PIN Not Working on Windows 11: Troubleshooting Guide

Is your PIN refusing to unlock your Windows 11 device? This can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you need quick access to your computer. Fortunately, there are several solutions you can try to get your PIN working again. This guide will walk you through the most common causes and effective troubleshooting steps.

Why is my PIN not working?

Several factors can cause PIN login issues in Windows 11:

  • Corrupted PIN data: The most common culprit is corrupted PIN-related files within your user profile.
  • Account issues: Problems with your Microsoft account or local account can interfere with PIN authentication.
  • TPM (Trusted Platform Module) problems: The TPM chip stores your PIN securely. If it encounters errors, your PIN may not work.
  • System glitches: Temporary system bugs or outdated drivers can occasionally disrupt PIN functionality.
  • Group Policy Conflicts: Incorrectly configured Group Policy settings (primarily in enterprise environments) might disable or interfere with PIN login.

Troubleshooting Steps

Here’s a breakdown of troubleshooting steps, from the simplest to more advanced solutions:

1. Restart Your Computer

This might seem obvious, but a simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches that prevent your PIN from working. Shut down your computer completely and then turn it back on.

2. Check Your Internet Connection

If you’re using a Microsoft account, Windows 11 may need to verify your credentials online. Ensure you have a stable internet connection. Try connecting via Ethernet if Wi-Fi is unstable.

3. Try Alternative Login Options

Before diving into more complex solutions, try other available login options:

  • Password: Use your Microsoft account password or local account password to log in.
  • Picture Password: If you’ve set up a picture password, try using it.
  • Facial Recognition/Fingerprint: If your device has these features, try using Windows Hello.

If you can log in using another method, you can then proceed to troubleshoot the PIN issue from within Windows.

4. Remove and Re-add Your PIN

This is the most common and often most effective solution for corrupted PIN data.

  1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Accounts > Sign-in options.
  3. Under “Ways to sign in”, click on PIN (Windows Hello).
  4. Click the Remove button.
  5. You’ll be prompted to enter your Microsoft account password or local account password to confirm. Enter it.
  6. Click the Add button to set up a new PIN.
  7. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new PIN.

5. Reset Your PIN from the Sign-in Screen

If you can’t remember your PIN, you can reset it directly from the login screen:

  1. On the sign-in screen, click the I forgot my PIN link (if available). If you don’t see the link, try entering an incorrect PIN several times.
  2. You’ll be prompted to verify your identity using your Microsoft account password. Enter it and follow the on-screen instructions.
  3. You may need to enter a verification code sent to your email or phone.
  4. Once verified, you’ll be able to set up a new PIN.

6. Run the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Corrupted system files can sometimes cause login problems. Use the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tools to scan for and repair corrupted files.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator. (Search for “cmd”, right-click, and select “Run as administrator”).
  2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Let the scan complete. This may take some time.
  3. After SFC is finished, type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
    • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
    • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
    • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  4. Restart your computer after the DISM commands are complete.

7. Check TPM Status

Problems with the TPM chip can interfere with PIN functionality. Check the TPM status:

  1. Press Windows key + R, type tpm.msc, and press Enter.
  2. If the TPM Management window opens and shows a status of “TPM is ready for use”, the TPM is likely not the problem. However, if you see errors or warnings, there might be an issue with the TPM.
  3. Caution: Resetting the TPM can erase data. Only reset the TPM as a last resort and after backing up your data.

8. Create a New User Account

If the problem persists, your user profile might be corrupted. Creating a new user account can help determine if the issue is profile-specific.

  1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Accounts > Family & other users (or Other users).
  3. Click Add someone else to this PC.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new user account. If prompted, create a local account first.
  5. After creating the new account, sign out of your current account and sign in to the new account.
  6. Check if the PIN is working correctly in the new account. If it works, your old user profile is likely corrupted. You can then migrate your data to the new profile.

9. System Restore

If all else fails, try performing a System Restore to revert your computer to a previous state when the PIN was working correctly.

  1. Search for “Create a restore point” in the Windows search bar and open it.
  2. Click System Restore…
  3. Choose a restore point from the list. Select a point created before the PIN issue started.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the System Restore.

Prevention Tips

  • Keep Windows 11 updated: Regularly install Windows updates to ensure you have the latest security patches and bug fixes.
  • Use a strong PIN: Choose a PIN that is difficult to guess but easy for you to remember.
  • Back up your data: Regularly back up your important files to prevent data loss in case of system problems.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve most PIN-related issues on Windows 11 and regain access to your computer.