A Windows 10 PIN is a Windows Hello sign-in method tied to the device. Resetting it is different from changing your Microsoft account password, and the correct recovery path depends on whether you can still sign in.
Reset the PIN from the sign-in screen
- On the Windows sign-in screen, select I forgot my PIN if that option is available.
- Verify the Microsoft account or other identity information Windows requests.
- Complete any required security verification.
- Create and confirm the new PIN.
- Use the new PIN to sign in.
If you can already sign in another way
Open Windows 10 Settings and go to Accounts > Sign-in options. Select the Windows Hello PIN controls and use the available change or recovery option. If you know the current PIN, changing it is usually simpler than resetting it.
Do not use offline password-editing tools or account-bypass utilities to work around a PIN you cannot verify. If the account itself cannot be recovered, use Microsoft’s supported account recovery or another authorized administrator path for a PC you own.
Windows 10 standard free support ended October 14, 2025. If the machine remains in regular use, its current security-support status should be considered alongside sign-in troubleshooting.
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.
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