Hmmm, just installed windows on brand new PC and I’m already getting this pin error. Not a good start Microsoft. Not looking forward to this journey together.
Something happened and your PIN isn't available error logging on to PC.
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Maureen Powell
0
Reputation points
Something happened and your PIN isn't available error logging on to PC. NO Alternate ways of logging in are showing and it refuses to send codes to email or phone
How do I force the Windows 11 PC to let me log in with my Microsoft Username and password. Apparently, the PIN got corrupted
Windows for home | Other | Security and privacy
6 answers
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Kevin James 0 Reputation points2026-09-12T18:09:05.9933333+00:00 I have a brand new install and it’s already giving me this pin error. Not a good start Microsoft. Not looking forward to this horrible journey with you.
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Jennyth Peterson 0 Reputation points2026-03-26T16:12:07.58+00:00 Having the exact issue. These processes did not result in successful safe mode access and the PC will not reset from cloud or hard drive. Would appreciate further discussion
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Hendrix-V 18,930 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator2026-03-29T00:58:19.1066667+00:00 Hi Jennyth Peterson,
If you're having the same issue, please consider this option to proceed:
Offline repair using installation media - This attempts to repair startup and sign‑in components without removing personal files.
- On another PC, create a Windows 11 installation USB: Download Windows 11 Installation Media
- Insert the USB into the affected PC and power it on.
- Boot from the USB and select Repair your computer.
- Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
Please feel free to reach out if you need further assistance.
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Jennyth Peterson 0 Reputation points
2026-04-08T15:40:18.8633333+00:00 Not sure how to Boot from the USB.....Can you describe how to do that please?
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Hendrix-V 18,930 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
2026-04-09T00:27:59.23+00:00 Hi Jennyth Peterson,
Before you start, please make sure the Windows 11 USB is already created (on another PC, create a Windows 11 installation USB: Download Windows 11 Installation Media). Then plug the USB into the affected PC before turning it on.
Turn the PC on and immediately start tapping one of these keys repeatedly: F12 (most common), ESC, F10, F11, F8, DEL.
- Different manufacturers use different keys, but one of the above will open the Boot Menu.
- The timing window is short, so tapping repeatedly helps ensure the key is detected before Windows starts loading.
- If using a Bluetooth keyboard, switch to a wired USB keyboard if possible since wireless input may not be available during early startup (before Windows loads).
When the Boot Menu appears, what you should do next is to:
- Use the arrow keys on the keyboard.
- Select the USB device.
- Press Enter.
The PC should now start from the USB. Then select: Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
Let me know if you need any further assistance.
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Hendrix-V 18,930 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
2026-03-12T02:45:17.6+00:00 Hi Maureen Powell,
The message “Something happened and your PIN isn’t available” usually appears when Windows Hello PIN data can’t be used temporarily.
In addition to Q&A Assist's answer, here's the clarification of possible steps that you can try to regain access:
If no alternate sign‑in options appear:
- On the sign‑in screen, select Power.
- Hold Shift and select Restart.
- Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- Press 5 (Safe Mode with Networking).
- Sign in using your Microsoft account password (PIN is skipped in Safe Mode).
Recreate the PIN after signing in:
- Open Settings > Accounts > Sign‑in options.
- Select PIN (Windows Hello).
- Choose I forgot my PIN and follow the steps to set a new one.
The last option if sign‑in still isn’t possible (keeps your files):
- Enter Recovery again.
- Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Keep my files.
This refreshes Windows sign‑in components while preserving personal data.
Let me know if you need further assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thanks for your effort.
Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.
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Hendrix-V 18,930 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
2026-03-13T06:32:48.65+00:00 Hi,
I just wanted to follow up and check if the information I provided was helpful. If you have any further questions or updates regarding this issue, please feel free to let me know in the Comments section. I'd be happy to assist you.
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Guerrier, Alexander 0 Reputation points2026-09-02T22:02:58.8133333+00:00 Hello
I have tried all the methods that you have suggested and none of them work for me When I attempt to do anything in troubleshot besides start up settings it tells me to provide my Microsoft password I have put in my password and even changed it and entered my new one into the computer but nothing has work same thing happens for resetting with my files but when I reset without my files or anything at all It starts to reset but then fails every single time so I have been locked out my computer for months
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Kevin James 0 Reputation points
2026-09-12T18:14:44.6433333+00:00 Do you know how scammy this feels when you set up a pin and it doesn’t work and then asks you for your password for your email address! It feels like it could be a scam from where I downloaded this copy of Windows from. It was supposed to be reputable according to All Youtubers.
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