Windows Integration Errors

Fix Error 0x80090016: Resolve Unavailable PIN and OneDrive Sync Issues

Adam Davis Oct 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to sign into Windows due to a looping error stating the PIN is unavailable (Error 0x80090016) and is simultaneously experiencing failures with OneDrive synchronization.

How to Fix Error 0x80090016, Unavailable PIN, and OneDrive Sync

Product: Windows, OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Attempting to sign into a Windows PC using a PIN and trying to synchronize files via OneDrive.
Observed behavior: Windows repeatedly loops during sign-in, reporting that the PIN is unavailable with Error 0x80090016, while OneDrive stops syncing files.

Before you start

Ensure you know your Microsoft Account password and have your BitLocker recovery key (if your drive is encrypted) before modifying security chip settings, as you will need an alternative method to sign in.

Solution 1Recommended

Resolve PIN Error via Windows Recovery and TPM Settings

Access the Windows Recovery Environment to review or clear your TPM settings, which typically resolves the unavailable PIN error (0x80090016).

Error 0x80090016 generally points to a corruption or hardware change in the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) that manages Windows Hello. Since the OneDrive sync problem and the PIN error are often separate issues, fixing the Windows authentication loop first is highly recommended.

Restart into Windows Recovery Environment

On the Windows sign-in screen, hold the Shift key while clicking the Power icon in the bottom right corner, then select 'Restart'.

Navigate to Advanced Options

Once the 'Choose an option' screen appears, click on 'Troubleshoot', and then select 'Advanced options'.

Access Firmware Settings

Select 'UEFI Firmware Settings' to access your computer's BIOS/UEFI interface where the security and TPM settings are managed.

Clear the TPM

Locate the Security or TPM section. If necessary, choose the option to Clear the TPM. Proceed cautiously, as this will reset hardware-backed security keys.

Set up a new PIN

Restart your PC, sign in using your Microsoft account password instead of the PIN, and navigate to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options to set up a new PIN.

Resolve PIN Error via Windows Recovery and TPM Settings

Consult Your Administrator: Clearing the TPM affects protected credentials. If this is a work or school device, contact your device manufacturer or IT administrator before making these changes.

Solution 2

Reset OneDrive Synchronization

If OneDrive continues to fail after fixing the Windows PIN issue, perform a manual reset of the OneDrive client.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Looking for a Reliable, Lightweight Office Suite? Try WPS Office

If Microsoft system errors or OneDrive sync issues are interrupting your daily workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly stable, offline-capable environment with comprehensive tools for managing your essential documents without relying heavily on background system syncing.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free, lightweight installer.
2. Install the Suite: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen prompts to set up the software in minutes.
3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing Microsoft Office documents without formatting loss.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.Free and lightweight, minimizing system resource usage and background errors.Familiar user interface for a seamless, zero-learning-curve transition.Built-in cloud storage options, while working perfectly with local offline files.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes Windows Error 0x80090016?

Error 0x80090016 is a Windows Hello PIN error indicating that the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) has experienced a failure, hardware change, or corruption, making the stored PIN unavailable for authentication.

Are the OneDrive sync issue and PIN error directly connected?

They can occur simultaneously but are often separate issues. A corrupted TPM prevents Windows Hello from authenticating your PIN, while OneDrive may separately fail to sync due to account token issues triggered by the failed system authentication.

Will clearing the TPM delete my personal files?

Clearing the TPM will not delete your personal files, documents, or photos. However, it will erase hardware-backed security keys, such as your Windows Hello PIN, facial recognition data, and BitLocker keys. Always ensure you have your BitLocker recovery key if your drive is encrypted.

How do I bypass the PIN screen if I'm stuck in a loop?

On the login screen, click on 'Sign-in options' located just below the PIN entry field. Select the password icon to sign in using your Microsoft account password instead of the PIN.

Microsoft Office Error Codes