How to Change or Remove Your Windows 11 Login PIN

When you set up a new Windows 11 computer, Microsoft heavily encourages you to create a PIN (Personal Identification Number) via the Windows Hello system. A PIN is tied locally to the specific hardware of your device, making it significantly more secure than typing your full Microsoft Account password every time you log in.

However, if you feel your current PIN has been compromised, or if you are using a desktop computer in a secure home environment and prefer to bypass the login screen entirely, you may need to change or remove this security feature. This guide explains how to manage your Windows Hello PIN.

How to Change Your Windows 11 PIN

If you know your current PIN but simply want to update it to a new number, follow these steps:

1. Click the Start button and select the Settings gear icon (or press Windows Key + I).
2. In the left-hand sidebar, click on Accounts.
3. On the right side of the screen, click on Sign-in options.
4. Click on the section labelled PIN (Windows Hello) to expand it.
5. Click the Change PIN button.
6. A security window will appear. Enter your current PIN in the top box, and type your new PIN in the two boxes below to confirm it.
7. Click OK to save the change.

How to Remove Your PIN Entirely

Removing the PIN means you will revert to using your standard Microsoft Account password to log in. In many cases, you will find the “Remove” button is greyed out and cannot be clicked. This is because Windows requires a PIN by default for Microsoft accounts. You must disable this requirement first.

Step 1: Disable the PIN Requirement

1. Navigate back to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
2. Scroll down to the “Additional settings” section.
3. Look for the toggle switch labelled For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device.
4. Turn this toggle switch to the Off position.
5. Close the Settings app entirely, and then reopen it (this forces the menu to refresh).

Step 2: Remove the PIN

1. Navigate back to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN (Windows Hello).
2. The Remove button should now be clickable. Click it.
3. Windows will warn you that removing the PIN will affect features like fingerprint and facial recognition. Click Remove again to confirm.
4. You will be prompted to enter your full Microsoft Account password to verify your identity. Enter it and click OK.

Your PIN is now removed. The next time you lock or restart your computer, you must enter your standard account password.