If you forget a Windows 10 PIN, reset it through Windows Hello rather than deleting credential files or using third-party password tools. The device PIN is different from the password for your Microsoft account.
Steps
- On the sign-in screen, choose I forgot my PIN when that option is available.
- Alternatively, sign in with another permitted method and open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
- Select Windows Hello PIN and choose the reset or forgot-PIN option.
- Verify your identity using the Microsoft account, password, security key, or organization method Windows requests.
- Create and confirm a new PIN.
- Lock the PC with Windows+L.
- Test the new PIN and confirm that your normal account and files are accessible.
A PIN is device-specific
Resetting the Windows Hello PIN normally does not change the Microsoft account password. If you also forgot that password, use Microsoft’s separate account-recovery process.
Work accounts can use Windows Hello for Business
Organization policy can control PIN complexity, reset methods, multifactor verification, and whether self-service reset is available. Contact IT when corporate authentication prevents the reset.
Avoid deleting credential folders
Old troubleshooting guides sometimes recommend removing protected Windows Hello data manually. That can damage sign-in configuration and is not the normal recovery path.
Windows 10 is unsupported
Windows 10 reached the end of standard support in October 2025. After restoring access, migrate sensitive account use to a supported operating system and keep account-recovery information current.
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.