Why Windows Account PIN Does Not Work on Another Device
Question details
The user is unable to sign in to a Windows account remotely or from a secondary computer using their Windows security PIN, even after resetting the PIN.
- Product
- Windows
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to access a local computer account from a different device or via remote access.
- Observed behavior
- The Windows security PIN is rejected during the remote or cross-device login attempt.
Ensure you have your full Microsoft account password or local administrator password handy, as you will need it to bypass the device-bound PIN restriction.
Use a Password for Remote Access Instead of a PIN
Because a Windows Hello PIN is tied to the specific hardware where it was created, it cannot be used for remote access.
A Windows Hello PIN is a hardware-backed security feature designed specifically for the local machine. It relies on the computer's Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip. When you attempt to log in remotely or from a different computer, the target device expects a network-transmissible credential like a password, not a local PIN.
On the remote login screen of the secondary device, click on 'Sign-in options' beneath the PIN entry field.
Click the key icon to switch your authentication method from PIN to Password.
Type the full password associated with the Microsoft account or local account of the host computer to establish the remote connection.
Reset the PIN on the Host Computer
If the PIN is not working even when you are physically using the configured computer, you must reset it locally.
Share Files via Cloud Storage
If your primary goal is to access documents remotely, bypassing remote desktop logins entirely by using cloud storage is much more efficient.
Easily Share and Access Documents Across Devices with WPS Office
Skip the hassle of remote desktop logins and device-bound Windows PINs. WPS Office provides built-in cloud storage (WPS Cloud), allowing you to seamlessly sync, share, and edit your documents from any computer, tablet, or smartphone.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office on both your host and secondary computers.
- 2. Sign in to WPS Cloud: Log in with the same account on both devices to activate your 1GB of free cloud storage.
- 3. Save and sync: Save your documents directly to WPS Cloud to instantly access them anywhere, completely bypassing Windows login barriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Windows PIN work on my laptop but not my desktop?
Windows Hello PINs are hardware-bound and securely backed by a TPM chip on each specific device. Even if both computers use the same Microsoft account, you must set up a unique PIN for each machine.
Can I use a PIN for a Remote Desktop Connection?
Generally, no. Remote Desktop Connections require a network-verifiable credential, such as your full Microsoft account password or a local network password, because local PINs cannot be transmitted over the network for security reasons.
Will resetting my PIN on one computer change it on my other computers?
No. Resetting or changing a Windows Hello PIN on one device does not affect the PINs set up on your other Windows devices, since the PIN is tied to the hardware, not the account.
