Bug that forces you to set a pin when installing Windows 10

Anonymous

You guys might want to step up your testing efforts. This is a pretty obvious bug IMO. To be clear, I want to use my password and not a pin. But the UI says, "We think you will like it."... well I don't. Normally there is an option to set a pin later.... Well, this goes away permanently if you initially try to authenticate using the Windows Authenticator app.

I am prompted to set a pin, with no button to skip or proceed without one. If I bring up the dialog and cancel, that doesn't help either... You are basically stuck on that screen. I can't finish the installation because the only option to proceed is to create a pin which will replace my password -- I don't want to do that.

So to be clear:

Install Windows 10 and enter your name and password during installation... You can skip setting a pin.

Install Windows 10 and enter your name and then select authenticate with the authenticator... I successfully authenticate and then I am asked to set a pin. The option to skip is not there as in the first scenario. Starting the process over and entering a password instead does not help. It seems the option to skip is never available again. The only thing I could do was to wipe the install and start over.

Sure I could have set a pin and removed it later, but I didn't want to do that. I don't want it messing with my login.

Also asking me to file an issue on connect is not going to happen -- sorry. If you guys want to take the time to file it, then go for it. Hopefully you guys will investigate.

Ironically even this forum has a bug... When you edit an issue -- it resets the Windows version and topic.

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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Anonymous

Hi Arap,

Setting up a pin on your device makes it more secured. One important difference between a password and a Hello PIN is that the PIN is tied to the specific device on which it was set up. Read more in this documentation:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/hello-why-pin-is-better-than-password

Thus, you still have option to remove it once you've done setting it up for the first time. Kindly follow the steps below:

Open the Settings app, and click/tap on the Accounts icon.
Select Sign-in options on the left side, and click/tap on the Remove button under PIN on the right side.
Click/tap on Remove to confirm.
Type in your Microsoft account password to verify, and click/tap on OK.

Additionally, you can refer answers mentioned in this thread:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-update/i-dont-want-a-pin-number/902c5b3d-42d4-4fc8-b34e-71200e0b362d

Let us know how it turns out.

Note: Microsoft has updated the information in this reply to benefit users facing this issue.

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141 additional answers

Anonymous

2018-06-22T20:12:58+00:00

Aaron_nad had the answer to this. Microsoft have no bugs, they purposefully want us all to create a pin (the presumption that is more secure than a long password with letters, numbers and special characters shows that they don't care for end users only that their job requires them to enforce certain policy changes.

I have set up two new computers in June 2018 and the option to 'do this later' is indeed removed.

But Aaron_nad found the solution. Select 'create pin' and it goes to a screen to enter a pin. Press escape fast and it returns to the 'create a pin' screen with the 'we think it will be helpful' contempt message. Repeat fast. 'create a pin', escape, 'create a pin', escape etc. Eventually it shows an error message and lets you out of the loop.

Word to Microsoft... There are alternative providers fast developing. Apple being a big one. Your contempt for end users, removing freedom of choice in so many ways, will force loyal fans away.

Grow up. You're making Trillions. Be happy with that and give something back for a change.
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Anonymous

2018-06-10T09:12:13+00:00

hi i would also like to complain about this issue .. after resetting my pc tonight

i encountered this problem also . i do not want to use a pin.. but i am given no option to opt out of creating one..

later removing the pin takes me back to create a pin upon restart..

i dont want a pin, or a password to login.. i just want to turn my pc on.. and use it without interruption or nag screen..

there are numerous nag screens and adverts in windows 10 now, there never was in earlier versions of windows..

i think microsoft staff have lost touch with the end user.. there are too many rich people in boardrooms making decisions about things they know nothing about.. like what the end user really wants..

i just want to turn my pc on, and go straight to the desktop,

it used to be about experience.. now its just about advertising and money

windows 10 - score out of 10 = 6
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Anonymous

2018-05-25T18:01:14+00:00

I am not sure if everyone is aware but you can still use a regular password as a PIN. You can literally just copy over the same password you were already using before. You just need to enable letters and symbols when setting up the PIN.
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Anonymous

2018-05-25T17:31:45+00:00

PeterS -- Thank you so much for this link which explains the difference between a password and a PIN.

The user-friendly way for Microsoft to roll this out would be to provide an explanation, not just tell you that you will like it. "Try it, you'll like it" brings out the rebellious child in many of us.

Unfortunately, "user-friendly" seems to be a concept that is completely lost in today's Microsoft.
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