Guide: Fix ‘Windows 10 PIN Not Working’ Issue
Microsoft Windows 10 introduced Hello, a simpler way to log in without having to remember long, complex passwords. However, some users have found themselves locked out of their computers due to forgotten PINs or incorrect PINs that don’t work. If you’re experiencing this issue, here’s how to fix the Windows 10 PIN not working error.
Other than user error, there may be other explanations for a laptop’s PIN being changed without the owner’s knowledge. For instance, if the laptop is shared with another person who altered the PIN and neglected to inform the owner.
Windows 10 PIN not working? We’ve got you covered. Here are some tried and tested solutions that could help get your system back up and running.
1. Caps Lock is on
Laptops without an LED light for the caps lock can make it difficult to tell if it is enabled, as Windows OS may not detect it. To ensure accuracy, users should check both the caps lock and numeric lock.
Hold down the Password Preview option on the right side of the box to check your password is correct, Caps Lock is off and the language is selected correctly.
2. Language
A friend of mine encountered an issue while gaming: after taking a brief break, they found their PIN no longer worked due to the language of their login screen having been changed from the drop-down menu.
If you need to change the language input on your screen, look for the option in the lower right corner. It should be labelled EN or ENG for English, but this may vary depending on your chosen language. Click it once to make sure it’s set correctly.
3. User account
Ensure you’re using the right user account when attempting to log in to Windows 10 with a PIN - check the bottom left of your screen. If it’s not working, double-check your selection and try again.
4. On-screen keyboard
If your physical keyboard isn’t working, you can use an onscreen virtual keyboard to type in your Windows 10 PIN. Make sure to check with a different keyboard and update drivers once you’re signed in.
5. Reboot
Users have reported success fixing Windows Hello login screen issues by restarting their computer or doing a force restart. To do this, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off, then wait a few seconds before rebooting.
Users have reported seeing the error message “It looks like Windows did not load correctly,” followed by the options “View advanced options” or “Restart my PC.” The solution? A simple reboot.
6. Remove the battery
Removing the laptop battery may be the solution to Windows 10 PIN not working. For older models, this requires unscrewing the device, but newer models do not have an externally removable battery. To fix the issue, disconnect your laptop from power and remove the battery before reconnecting it and trying again.
7. Use password
Some users are being presented with a password screen instead of the PIN entry screen.
To access your computer, you must be signed into a Microsoft account. If you are, click the password button to log in. However, if you’re using Windows 10 without a license or offline, this option is not available.
Forgot your password? Click and hold the Password Preview option on the far right to quickly check if you’ve entered it correctly.
Forgetting passwords can be a hassle, but it’s easy to avoid. To ensure you don’t get locked out of important accounts, always remember or write down your passwords and store them securely.
The Hint feature can help jog your memory if you forget your password or pin code. After entering the wrong information once or twice, a hint will appear, such as a school name or childhood nickname.
8. I have forgotten my PIN
To reset your Windows 10 PIN, click the option below the box where you enter it and follow the onscreen instructions. You’ll need to provide your Microsoft account email ID to confirm that it’s you making the change, not an intruder.
Entering the captcha will prompt you to create a new PIN / password, after verifying your identity with a code sent via email.
9. Administrator account
If you’re having trouble with a company computer connected to a server, reach out to your administrator or IT specialist for assistance.
Having a backup administrator or guest account is essential to avoid getting locked out of your device. Resetting passwords and creating or deleting user accounts can be done quickly with an administrator account, so make sure to do this as soon as you regain access. Being prepared is key for any situation - always have a plan B.
10. What to do after you gain access to the computer
To avoid future lockouts, follow these steps when you regain access to your Windows 10 computer.
To ensure online security, it is important to store PINs, passwords, and answers to security questions in a secure place offline.
If needed, generate a fresh PIN.
Users should create a new account as the existing one may be corrupted.
Establish a separate administrative account to ensure the security of your computer system.
Dell computer users should uninstall the Dell Data Protection security tools, as it has been linked to a Windows 10 PIN code error.
11. Unable to create new PIN
If you’re having trouble resetting your PIN, here’s what to do:
Instructions: To access the Ngc folder, enable the viewing of hidden files in File Explorer and then empty its contents from the specified folder path.
If you’re having trouble accessing a folder, right-click it and select Properties. Then, from the Security tab, choose Advanced to get access.
Click the “Change” button next to either “System” or “Owner,” depending on which one appears on the screen. Some users may see both, while others may only see one.
To access an administrator account, type “Administrator” into the “Enter the object name to select” field and click “Check Names,” followed by “OK.”
Select the option to replace the owner on subcontainers and objects, then click Apply and OK.
Users can now access the Ngc folder, delete its contents and create a new PIN.
12. Group Policy Editor
Windows Home users can access the Group Policy Editor by opening it from the Start menu.
The Login section of the System folder in Administrative Templates can be used to customize user login settings.
To fix a Windows 10 PIN issue, double-click on ‘Enable comfort PIN’ and ‘Enabled here’, save the changes, then exit. If the problem persists, further troubleshooting may be necessary.
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Locked out of your Windows 10 computer? Don’t panic - just make sure you have a backup plan. Whether it’s an external drive or cloud storage, having a copy of your data can help you avoid the headache of being unable to access it. Not everyone has the luxury of backing up their laptop, but those who do can rest easy knowing their data is safe.
Resetting or restoring your Windows 10 computer can be done in different ways, depending on the situation. Find out how to do it here.
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Final note
If you’re having trouble with your Windows 10 PIN, this guide can help. Got questions? Reach out to us. And don’t forget to share the love and spread the word!
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