A Windows Hello PIN and your account password are separate sign-in methods. If you would rather type your password at the Windows 11 sign-in screen, you usually do not need to delete the PIN first.
Sign in with your password instead of your PIN
- At the Windows 11 sign-in screen, select Sign-in options.
- Select the password icon.
- Enter the password for your Microsoft account or local Windows account.
If the password option is missing, Windows may be configured to require Windows Hello for Microsoft accounts on that PC.
Make the password option available
- Open Settings.
- Select Accounts and then Sign-in options.
- Look under Additional settings.
- If the setting that only allows Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts is enabled, turn it off if you specifically need password sign-in.
Microsoft recommends Windows Hello because a PIN is tied to the device and can provide better protection than repeatedly using your Microsoft account password. There is usually no security benefit to removing the PIN merely because you occasionally want to use a password.
If you want to remove the PIN
Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and expand PIN (Windows Hello). If Windows offers a Remove option, follow the prompts and verify your identity. The options shown can vary with account type, security policy, and whether passwordless sign-in is enabled.
If you forgot the PIN, use I forgot my PIN and Microsoft’s supported identity-verification process rather than trying to bypass Windows sign-in security.
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.