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.

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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.


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  1. Anonymous
    2018-06-23T03:18:59+00:00

    Just reinstalled Wondows 10 , getting forced to use a pin. So I created a pin and removed it ... restarted the mschinm and got promted to enter a pin ..no.way around this

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-06-19T16:08:11+00:00

    I am glad it works for you. I do like to have to enter my password, even though this is my home computer. I just know that people visit sometimes. I would have given a "thumps up" if I could.

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-06-18T21:06:35+00:00

    hi  I eventually resolved the issue by  logging in with a offline account.. doing all the updates 

    then login with Microsoft account, and decline the offer to use a pin.. I encountered no more reminders after doing so.. I then bypass password  with netplwiz command..  

    im  back to automatic  login.. 

    everything is good now.. I press the power button the pc  goes straight to desktop..

    no messing around.. I press the power button it shuts down..   that's how  its supposed to be..

    I understand this may not be  for everyone in a business or crowded environment.. 

    but for a single person in a home environment.. this is what works..

    maybe im just a minority and my preferences  don't matter..  but there should still be choice.. its wrong to force something on someone.. just because most people are doing it that way..

    I also understand its the right of the developer to make  any changes they think best..

    but whats good for the masses might not  be good for the few..  

    regards andrew

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  4. Anonymous
    2018-06-17T05:47:05+00:00

    Yeah, that's what I've been doing except I have an extra step. I am lucky enough to have a finger reader on my laptop... so I have to skip that before I skip the PIN <Removed>. I guess at this point there is no way around it. I just keep giving my feedback everywhere. :)

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