If the PIN is unavailable, use the password sign-in option instead of PIN if it is shown. PIN and biometric sign-in are not available in Safe Mode.
For a local account, these are the supported reset options:
- On the sign-in screen, select the password entry button.
- Select OK > Reset password.
- Answer the security questions that were set when the account was created.
- Enter a new password.
If a password reset disk was created earlier, select Use a password reset disk instead and follow the prompts. A password reset disk is a USB flash drive created in advance for a local account.
If already signed in to another administrator account on the same PC, the local account password can be reset from: Computer Management > Local Users and Groups > Users > right-click the user > Set Password...
If none of those options are available, Windows guidance says the device will need to be reset. Important: resetting the PC can erase data depending on the reset option used.
If the goal is to access recovery tools, a bootable Windows USB can be used to reach the Recovery Environment and choose Repair this computer. That matches the “removable media USB drive” guidance.
Also try these sign-in troubleshooting steps:
- Restart the device.
- Try Safe Mode with Networking:
- On the sign-in screen, hold Shift while selecting Power > Restart.
- Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- Press 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
- If multiple accounts exist on the device, try signing in with a different account.
- Check the internet connection from the lock screen if the account requires online verification.
Microsoft support cannot retrieve or bypass a forgotten password.
References:
- Change or reset your local account password in Windows
- Create a password reset disk for a local account in Windows
- Troubleshoot Problems Signing In to Windows
- Cant get into safe mode and my pin isnt available for some reason? - Microsoft Q&A
- Change or reset your Microsoft account password in Windows