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How to Fix an HP Computer That Will Not Accept or Reset Windows PIN
Question details
The user is locked out of their HP computer because the system rejects the current Windows Hello PIN and does not allow a direct PIN reset from the lock screen.
- Product
- Windows
- Device & OS
- Windows 11
- Scenario
- Attempting to sign in to a local account on an HP computer using a previously configured Windows Hello PIN.
- Observed behavior
- The computer does not accept the entered PIN and fails to provide a working PIN reset pathway, preventing access to the desktop.
Ensure your HP computer is connected to power, and verify that you have the answers to your local account security questions or your Microsoft account password ready before proceeding.
Reset Your Password and PIN via Security Questions
Use your local account security questions to bypass the broken PIN, reset your password, and subsequently set up a new Windows Hello PIN.
If Windows Hello is corrupted or experiencing a glitch, the most reliable method to regain access is bypassing the PIN entirely. By answering the security questions you set up during your initial local account creation, you can force a password reset and then manage your sign-in options from within the Windows settings.
On the Windows sign-in screen, click the 'Reset password' link located directly beneath the PIN entry field.
Type in the correct answers to the three security questions you previously configured for your local Windows account.
Enter a new secure password and confirm it. Use this new password to sign in to your Windows desktop.
Once signed in, click the Start menu, open Settings, and navigate to Accounts > Sign-in options.
Select 'PIN (Windows Hello)', remove the malfunctioning PIN, and follow the on-screen prompts to set up a brand-new PIN.
Enhance Your HP Computer with WPS Office
Once you have successfully regained access to your HP computer, consider optimizing your workflow with a reliable office suite. WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and powerful alternative to Microsoft Office that provides everything you need to create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations without bogging down your system.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for Windows.
- 2. Run the setup: Open the downloaded executable file and follow the quick installation wizard.
- 3. Start creating: Launch WPS Office from your desktop and immediately start opening or creating Office documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I forgot the answers to my local account security questions?
If you cannot remember the answers to your security questions, you will need to use a previously created password reset USB drive. If you do not have one, you may need to reset your PC entirely (which can result in data loss) to regain access.
Can I temporarily switch my sign-in method from PIN to password?
Yes. On the Windows lock screen, click 'Sign-in options' below the input field and select the password icon. This allows you to log in with your standard account password instead of the broken PIN.
Why did my HP computer suddenly stop accepting my correct Windows PIN?
This issue is commonly caused by a corrupted NGC folder (where Windows securely stores PIN credentials), conflicts resulting from a recent Windows update, or temporary glitches within the Windows Hello service.
