Windows Login: Stuck in a loop forcing "Set up my PIN" at every sign-in

Sarkar_0851 0 Reputation points
2026-09-11T09:24:43.5366667+00:00

Service: Windows
Scenario: I am trying to sign into my laptop normally.
Result: Instead of allowing me to use my password, the system forces a "Set up my PIN" screen every single time I boot up. I am stuck in a loop with this setup prompt and cannot bypass it.
Environment: Windows PC
Troubleshooting efforts: Restarting the machine does not bypass the prompt.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Accounts, profiles, and login
0 comments

2 answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Ben4724 4,400 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-11T10:50:47.9+00:00

    Hi there! Just to add up on the steps provided by AI. I suggest to also try to disconnect your device from the internet. If your device keeps forcing the PIN setup, disconnecting Wi-Fi or unplugging Ethernet, before restarting the PC can sometimes fix the issue.

    If you still can't get past the screen, boot into Windows Recovery Environment and try Safe Mode. From the sign-in screen, hold Shift while selecting Power > Restart, then go to:

    Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart > Enable Safe Mode

    Once in Safe Mode, try if you can sign in normally with your password.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments

  2. AI answer

    2026-09-11T09:25:02.4566667+00:00

    Try these steps in order:

    1. On the sign-in screen, look for Sign-in options.
      • If available, switch from PIN to Password and sign in with the account password.
      • If the device uses a Microsoft account, use that Microsoft account password.
    2. If the sign-in screen shows I forgot my password or I forgot my PIN, use that link directly from the sign-in screen.
      • For PIN problems, reset the PIN.
      • For password problems, reset the password.
    3. If the PIN setup keeps reappearing after updates or security changes, try creating the PIN again.
      • Windows Hello PIN issues can happen after security updates or system changes.
      • If PIN creation fails, sign out and sign back in, then try creating the PIN again.
    4. Restart the device again, but if updates are pending, use Update and restart.
      • This can clear temporary sign-in issues and complete any pending update state.
    5. After signing in successfully, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options to manage or recreate the PIN.
      • Keyboard path: press Windows logo key + I > Accounts > Sign-in options.

    If the loop continues and password sign-in is not available, use the Windows sign-in recovery articles for the exact sign-in method that is failing:

    • Forgot your PIN
    • Change or reset your Windows password
    • Forgot your Microsoft account password

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.