I mis-entered the PIN to be entered at computer sign in. The PIN I meant to enter was not the PIN I actually entered; so locked myself out of my computer.

Question

I mis-entered the PIN to be entered at computer sign in. The PIN I meant to enter was not the PIN I actually entered; so locked myself out of my computer.

Michael Brophy 0

The computer is listed in my Microsoft account but listing the Microsoft does not help; it is not recognized.

Michael Brophy 0 Reputation points

2026-05-24T01:23:29.26+00:00

I have gone back to sign in at my computer that I can't get into. I have reset my Microsoft password to my account twice and used those passwords in response to 'enter password' in the Sign in space. 'Incorrect password' is the generated response.

1 answer

Your answer

Michael Brophy 0 Reputation points

2026-05-24T01:23:29.26+00:00

I have gone back to sign in at my computer that I can't get into. I have reset my Microsoft password to my account twice and used those passwords in response to 'enter password' in the Sign in space. 'Incorrect password' is the generated response.

Answer 1

To regain access after entering the wrong PIN at Windows sign-in, use one of these supported paths depending on what still works for the account.

Try signing in with the account password instead of the PIN

At the Windows sign-in screen, select Sign-in options.
Choose the password icon.
Enter the Microsoft account password (or local account password, if using a local account) to sign in.
Once signed in, remove or change the PIN:
1. Open Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options (or use this shortcut: Sign-in options).
2. Under PIN (Windows Hello) select Change PIN and enter the current PIN, then set a new one.
3. If the PIN is forgotten, select I forgot my PIN and follow the verification steps to create a new PIN.

If the PIN is forgotten and password sign-in still works

On the sign-in screen, select I forgot my PIN under the PIN box.
If prompted, sign in with the Microsoft account password or use Web sign-in:
- Select Sign-in options → Web sign-in and follow the prompts.
- Then choose Forgot my password if needed to reset the Microsoft account password.
After successful verification, create a new PIN.

If both PIN and password are forgotten (Microsoft account)

From another device, reset the Microsoft account password:
- Go to Reset password at https://account.live.com/ResetPassword.aspx.
- Complete the verification steps and set a new password.
Return to the locked PC and sign in using the new password via Sign-in options → password.
After signing in, go to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options → PIN (Windows Hello) and set a new PIN.

If using a local (non-Microsoft) account and the password is forgotten

On the sign-in screen, switch to password sign-in.
Select OK then Reset password.
Answer the security questions configured when the account was created.
After resetting the password and signing in, open Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options and set a new PIN.

If sign-in continues to fail after these steps, use the troubleshooting article for Windows sign-in issues to identify whether the problem is with the PIN, password, or Windows Hello configuration and follow the linked flows for PIN or password reset.

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