft account is secure for password recovery?
- Quick Answer: Keep your recovery email address and phone number up-to-date. Consider adding multiple recovery methods for redundancy.
How to troubleshoot if the "Sign-in options" link is missing?
- Quick Answer: This is unusual. Try restarting your computer in Safe Mode with Networking and see if the option appears. If it does, a third-party application might be interfering.
How to know if my PIN is strong enough?
- Quick Answer: While PINs are typically numeric, avoid easily guessable sequences like "1234" or your birth year. A longer PIN generally offers better security.
How to recover my Microsoft account if I've forgotten the recovery email and phone?
- Quick Answer: You'll need to go through the Microsoft account recovery process online, which might involve answering detailed questions to verify your ownership.
How to set up a PIN with letters and symbols?
- Quick Answer: While the primary "PIN (Windows Hello)" option is typically numeric, you might be able to set up an alphanumeric password instead by choosing the "Password" option as your primary sign-in method.