Solutions to Resolve “Your PIN Is No Longer Available” Error in Windows 11

Solutions to Resolve “Your PIN Is No Longer Available” Error in Windows 11

Facing the frustrating “Your PIN is no longer available due to a change in the security settings on this device“error on Windows 11 can halt your access to your computer, usually triggered by system updates or changes in security settings. Luckily, various solutions exist to help you overcome this obstacle and regain control of your device.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore multiple methods designed to tackle this issue, starting with straightforward approaches and moving on to more intricate solutions. Let’s embark on the path to recovery.

Method 1: Use Your Microsoft Account Password to Sign In

If your PIN method fails, you can always rely on your Microsoft account password as an alternative. This workaround grants you access while letting you reset your PIN effectively.

  • Step 1: On the sign-in page, click on Sign-in options.
  • Step 2: Select the Password icon (represented by a key).
  • Step 3: Enter your Microsoft account password and hit Enter.
  • Step 4: Upon logging in, press Windows + I to access the Settings.
  • Step 5: Select Accounts on the left pane, then navigate to Sign-in options on the right.
  • Step 6: Under PIN (Windows Hello), click Remove next to the existing PIN.
  • Step 7: Confirm your decision and then click Add to create a new PIN.
  • Step 8: Follow the on-screen prompts to establish your new PIN.

Method 2: Reset Your PIN Through the “I Forgot My PIN”Feature

If your password isn’t an option or you prefer to reset the PIN directly, leverage the “I Forgot My PIN”option available on the login screen.

  • Step 1: On the sign-in screen, click on Sign-in options and select the PIN icon.
  • Step 2: Below the PIN entry, click on I forgot my PIN.
  • Step 3: Provide your Microsoft account password when prompted and press OK.
  • Step 4: Follow the subsequent instructions to set a new PIN.

Method 3: Remove the NGC Folder in Safe Mode

The NGC folder can get corrupted, leading to issues with your PIN. By deleting this folder, you compel Windows to generate a new one, which can resolve the error.

  • Step 1: On the sign-in screen, click the Power icon while holding Shift, then select Restart to enter Windows Recovery Environment.
  • Step 2: In the Recovery Environment, click on Troubleshoot, then go to Advanced options.
  • Step 3: Select Startup Settings and then choose Restart.
  • Step 4: After restarting, press F4 to boot into Safe Mode.
  • Step 5: Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
  • Step 6: Navigate to: C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft
  • Step 7: Find the Ngc folder, right-click it, and choose Delete.
  • Step 8: Restart your PC normally.
  • Step 9: After rebooting, set up a new PIN through Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.

Method 4: Clear the Trusted Platform Module (TPM)

Clearing the TPM can rectify issues caused by corrupted encryption keys and security data. This may provide a solution for the PIN error.

  • Step 1: Hit Windows + S, type Security processor troubleshooting, and select it.
  • Step 2: Click on Clear TPM in the Security Processor window.
  • Step 3: Confirm the request and allow your system to restart.
  • Step 4: After your PC restarts, try logging in or resetting your PIN again.

Method 5: Uninstall Recent Windows Updates

Sometimes, a recent update may conflict with PIN settings. Removing these updates can help restore functionality.

  • Step 1: Access Windows Recovery Environment as illustrated in Method 3.
  • Step 2: Click on Troubleshoot, then select Advanced options.
  • Step 3: Choose Uninstall Updates.
  • Step 4: Select either Uninstall latest quality update or Uninstall latest feature update, beginning with the quality update.
  • Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions to finalize the uninstall process.
  • Step 6: Restart your computer and verify if the error persists.

Method 6: Modify the Registry in Recovery Mode

Editing a specific registry value can sometimes resolve sign-in problems associated with the PIN.

  • Step 1: Boot into Windows Recovery Environment as in Method 3.
  • Step 2: Select Troubleshoot, followed by Advanced options.
  • Step 3: Click on Command Prompt.
  • Step 4: Type regedit and press Enter to launch the Registry Editor.
  • Step 5: From the Registry Editor, choose HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
  • Step 6: Navigate to File menu and select Load Hive.
  • Step 7: Browse to C:\Windows\System32\config, choose the Software file, and click Open.
  • Step 8: Enter OfflineSoftware as the key name when prompted and click OK.
  • Step 9: Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\OfflineSoftware\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\PasswordLess\Device
  • Step 10: In the right pane, double-click on DevicePasswordLessBuildVersion.
  • Step 11: Change the Value data to 0 and confirm with OK.
  • Step 12: Close both the Registry Editor and Command Prompt.
  • Step 13: Click Continue to exit the Recovery Environment and restart your PC.
  • Step 14: After reboot, attempt to sign in or reset your PIN as outlined in Method 1.

Method 7: Reset Your PC While Retaining Personal Files

If you’ve exhausted all other options, resetting Windows may alleviate entrenched issues. This method reinstalls Windows without erasing your personal files.

  • Step 1: Click the Power icon on the sign-in screen, hold Shift, and select Restart.
  • Step 2: Within the Recovery Environment, opt for Troubleshoot, then select Reset this PC.
  • Step 3: Choose Keep my files.
  • Step 4: Follow the prompts to complete the reset process.
  • Step 5: After the reset, establish your account and create a new PIN.

By applying these systematic methods, you should be able to clear the PIN error and restore access to your Windows 11 device. Regularly updating your system and backing up your data can help prevent similar issues in the future.

Additional Insights

1. What should I do if none of these methods work?

If all else fails, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for further assistance. They can provide specialized help suited to your unique situation.

2. How can I avoid the ‘Your PIN is no longer available’ error in the future?

Regularly updating your system and avoiding abrupt updates during your work can help minimize risks of encountering this error in the future. Regular backups of your data are also a wise practice.

3. Will I lose my files if I reset my PC?

If you choose the “Keep my files”option while resetting your PC, all personal data will be preserved, ensuring you do not lose important information during this process.

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