To remove your PIN in Windows 11, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, select PIN (Windows Hello), select Remove, confirm, and enter your Microsoft account password. If the Remove button is greyed out, turn off For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device on the same page, then close and reopen Settings.
Applies to: Windows 11 Home and Pro. Checked against Microsoft Support on October 9, 2026.
After you remove the PIN, you sign in with your account password instead. Removing the PIN also turns off Windows Hello face and fingerprint sign-in, because they need a PIN as a backup.
Remove the PIN in Settings
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Select Accounts, then Sign-in options.
- Select PIN (Windows Hello) to expand it.
- Select Remove, then select Remove again to confirm.
- Enter your Microsoft account password (or local account password) and select OK.
The next time you sign in, Windows asks for your password.
Windows greys out Remove while it’s set to allow only Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts.
- In Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, scroll to Additional settings.
- Turn off For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device.
- Close Settings completely, then open it again.
- Go back to PIN (Windows Hello). The Remove button should now be available.
If the switch isn’t there or is also greyed out, see the troubleshooting section below.
Remove a PIN you’ve forgotten
- On the sign-in screen, select I forgot my PIN.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account password and complete the verification.
- When Windows asks you to set up a new PIN, select Cancel.
- Sign in with your password, then remove the PIN in Settings as shown above.
Before you remove your PIN
- Know your password. Without a PIN, you’ll need your full account password every time. If you use a Microsoft account, check you can sign in at account.microsoft.com first.
- Face and fingerprint stop working. You’ll need to set up a PIN again to use them. See how to add a fingerprint in Windows 11.
- Saved passkeys use Windows Hello. Passkeys stored on this PC are protected by Windows Hello. Check how passkeys work in Windows 11 before you remove the PIN.
- A PIN is tied to this device. Microsoft recommends a PIN because it only works on this PC, while a password can be used anywhere if it’s stolen.
If you can’t remove the PIN
- “Some of these settings are managed by your organization”: a work or school policy requires Windows Hello. Only your IT team can change it.
- No “only allow Windows Hello” switch: you may be signed in with a local account, or a policy is hiding it. Check you’re using an administrator account.
- Remove asks for a password you don’t have: if you’ve always used a PIN, reset your Microsoft account password at account.live.com/password/reset, then try again.
- The PIN comes back after an update: Windows may prompt you to set up Windows Hello again. Select Skip for now or Cancel when asked.
To stop typing anything at sign-in, see how to turn off the password on Windows 11. On Windows 10, the steps are slightly different; see how to remove your PIN in Windows 10.
Frequently asked questions
Can I remove the PIN without a password?
No. Windows asks for your account password to confirm it’s you. If you don’t know it, reset it first.
Does removing the PIN delete my files?
No. It only changes how you sign in. Your files, apps and settings stay the same.
Can I add a PIN again later?
Yes. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN (Windows Hello) and select Set up. See how to set a PIN in Windows 11.
Is it safe to remove the PIN?
It’s safe, but slightly less secure. A strong password works fine, especially on a PC only you use at home.
What’s the difference between a PIN and a password?
A PIN only works on the PC where you created it. Your Microsoft account password works on any device and online, so it’s more valuable to someone who steals it.
Why does Windows keep asking me to set up a PIN?
Windows encourages Windows Hello after updates and when you sign in to a Microsoft account. You can skip the prompt each time. If your PC is managed by work or school, the prompt may be required.
Can I remove the PIN for another user?
Not from your own Settings. Each person removes their own PIN while signed in to their account. An administrator can remove a whole account instead in Settings > Accounts > Other users.
Related: how to change security questions in Windows 11.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.