Windows Hello PIN broken

I have a Windows 10 machine that has never, as far as I'm aware, had a Windows Hello PIN set (and has definitely never had any other form of Windows Hello set up). I've only ever signed on with a password.

In the Sign-In Options window, the Windows Hello PIN says that it is unavailable, with a link to fix it.

Clicking the link to fix the Windows Hello PIN first prompts me to log into my Microsoft account and provide two-factor authentication. Once that's done, it prompts me for the Windows Hello PIN, which is not available. The prompt for a forgotten PIN points back to the Sign-Options Window; closing out of the Windows Hello PIN prompt cancels the process of fixing the Windows Hello PIN.

(MS Office programs also apparently require me to enter the Windows Hello PIN, despite that PIN not being available.)

How can I fix the Windows Hello PIN, or log into MS Office without using Windows Hello?

Answer
Answer
Good day! I'm Raniel, a Microsoft user like you. I understand your frustration regarding this issue and I'll do my best to help.

Just to clarify, do you also encounter the issue when you access your account via safe mode?. Please see the steps under "From the sign-in screen": https://support.microsoft.com/help/12376/window...

Once in safe mode, kindly perform the steps on this article to troubleshoot the issue: https://thegeekpage.com/fix-sign-in-with-pin-is...

Another option is to enable the built-in administrator account, then create a new user account instead:
1. On the Windows sign-in screen, press and hold the Shift key, then select Power > Restart
2. After your machine reboots, click on "Troubleshoot" under Choose an option
3. Click on "Advanced options" > select "command prompt"
4. On the command prompt window, type net user administrator /active:yes and press Enter
5. Reboot your machine, see if you'll be able to login to the built-in administrator account
6. Create a new user account and copy your files to the new account(go through the steps under "My computer is in a workgroup") . Please refer to this article as a guide: https://support.microsoft.com/help/14039/window...

I hope this helps. Good luck!
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Last updated October 16, 2023 Views 497 Applies to: