Can't change pin; it says it is unavailable

Reaksmey Pirotta 20 Reputation points
2026-07-16T22:22:22.2866667+00:00

Hello, when I am logged in, and I go to change my 4 digit pin, it says it is unavailable. I know my pin, and am under accounts - sign-in options - pin. Please assist, thank you!

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Accounts, profiles, and login
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AI answer

2026-07-16T22:22:46.0933333+00:00

Try these steps in order:

  1. If PIN (Windows Hello) is available but Change PIN is unavailable, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN (Windows Hello) and select I forgot my PIN. Follow the prompts to verify the account and create a new PIN.
  2. If the PIN is not working correctly, sign out of Windows and sign back in, then try the PIN action again.
  3. If the PIN still shows as unavailable, sign in with the account password instead of the PIN, then go back to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and remove and set up the PIN again.
  4. If the device has fingerprint sign-in configured, sign in with PIN or password, then re-register the fingerprint from Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello) > Add a finger or remove and add it again.
  5. If this is a domain-joined Windows device, the PIN option can be unavailable because of policy settings. On Windows 10 version 1607 and later, a convenience PIN cannot be created if both Use Convenience PIN and Use Windows Hello for Business are enabled unless the device is joined to Microsoft Entra ID in a supported way. In that case, the relevant policy configuration must be corrected.

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  1. Emma1-N 12,625 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-07-17T03:16:27.1466667+00:00

    Welcome Reaksmey Pirotta,

    I understand how frustrating it can be when Windows Hello PIN is available on your device, but the option to change the PIN shows as unavailable. 

    Before proceeding, could you please clarify:  

    • Are you using a personal Microsoft account or a work/school account on this PC? 
    • Do you see any message beside the PIN option, such as "This option is currently unavailable" or "Managed by your organization"? 

    In addition to Q&A Assist's suggested steps, please try these extra checks to move forward:   

    Step 1: Check whether Windows Hello is temporarily disabled  

    • Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options 
    • Expand Additional settings 
    • If available, turn off "For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device" 
    • Restart the PC and check the PIN settings again. 

    Step 2: Verify the Trusted Platform Module (TPM)  

    • Press Windows + R > Type tpm.msc and press Enter 
    • Confirm that TPM is present and the status shows it is ready for use 

    Step 3: Check the Windows Hello service  

    • Press Windows + R > type services.msc and press Enter 
    • Make sure Microsoft Passport and Microsoft Passport Container services are not disabled 
    • Restart the device 

    Step 4: Check for system file corruption  

    • Open Command Prompt as Administrator. 
    • Run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth 
    • After it completes, run: sfc /scannow  
    • Restart the PC. 

    Step 5: Install pending Windows updates  

    • Go to Settings > Windows Update 
    • Install all available updates, including optional updates related to security or drivers 
    • Restart and test again 

    I hope the steps above help you deal with your issue.  

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Yes". If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".   

    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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