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

Anonymous
2018-01-05T17:52:41+00:00

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.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Install and upgrade

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.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2018-05-11T22:28:29+00:00

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:

  1. Open the Settings app, and click/tap on the Accounts icon.
  2. Select Sign-in options on the left side, and click/tap on the Remove button under PIN on the right side.
  3. Click/tap on Remove to confirm.
  4. 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.

Was this answer helpful?

40+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

141 additional answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2018-05-05T12:28:05+00:00

    Hi

    I just reinstalled my new netbook as I was unable to do an update to 1709, and there was no option to "say yes and do this later". The only option was to add a PIN.

    I consider this definitely to be a bug.

    Was this answer helpful?

    40+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2018-05-02T21:21:35+00:00

    I am having the same issue with build 17134.   

    Surface Pro 3

    Used the tool from here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

    Selected English keyboard and english

    Personal

    Logged in with MS account

    Then the pin selection screen pops up without the Do This Later option.  Tried doing as Malammar suggested, but still no Do This Later option

    Screen to select a pin

    https://i.imgur.com/RHv0bFY.jpg

    Screen to cancel ( no way out)

    https://i.imgur.com/ZNilXIY.jpg

    Was this answer helpful?

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2018-04-15T15:00:23+00:00

    Thanks for the info!

    Works great!

    Was this answer helpful?

    2 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2018-03-31T17:00:42+00:00

    This isn't a bug. Microsoft is trying to force users to use a PIN by purposefully designing the set-up process to make it difficult to skip PIN creation.

    To skip the PIN creation in the latest Windows 10 install:

    1. Click "Set a PIN"
    2. Press back/Escape
    3. The system will ask you if you wanted to cancel the PIN creation process. Say yes and click "Do This Later".

     Dude thank you

    Was this answer helpful?

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments