Changing or resetting your PIN in Windows 11

Your Windows PIN is the code you use to sign in to your device with Windows Hello. It is different from your Microsoft account password, and it is tied to the device where it was created.

Use the section below that matches your situation: already signed in, stuck at the sign-in screen, or missing both your PIN and password.

Reset your PIN when you are already signed in

Use this when you know your Windows password or you are already in Windows, but you forgot the PIN or want to create a new one.

Start by opening the Windows sign-in settings:

If your browser asks whether it should open Settings, allow it. The shortcut works on Windows devices.

1. If you do not use the button above, open Settings and go to Accounts > Sign-in options.
2. Select PIN (Windows Hello).
3. If you remember your current PIN, choose Change PIN and follow the prompts.
4. If you forgot the current PIN, choose I forgot my PIN.
5. Verify your account when Windows asks.
6. Create the new PIN and confirm it.

After the PIN is changed, use the new PIN the next time you sign in to this Windows 11 device.

Reset your PIN from the sign-in screen

Use this when you are at the Windows sign-in screen and cannot get into the computer with your PIN.

1. On the sign-in screen, look below the PIN box for I forgot my PIN.
2. Select I forgot my PIN and follow the prompts.
3. If more than one account appears on the device, choose the account you need to reset.
4. Verify your account.
5. Create a new PIN.

This option is available for Microsoft accounts. If you use a local Windows account and do not see I forgot my PIN, sign in with your password first, then use the Settings shortcut below.

After Settings opens:

1. Go to Accounts > Sign-in options if Windows does not take you there automatically.
2. Select PIN (Windows Hello).
3. Choose I forgot my PIN.
4. Verify your account when Windows asks.
5. Create the new PIN and confirm it.

If you forgot both your PIN and password

If you cannot sign in with either your PIN or your password, recover the password first. After the password works again, sign in and reset the PIN from Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.

For a Microsoft account, try one of these options:

1. On the Windows sign-in screen, select I forgot my password if it appears.
2. Select Sign-in options, choose Web sign-in, and follow the prompts if that option is available.
3. From another device, go to the Microsoft account password reset page.

For a local Windows account, choose the password sign-in option, then use Reset password if it appears. Windows may ask you to answer the security questions that were set up for that local account.

Once your password works again, sign in and open the PIN settings:

In PIN (Windows Hello), choose I forgot my PIN and follow the prompts to create a new one.

A quick security note

Changing the PIN does not change your Microsoft account password. If you think someone else knows your Microsoft account password, change that password too and review your account security settings.