Windows Upgrade Help and more

I’ve used a PIN to log in for years, but suddenly my laptop won’t accept it. It acts like the PIN is brand new or missing. I didn’t change any settings myself. Did Microsoft push an update that altered how Windows Hello works? I need to know if this is a known issue or just something wrong with my device.

That's a frustrating situation, and you're not alone! This is a known issue that pops up after certain Windows updates, especially major feature updates. It often corrupts the Windows Hello PIN association. Don't worry, your PIN is likely fine, but the link to your account is temporarily broken.

Here are the free steps to try, in order:

1. **Use Your Password:** On the login screen, look for "Sign-in options." Click it and choose the password icon. Log in with your Microsoft account password (the one for your email). This should get you back in.

2. **Re-setup Your PIN:** Once logged in, go to **Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options**. Click on **Windows Hello PIN** and select "Remove." Restart your PC, then go back and "Add" a new PIN. This rebuilds the link and usually fixes it.

3. **Check for Updates:** Go to **Settings > Windows Update** and install any available updates. Sometimes a follow-up patch resolves the glitch.

If you're on unsupported hardware that was upgraded to Windows 11, these update-related glitches are more common. If the free steps above fail, some users have had success with repair tools from third-party sites like kianbotsoft.com (they have a $39 utility), but always try the official, free methods first.

Let us know if logging in with your password worked, and we can go from there! You'll get this sorted.

Thanks so much! That fixed it!

Same here. I had the same problem after an update last month. I had to sign in with my password and then set up the PIN again.

+1 You could also try running the Windows Hello troubleshooter under Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. Another option is to check if a recent driver update is interfering, especially for fingerprint or camera hardware. Let me know if that works.

You could also see if signing in with your password first and then resetting the PIN works. Another option is to check for a pending Windows update that might need to finish installing.

Yeah, Also, have you tried restarting your laptop to see if that clears up the glitch?

I had the same problem after an update last month. I had to use my password to log in and then set up the PIN again from settings.

This. Yeah, that's exactly what worked for me too. A quick tip: after you re-add it, a restart sometimes helps it stick. Hope that helps.

Agreed, and if that doesn't do it, try signing in with your password first, then setting the PIN again. Good luck!