Forgot your Windows 11 PIN? You don’t need to “bypass” it. Windows has built-in ways to reset the PIN or sign in with your password instead, and Microsoft documents them on its PIN support page. This guide walks through each option, plus what to do if you’ve forgotten your password too. We don’t cover Safe Mode or Command Prompt tricks that add hidden administrator accounts; they don’t work on modern encrypted PCs and can weaken your security.
Quick Answer
On the sign-in screen, select I forgot my PIN below the PIN box and follow the prompts to verify your Microsoft account and set a new PIN. If that link isn’t there, select Sign-in options, choose the password option, sign in, and reset the PIN in Settings.
Option 1: Use “I forgot my PIN”
- On the sign-in screen, look below the PIN box and select I forgot my PIN.
- If several accounts are listed, pick yours.
- Verify your Microsoft account with your password or a security code sent to your email or phone.
- Confirm that you want to reset the PIN, then enter and confirm a new one.
Microsoft notes this option is only available for Microsoft accounts, not local accounts.
Option 2: Sign In With Your Password Instead
- On the sign-in screen, select Sign-in options.
- Choose the key icon to enter your password, and sign in.
- Open Settings, Accounts, Sign-in options, and expand PIN (Windows Hello).
- Select I forgot my PIN or Change PIN and follow the prompts.
This works for both Microsoft and local accounts, as long as you know the password.
Option 3: Forgot Both the PIN and the Password
Reset the password first, then set a new PIN:
- Microsoft account: select I forgot my password on the sign-in screen, use Sign-in options, Web sign-in, or go to Microsoft’s password reset page on another device.
- Local account: enter a wrong password, select OK, then Reset password, and answer your security questions. If you made a password reset disk, choose that option instead.
- Work or school PC: contact your IT team; your organisation controls PIN and password policies.
If none of these work and there’s no other administrator on the PC, Microsoft’s last-resort advice is to reset the device from the sign-in screen: hold Shift, select Power, Restart, then Troubleshoot, Reset this PC.
Why Windows Asks for a PIN
A Windows Hello PIN is tied to one device, so even if someone learns it, they can’t use it to sign in to your Microsoft account elsewhere. That makes it safer than typing your account password on the lock screen. Windows 11 may require a PIN if you turned on the option to allow only Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts.
Turn Off the PIN Requirement (Optional)
If you’d rather sign in with your password, open Settings, Accounts, Sign-in options. Turn off For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device. Then expand PIN (Windows Hello) and select Remove, confirming with your password. You can add a PIN again at any time. Keep at least one secure sign-in method set up.
Avoid Getting Locked Out Again
- Make sure your Microsoft account has an up-to-date recovery email and phone number.
- For local accounts, set security questions you’ll remember, or create a password reset disk on a USB drive.
- Choose a PIN you can recall but others can’t guess; Windows lets you include letters and symbols for extra strength.
- Store your password in a password manager on your phone so you can find it when you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting my PIN delete files?
No. Resetting the PIN or the account password doesn’t touch your files. Only Reset this PC with Remove everything does.
Why is “I forgot my PIN” missing?
You’re probably using a local account. Sign in with your password instead and reset the PIN in Settings.
Can I use a fingerprint instead?
Yes, if your PC has a supported reader. Set it up under Sign-in options; Windows still asks you to create a PIN as a backup.
Summary
- Select I forgot my PIN on the sign-in screen.
- Or sign in with your password and reset the PIN in Settings.
- Reset the password first if you’ve forgotten both.
- Reset the PC only as a last resort.
Related: resetting a Windows 11 password without logging in.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.