How to reset your Windows Hello PIN

Computer security and data protection concept. Laptop with an locked lock and key on it.
Windows Hello allows you to unlock your PC or Laptop using a PIN instead of a password, or if you have biometric inputs, facial recognition or a fingerprint. This is considered more secure than a password, even though it’s less complex, because it’s unique to the device you are using, and doesn’t leave the device to be authenticated somewhere else.

Passwords can be intercepted or stolen, perhaps compromised through phishing. But the PIN is tied to the hardware it was set up on. If someone steals your password, they can access your account from anywhere, but if they steal your PIN they would have to also have access to the device it was set up on.

If you forget the PIN on your Windows 10 PC or Laptop you can still sign in by switching to ‘Other User’ and entering your username and password, but you’ll want to reset the PIN to continue to use it. Resetting is simple.

Reset your Windows Hello PIN

Click on the Start menu and search for ‘Sign In Options’

Sign In

Select Windows Hello PIN and click ‘I forgot my PIN’

Forgot PIN

You’ll be asked if you are sure – click ‘Continue’

Continue

You’ll be asked to Sign In using your normal password and approve using 2 Factor Authentication if you have this set up (See our blog Why Use Multi Factor Authentication for more details on that) and then you’ll have the option to set a new PIN. You may need to sign out and back in again after you have reset it.

For more details on Windows Hello and why a PIN is more secure than a password, see this great Microsoft article on the subject, Why a PIN is better than a password

Like this article?

Share on Twitter
Share on LinkedIn
Share by Email

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter

Get the best IT tips and Office ideas in your inbox

Further reading

copilot-logo

Copilot for Microsoft 365

Copilot for Microsoft 365 is here and in general release. This post is a summary (not by Copilot, but by us!) of some introductory documentation from Microsoft Learn on what it is, how it works, and how you can incorporate it into your Microsoft 365 experience.

Read More »
Outlook

How To Set Your Default Font in Outlook

If you find yourself wanting to change the default font for your Microsoft Outlook emails or perhaps want to unify the style as a part of a broader branding effort, there is a quick way to do it.

Read More »
AI Support 09

IT Support vs IT Security – Are You Getting The Service You Deserve?

Small businesses are just as vulnerable – if not more so – as larger organisations to cyberattacks, data breaches, and other IT-related issues (including simply poorly maintained equipment) that can compromise their operations, reputation, and profitability. They also need an occasional helping hand with some of the more everyday helpdesk issues that arise, be they problems, or simply helping to get new staff set up on the systems.

Read More »
Scroll to Top