Forum Discussion
New Windows Update now asks for Pin to log into account.
New windows update now prompts me to use a challenge phrase and pin to log into my account. But I never set up a challenge phrase nor a pin. I can not log into my computer now.
You may try any these options:
Attempt to Use Your Regular Password:
- First, try entering your regular password in case the system is still accepting it despite the additional prompt. Sometimes, the password prompt may not be clear, and your regular password might still work.
Check for Keyboard Language and Layout:
- Ensure that the keyboard language and layout match the settings you used when creating your password. Sometimes, incorrect settings can cause issues.
Restart Your Computer:
- Try restarting your computer. This might resolve temporary glitches or issues with the login process.
Try Safe Mode:
- Boot your computer into Safe Mode. In Safe Mode, Windows may use a default set of drivers and settings. If you can log in successfully in Safe Mode, it might indicate a driver or software issue causing the problem.
Use Another Sign-in Option:
- On the login screen, check if there's an option to sign in using another method, such as using a Microsoft account password if you normally use a PIN.
Reset Microsoft Account Password:
- If your Windows account is linked to a Microsoft account, you can try resetting your Microsoft account password. Visit the Microsoft password reset page on a separate device, follow the instructions, and then try the new password on the computer to log in.
Check for Recent Updates or Changes:
- If the issue started after a recent Windows update, you might consider rolling back the update or using System Restore to revert to a previous state.
Windows Recovery Options:
- If none of the above steps work, you may need to use Windows recovery options. Boot from a Windows installation media or recovery drive, and choose options like "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Startup Repair", "Reset this PC" or "System Restore" to revert to a previous state
- You may also try to do a fresh Windows installation using a Windows Installation Media on the same partition where Windows is currently installed. All your files and apps will be moved to a folder called "Windows.old" in your C: drive. Please becareful not to format/delete your current Windows partition, because if you do, you will lose all your information.
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JavierMT I am also having the same problem. I cannot log into my computer now it is currently asking for a pin, which I have never set up a pin in the six years I have owned this computer. I am at a troublesome of how to get in. I have work to be done and a deadline by Monday, I tried most of the options above, but I’m not quite sure how to put my computer in safe mode
If you're unable to access your desktop and need to boot into safe mode from the sign-in screen, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the Shift key.
- Select Power, then click Restart. While holding the Shift key, press Power (the on-screen button, not the physical one on your device).
- When the device restarts, select Troubleshoot.
- Choose Advanced options.
- Click Startup Settings.
- Select Restart. Your device will restart, and you'll see the 'Choose an option' menu again. Follow the steps to navigate to Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, Startup settings, and restart.
- Press F4 at the Startup Settings menu to boot into safe mode. If you need networking capabilities in safe mode (like internet connectivity), press F5 instead.
Additionally, you may also want to try these other steps. Both ways will make your PC boot into safe boot:
- Hold down the power button for 10 seconds to fully shut down your device.
- Press the power button again to turn on the device.
- As soon as your device shows any indication of powering up, like displaying a manufacturer's logo, hold the power button for another 10 seconds to turn it off.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 a second time.
- Press the power button again, but this time let your device fully restart.
- Once your device enters the Windows Recovery Environment (winRE), select Troubleshoot.
- Then, choose Advanced options.
- Next, select Startup Settings.
- Click Restart.
- After the restart, you'll see a 'Choose an option' menu. Follow the steps to navigate to Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, Startup settings, and restart.
- Press F4 at the Startup Settings menu to boot into safe mode. Alternatively, press F5 to boot into safe mode with networking capabilities.
If booting into safe mode doesn't help at all, there is another option in this Advanced Settings menu. Look for System Restore and then try to revert your PC to a point in the past (choose one of those "checkpoints" that will show up on the list and that you remember you could use your computer are usual up to that point).
Wait until the process finishes completely, and your PC will reboot by itself.
If this doesn't work either, create a Windows Installation Media on an 8GB USB (using the Windows Media Creation Tool, Rufus, etc).Then boot your PC with the USB. Make sure you boot into Windows with the USB so you can enter the Windows installation setup.
- Select your language, time and currency format, and keyboard or input method preferences.
- Click "Next" to proceed.
- Click "Install now"
- Enter your windows product key. or Skip it.
- Read and Accept the Microsoft Software License Terms
- Choose "Custom Installation".
- Choose the partition where Windows is currently installed.
- NOTE: Do not click on format or delete partition. If you do, all your data will be lost.
- If you have more than 60GB free, and you continue with these steps, you will reinstall Windows completely, however the difference between these steps and resetting the device is that all your previous Windows Files, Programs will be moved to "Windows.old" which is accessible from the root directory of your C: drive.
Let me know if you need any further assistance.
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