"Your PIN Is No Longer Available" in Windows 11: Reset Your PIN and Sign In

You reach the Windows 11 sign-in screen and instead of letting you type your PIN it says “Your PIN is no longer available” (or “Something happened and your PIN isn’t available”). Here’s how to get back in, easiest first.

Why: After a Windows update, a TPM/firmware change, or a Microsoft account password change, Windows sometimes can’t unlock the encrypted PIN data stored on the device, so it disables the PIN until you set it up again. Your files are fine — this is only about the sign-in method.

Fix 1: Use “I forgot my PIN” at the sign-in screen

This is the fastest route, and it works only for a Microsoft account (not a local account):

1. On the lock screen, under the PIN box, click I forgot my PIN. If there’s a “Set up my PIN” or “Reset PIN” message instead, click that.
2. If you have more than one account on the PC, pick the one you’re resetting.
3. Verify your identity — enter your Microsoft account password, then approve the code sent to your phone or recovery email.
4. Choose Continue when warned that resetting the PIN clears it on this device, then type a new PIN twice.

You’re signed straight in with the new PIN.

Fix 2: Sign in with your password, then reset the PIN in Settings

If “I forgot my PIN” isn’t offered — common on a local account — sign in another way first:

1. At the sign-in screen, click Sign-in options (the small link below the PIN box) and pick the password key.
2. Type your account password to get to the desktop. (If the password is also failing, see our guide on signing in after a password change.)
3. Open Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options.
4. Expand PIN (Windows Hello). Click Change PIN if you remember the old one, or I forgot my PIN to set a fresh one.
5. Follow the prompts to create the new PIN.

Fix 3: Install pending Windows updates

Microsoft has shipped servicing updates that fix the “your PIN isn’t available” loop that appears after a restart. Once you’re back at the desktop:

1. Open Settings → Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates and install everything offered, including optional and servicing-stack updates.
3. Restart and confirm the PIN now works.

If the PIN still won’t set up at all (you get “Something went wrong” every time), it’s a deeper Windows Hello problem — see Fix “Sorry, something went wrong” when setting up a PIN.

FAQ

Will I lose my files? No. The PIN is just one way to unlock the account. Your documents, apps, and settings are untouched.

Why is there no “I forgot my PIN” link? That link only appears for Microsoft accounts. On a local account, sign in with the password and reset the PIN in Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options.

It also won’t take my password. That’s a separate issue. Make sure Caps Lock is off and you’re online (for a Microsoft account), then see our can’t sign you in guide.

Sources: Microsoft — Change or reset your PIN in Windows, Microsoft — Troubleshoot problems signing in to Windows