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Fix Windows that has PIN that will not work

We'll check num lock, sign in with password, remove and recreate the PIN—or tell you when to contact support.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
5–15 min
What you'll need
  • Account password (to sign in and fix PIN)
Step 1 of 5

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Steps

Goal: Check num lock, sign in with password, and remove and recreate the PIN.

  • Turn on num lock if you use the number pad. Retry the PIN.
  • Good: The PIN works. You are done.
  • Bad: Proceed to Sign in with password.

Sign in with password

Goal: Bypass the PIN and sign in with your account password.

  • On the login screen, click “Sign-in options” and choose Password. Enter your password.
  • Good: You are signed in. Proceed to Remove and recreate PIN.
  • Bad: If the password also fails, see fix-windows-has-password-will-not-work.

Remove and recreate PIN

Goal: Fix a corrupted PIN by removing and re-adding it.

  • Settings, Accounts, Sign-in options. Under PIN (Windows Hello), click Remove. Confirm. Click Add and create a new PIN. Enter your password to confirm. Sign out and test the new PIN.
  • Good: The new PIN works. You are done.
  • Bad: Restart the PC and try again. If still fails, contact support.

When to get help

Contact Microsoft or IT if:

  • You cannot sign in with the password either.
  • The PIN option is missing.
  • You have a work/school account.

Verification

  • You can sign in with the PIN.
  • No “incorrect PIN” error.
  • PIN works after remove and recreate.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Num lock Turn on num lock; retry PIN.
  2. Password Sign in with password instead of PIN.
  3. Recreate PIN Remove PIN; add new PIN in Settings.
  4. Restart Restart PC; retry PIN.
  5. Contact support Microsoft or IT if password also fails.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Whether password works
  • Whether num lock was on
  • Steps already tried

Is num lock on (if using number pad)?

Number pad may not work without num lock.

Turn on num lock. Retry the PIN. Works: done. Fails: sign in with password instead.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Turn on num lock

Press Num Lock. Retry the PIN.

Done

Sign in with password

Password lets you fix the PIN from Settings.

Click "Sign-in options," choose Password. Enter password. Once signed in: Settings, Accounts, Sign-in options. Remove PIN, add new PIN.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Remove and recreate PIN

Settings, Accounts, Sign-in options. Remove PIN. Add new PIN. Sign out and test.

Done

Contact support

If password also fails, see fix-windows-has-password-will-not-work. For work accounts, contact IT.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a Windows PIN not work?
Num lock off (for number pad), wrong PIN, corrupted PIN data, or TPM issue. Try the password first, then remove and recreate the PIN.
Can I fix a PIN that will not work myself?
Yes. Sign in with your password. Remove the PIN in Settings, Accounts, Sign-in options. Create a new PIN. If the password also fails, see fix-windows-has-password-will-not-work.
When should I contact support for a PIN?
If you cannot sign in with the password either, or the PIN option is missing. For work accounts, contact IT.

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