Forgot login pin

If the Surface PIN is forgotten, use one of these supported reset paths:

1. On the Windows sign-in screen, look for I forgot my PIN under the PIN box.
   • If it appears, select it and follow the prompts to verify the account and create a new PIN.
   • If there are multiple accounts on the device, choose the correct one.
   • This option is available for Microsoft accounts, not local accounts.
2. If I forgot my PIN is not available:
   • Select Sign-in options.
   • Choose Enter your password and sign in with the account password.
   • After signing in, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN (Windows Hello).
   • Select I forgot my PIN and follow the prompts.
3. If already signed in and the old PIN is known:
   • Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
   • Select PIN (Windows Hello) > Change PIN.
   • Enter the old PIN, then create the new one.
4. If both the PIN and password are forgotten:
   • For a Microsoft account, use I forgot my password from the sign-in screen, or use the Reset password page.
   • For a local account, use Reset password from the sign-in screen and answer the security questions.
5. If the Surface normally uses fingerprint or another Windows Hello method and that also fails:
   • Sign in with the password, then reset the PIN from Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN (Windows Hello) > I forgot my PIN.

If the device is work-managed with Windows Hello for Business, PIN reset can also be started from Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options or from the lock screen using I forgot my PIN. On Microsoft Entra hybrid joined devices, corporate network connectivity to domain controllers is required to complete a destructive PIN reset.

• Change or reset your PIN in Windows
• PIN reset
• Troubleshoot problems with Windows Hello on Surface