Try these steps in order:
- On the Windows sign-in screen, select Sign-in options and switch from PIN to Password.
- Sign in with the password for the Microsoft account used on the PC.
- If the password is not accepted, use I forgot my password on the sign-in screen, or reset it here: Recover your account.
- When resetting the password, enter the email address, phone number, or Skype name used for the account, choose where to receive the security code, enter the code, and create a new password.
- If the PIN is the only problem, use I forgot my PIN from the sign-in screen to reset it.
- If sign-in still fails, make sure the PC is connected to the internet from the lock screen by selecting Network.
- Restart the device. If updates are pending, use Update and restart.
- If the issue continues, start in Safe Mode with Networking:
- On the sign-in screen, hold Shift and select Power > Restart.
- Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- After restart, select 5 or press F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
- If the Microsoft account still cannot be accessed, use the Microsoft account Sign-in helper to identify the account issue.
Important: Microsoft support cannot retrieve or bypass a lost or forgotten password, and support agents cannot send password reset links or change account details.