Windows Hello is a fantastic security feature that allows you to log into your Windows 11 laptop using a short PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition instead of typing out a long, complex Microsoft account password every single time. However, if you rely exclusively on fingerprint unlocking and haven’t typed your PIN in months, it is incredibly easy to forget it.
If you find yourself staring at the Windows 11 lock screen unable to remember your PIN—and your fingerprint scanner happens to be failing—there is no need to panic or completely wipe your hard drive. Because your PIN is tied to your central Microsoft Account, you can securely reset it right from the lock screen.
In this guide, we will walk you through the exact steps to reset a forgotten Windows 11 PIN without losing any of your files or data.
Prerequisites for Resetting Your PIN
Before you begin, you must ensure two things:
- You must have an active internet connection. Your computer needs to communicate with Microsoft’s servers to verify your identity. If you are not connected to Wi-Fi, click the network icon in the bottom-right corner of the lock screen and connect to a network.
- You must know your Microsoft Account password. Because you are resetting the PIN, Windows will require your master password to authorise the change.
How to Reset Your PIN on the Lock Screen
Follow these steps to securely regain access to your Windows 11 PC:
- On the Windows 11 lock screen, click on the PIN entry box so the flashing text cursor appears.
- Look directly underneath the PIN entry box. You should see a small link that says I forgot my PIN. Click it.
- A new window will appear titled “Just a moment…” as Windows connects to the internet.
- You will be prompted to enter your Microsoft account password. Type it in and click Sign in.
- Microsoft will now require you to verify your identity using Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). You will be asked to select a verification method. This might be a backup email address, a mobile phone number to receive a text message, or an authenticator app.
- Select your preferred verification method. If you choose email or text, Microsoft will ask you to verify the hidden part of the address/number before sending the code.
- Enter the security code you received and click Verify.
- A warning screen will appear asking “Are you sure?” It explains that if you reset your PIN, you might need to re-login to certain apps or services. Click Continue.
- You will now be presented with a screen titled Set up a PIN.
- Type a brand-new PIN into the “New PIN” box, and then type it again in the “Confirm PIN” box to ensure there are no typos.
- Click OK.
The window will close, and you will be immediately logged into your Windows 11 desktop using your new PIN.
What If “I Forgot My PIN” Is Missing?
If you do not see the “I forgot my PIN” link on the lock screen, it means you are using a Local Account rather than an online Microsoft Account.
For a Local Account, you cannot reset the PIN via the internet. Instead, click Sign-in options on the lock screen (the key icon) and log in using your standard local computer password. Once you are logged into the desktop, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN, click Remove, and then set up a new one from scratch.
