Top 12 Ways to Fix Windows 10 PIN Not Working Error

Microsoft Windows 10 has come with Hello, an easier way to sign in to your computer. No need to remember long and complicated passwords. Just enter the PIN code and you are there. But some people even forget the PIN code and get locked out of their computer. Others realized that the PIN just didn’t work, even though it might be correct. How to fix Windows 10 PIN not working error?

There could be other reasons behind this problem. Let’s say you are sharing your laptop with someone else and that person has changed the PIN and forgot to tell you.

Maybe it’s an error or a bug? This reason could be any. However, we have compiled a list of proven solutions that have helped fix the issue when Windows 10 PIN is not working.

Let’s start.

1. The caps lock is on

Some newer laptop models do not have an LED indicator light for caps lock. Without visual indication, there is no way to know if it is activated, especially when the Windows operating system fails to detect it. You will see black dots instead. Check the Caps Lock and Num Lock while you’re at it.

Click and hold the Preview Password option at the far right of the box to view what you just entered. This is another way to make sure caps lock is off, the correct language is selected, or that you enter the correct password.

2. Language

It happened to a friend of mine. We were about to start a gaming session when he decided to take a short break. Someone changed their login screen language from the drop-down menu and their PIN code stopped working.

If this happens to you, you will find the option in the lower right corner of the screen. It should appear EN or ENG for English, but will depend on the language chosen. Make sure it says what it is supposed to say or click it once to change the input language.

3. User account

Have you set up multiple user accounts? Maybe a guest user account? Check the lower left corner of the screen to make sure the correct user account is selected. Try again to check whether the Windows 10 PIN is working or not.

4. Visual keyboard

Did you notice an option to launch an onscreen keyboard on the screen? Click on it to enter Windows 10 PIN code using a virtual keyboard instead of a physical keyboard. There may be a problem with your keyboard. Remember to check with another keyboard and update the keyboard and mouse drivers once you log in. Just to be sure.

5. Restart

Some users reported that they were successful in using this old trick. A bug or random error could be responsible for breaking the login screen by Windows Hello. Try to restart your computer once or perform a forced restart. Press and hold the power button until it turns off. Then give it a few seconds and reboot.

Some users have also witnessed the error “It seems Windows did not load correctly”, which is usually followed by the option “See advanced options” or “Restart my PC”. Just restart.

6. Remove the battery

Some users have been able to resolve the Windows 10 PIN code not working error by removing the battery from their laptop. You may need to remove some screws, but the process is fairly straightforward. Newer models do not offer a removable external battery. Remove the battery and connect your laptop using a power agreement, then try again.

7. Use password

Can you display a password screen instead? Some users are greeted with the password screen instead of the one that requires entering the PIN code.

Can you view the connection options? Click it once to select the Microsoft account password button. You can now enter it to connect to your computer. You will notice this option only if you are signed in to the Microsoft account on your computer. If you are using Windows 10 offline or without a license (trial version), this door is closed.

Not sure if you are entering the correct password or if the caps lock is on / off (again, no indicator issues)? Click and hold the Preview Password option on the far right to view what you just entered.

Can’t remember the password because you relied too much on the PIN code? Therefore, you should always remember or write down important passwords offline in a safe place.

You can use the Hint function to try to remember the password. It will appear when you enter the wrong password / PIN once or twice. For example, your school first name or your childhood nickname.

8. I forgot my PIN code

You will notice this option just below the box where you enter the Windows 10 PIN code. Click it once and follow the onscreen instructions to reset your PIN code. This will involve entering your Microsoft account email ID to receive an email confirming that you want to change it and that no one else is trying to break into your computer.

Enter the captcha and you should receive an email code which you will enter to verify your identity and then you will be asked to create a new pin / password.

9. Administrator account

If you are on a corporate or corporate computer connected to a server, talk to your administrator or IT person. He / she should be able to fix it for you.

This problem or situation is exactly why you should have another administrator or guest account as a backup. You can simply reset the password / PIN code or create or delete a user account using an administrator account. Do this once you have access to make sure it never happens to you again. Smart people always have a backup plan.

10. What to do after accessing the computer

Here are some steps you can or should take once you can reconnect to your Windows 10 computer. Make sure that never happens to you again.

• Write down PIN, password and answers to offline security questions
• Create a new PIN code if necessary
• Create a new user account because the old one may be corrupted
• Create a new administrator / reserve account

Do you own a Dell PC? Uninstall Dell Data Protection Security Tools because many users found it to be responsible for Windows 10 PIN code error.

11. Cannot create a new PIN code

Follow the steps below if you are unable to set a new PIN code.

Empty the contents of the Ngc folder found in the folder path below (enable hidden files under the View tab of File Explorer).

C:WindowsServiceProfilesLocalServiceAppDataLocalMicrosoft

Can’t access the folder? Right click to select Properties and select Advanced under the Security tab.

Click Edit next to System / Owner. I see Owner on my screen, but some users also see System.

Enter your user account name or simply Administrator if you are using an administrator account under “Enter the name of the object to select”. Then click Check Names, then click OK.

Select “Replace owner on subcontainers and objects” and click Apply then OK.

You should be able to access the Ngc folder now. Open it and delete everything in it, not the folder itself. You should be able to create a new PIN code.

12. Group Policy Editor

Open the Group Policy Editor from the Start menu. Navigate to the folder path below. Only available for Windows Home users.

Administrative Templates > System > Logon

Double-click “Activate Convenient PIN Login” on the right and click Activated here. Save everything and exit. Check if the Windows 10 PIN code still doesn’t work for you.

Pin it

Not being able to connect to a Windows 10 computer can be annoying. All this data that you can’t access anymore because you can’t access it. Those who have backups on an external drive or in the cloud would be less worried. They can reset or format the laptop, but not everyone can. Make sure you don’t repeat this error and still have some kind of backup.