Password & Account Recovery

How to Fix Windows Hello PIN Stopped Working After an Update

Steve K Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to log into their Windows computer because their Windows Hello PIN is no longer recognized or functioning after a recent system update.

How to Fix Windows Hello PIN Stopped Working After an Update

Product: Windows OS
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Attempting to sign in to a Windows PC using a PIN following a system restart or software update.
Observed behavior: The system rejects the previously working PIN, effectively locking the user out of their desktop environment.

Before you start

Ensure your computer is connected to the internet, as you will need an active connection to verify your Microsoft account credentials during the PIN recovery process.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset the PIN from the Windows Sign-in Screen

Use the built-in PIN recovery tool directly on the lock screen to verify your identity and establish a new PIN immediately.

This is the fastest method to regain access to your computer without needing to bypass the lock screen entirely.

Select I forgot my PIN

On the Windows sign-in screen, look below the PIN entry box and click on the 'I forgot my PIN' link.

Verify your Microsoft account

Follow the on-screen prompts to authenticate your identity. You may be asked to enter your Microsoft account password or receive a security code via email or phone.

Set up a new PIN

Once your identity is verified, follow the instructions to create and confirm a brand-new Windows Hello PIN. You can immediately use this new PIN to sign in.

Reset the PIN from the Windows Sign-in Screen

Immediate Access: Once the new PIN is confirmed, Windows will log you straight into your desktop.

Solution 2

Sign in with your Microsoft Account Password

Bypass the PIN error by temporarily switching your login method to your standard Microsoft account password.

Solution 3

Reset your PIN via Windows Settings

If you successfully logged into Windows using an alternative method, you should reset your broken PIN from the Settings menu to prevent future issues.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Enhance Your Newly Updated PC with WPS Office

Once you have regained access to your Windows computer, consider installing WPS Office. It is a powerful, free, and lightweight office suite that provides exceptional compatibility with Microsoft formats, ensuring your productivity is never interrupted.

1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your Windows PC.
2. Install the software: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the quick setup wizard to install WPS Office.
3. Start creating: Open WPS Office to seamlessly view, edit, and create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations for free.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint document formats.Extremely lightweight installation that ensures your Windows PC boots quickly and runs smoothly.Offers a familiar, easy-to-use tabbed interface perfect for managing multiple documents at once.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Windows PIN stop working after a system update?

System updates can occasionally corrupt the secure data stored in your computer's Trusted Platform Module (TPM) or reset local security tokens. When this happens, Windows refuses to recognize the existing PIN for security reasons.

Can I reset my Windows PIN if I also forgot my Microsoft account password?

If you have forgotten both your PIN and password, you will need to select the 'Forgot password' option on the sign-in screen. This allows you to recover your Microsoft account using an alternate email address or phone number before resetting the PIN.

What should I do if the 'I forgot my PIN' option is missing from the lock screen?

If the PIN recovery option is not visible, use the 'Sign-in options' button to log in with your Microsoft password instead. If no sign-in options appear, you may need to boot your PC into Safe Mode with Networking to restore the login UI and reset your credentials.

Login & Account Issues