Forgetting your Windows 11 PIN is frustrating, but it does not mean you are locked out for good. The reset process is straightforward, and importantly, you will not lose any of your files or data. Here is how to reset your PIN from the Windows lock screen and from inside the Settings app.
Reset Your PIN from the Lock Screen
The quickest way to reset a forgotten PIN is directly from the sign-in screen without logging in:
- At the Windows 11 lock screen, click I forgot my PIN below the PIN entry box
- Windows will ask you to verify your identity using your Microsoft account password
- Enter your Microsoft account password and click OK
- Follow the prompts to set a new PIN
This method requires your device to be connected to the internet so Windows can verify your Microsoft account.
Reset Your PIN from Settings (If Already Logged In)
If you are already logged in but want to change or reset your PIN:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings
- Go to Accounts > Sign-in options
- Under PIN (Windows Hello), click I forgot my PIN
- Verify your Microsoft account credentials
- Set a new PIN
What If You Use a Local Account Instead of a Microsoft Account?
If your Windows 11 account is a local account (not linked to a Microsoft account), the reset process is different and depends on whether you set up security questions when you created the account:
- At the lock screen, click Sign-in options
- Click the key icon to switch to password sign-in
- Below the password field, click Reset password
- Answer your security questions to reset the password
If you did not set up security questions, you may need to sign in with a different administrator account on the same PC to reset it. If there is no other admin account available, you may need to use a Windows recovery USB.
PIN vs Password — What Is the Difference?
A Windows PIN is device-specific — it only works on the machine it was set up on. Your Microsoft account password works across all devices. When you reset your PIN, you are only changing the code used to unlock that particular machine. Your Microsoft account password remains unchanged.
Setting a New PIN
When choosing a new PIN:
- Minimum 4 digits, but you can use up to 127 characters
- You can include letters and symbols for a stronger PIN — tick Include letters and symbols when setting it
- Avoid obvious numbers like 1234 or your birth year
How to Remove Your PIN Entirely
If you would rather use your Microsoft account password to sign in instead of a PIN:
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options
- Under PIN (Windows Hello), click Remove
- Confirm with your account password
