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Windows Hello (PIN) "incorrect pin too many times" without entering a PIN

Hi,

I have this ongoing problem with Windows Hello (PIN) from multiple devices starting in Widows 10 and now on Windows 11.

After using the PC for a period of time (usually a number of hours), when unlocking the PC, the message appears that "You've entered an incorrect PIN too many times" The rub is, I haven't entered a PIN and when I reboot, the existing PIN works and the problem reoccurs within a few hours.

What is going in the back ground that calls on the Windows Hello (PIN) causing it think its wrong?

I am logging on using an Azure AD account and the account is used across multiple devices.

Hi Dougal. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, specializing in Installation, Performance, Troubleshooting and Activation, here to help you.

Here's here how to reset the PIN when it will not work from Settings > Accounts > Sign In Options:

Open Windows File Explorer using the file folder icon on your task bar.

Tick the box in File Explorer View tab to Show Hidden Files.

Browse to C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Ngc

Delete or rename to Ngc.old this folder to reset the PIN.

**You may need to first take ownership of the folder in Windows 11:
https://www.elevenforum.com/t/add-take-ownershi...

Once you delete or rename the folder it will recreate it so you can add a PIN normally in Windows Settings > Accounts > Sign-In Options. You may need to restart the PC first.

If you cannot sign into Windows or have other unexpected problems try these tutorials covering all possible problems here:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/res...

https://www.anoopcnair.com/methods-to-reset-win...

https://websiteforstudents.com/how-to-reset-a-p...

Based on the results you post back I may have other suggestions if necessary.

______________________________________________

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Retired 2023, thirteen year daily forums volunteer, Windows MVP 2010-2020

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Hi Greg,

I can reset the PIN without any problems. The issue is the PIN "breaks" with no user interaction. If I restart the PC, it fixes the problem for a few hours before trying to use the PIN reverts to "entered too many times".

I reset my PIN (restart logged back on) when I posted this question at 10:25 AEST and by 11:33 AEST the pin number is already failing before I even entered a PIN. Something must be calling the PIN from the system in the back ground. The PIN is failing because it perceives a dictionary attack?????

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Did you do the advanced Reset steps by deleting the NGC folder, which may be corrupted? If not try all the steps in my first post.
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Hi,

I have renamed the NGC folder to NGC.old and restated the PC. I have to re-authorise my PC to Azure AD Domian with a OTC text message and the Azure AD policies force a PIN number to be entered.

I did all this and lets give it an hour to see what happens

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Keep me posted on your progress as I will be here to help until the case is resolved.

Normally we do not handle AD cases here at all, as this is strictly an end-consumer forums, but since I also handle hundreds of PIN cases a year thought I'd stick with you.

However if AD issues enter in, you may want to ask at our sister forums for IT Professionals, Q&A forums here: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-US/answers/index.... as Microsoft Community is strictly an end-consumer forum.

There are also equally good (and sometimes busier) IT Pro forums here:
https://www.techrepublic.com/forums/
https://www.spiceworks.com/

I hope it helps.
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Retired 2023, thirteen year daily forums volunteer, Windows MVP 2010-2020

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The PIN number has blown up again!

Same problem as before. Restarting will fix the issue for about an hour.

The NGC fix just forced me to recreate the PIN number and reconfirm my account with text message code to my mobile. It must be an Azure issue where the AzureAD is "chatting" to the PC.

Thanks for your help

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All we have is to reset the PIN which usually works. I'd check with the IT Pro forums for AzureAD Pin fixes.

Please let us know what you find out.
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Last updated May 2, 2024 Views 8,558 Applies to: