The Windows Hello PIN is one of the easiest ways to log in to your Windows 11 PC. Unfortunately, a lot of people also experience problems with PIN Not Working on Windows 11 Login Screen, where the option to use the PIN disappears, users receive error messages stating that “Your PIN is no longer available,” or it won’t work on the login screen. This guide will help you find the reasons, troubleshooting steps, and resolutions to bring back the PIN function in Windows 11.

Read: How to Stop Annoying Pop-Ups on Windows 11

Common Reasons for PIN Not Working on Windows 11

• Corrupt Windows Hello settings or the NGC folder
• Recent security or system updates
• TPM (Trusted Platform Module) changes or issues
• Corrupted system files
• Conflicting third-party software

Knowledge is power, and if you know the cause, you can choose the most appropriate troubleshooting method.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix PIN Not Working on Windows 11

1. Sign In Using Alternative Methods:

If your PIN Not Working on the Windows 11 Login Screen, try signing in with your password for your Microsoft account or another available method (such as a password or fingerprint). This is done to have access to your machine and further troubleshoot.

2. Remove and Re-Add Your PIN

• Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
• On the PIN (Windows Hello) screen, select Remove.
• Confirm with your account password.
• Restart your computer.
• Choose the same menu and click on Set up to set up a new PIN.

3. Use the “I Forgot My PIN” Option:

• On the logon screen, click I forgot my PIN.
• Follow the prompts to reset your PIN with your Microsoft account password.

4. Boot into Safe Mode and Delete the NGC Folder:

The NGC directory contains PIN settings. Here, corruption can block PIN login.

• At the log-in screen, hold the Shift key, then click Restart under the Power icon.
• In the Windows Recovery Environment, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
• Choose Safe Mode.
• Navigate to:
• C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Ngc
• Delete the Ngc folder.
• Restart your PC and add a new PIN.

5. Clear TPM (Trusted Platform Module) Data:

If your device employs TPM for protection, PIN sign-in might be impacted by modifications and corruption.

• To do so, open Windows Security and go to >Device Security > Security processor troubleshooting> Run.
• Select Clear TPM and follow the prompts.
• Try to set up your PIN again after your computer restarts.

6. Perform a System Restore:

If you notice the issue after doing an update or installing an app:

• Type Create a restore point and press Enter.
• Click System Restore and then follow the steps in the wizard to choose a restore point.

7. Update Windows and Drivers:

Occasionally, Microsoft issues patches for known issues:

• Navigate to Settings > Windows Update.
• Update and install everything you can find.

Additional Tips for: PIN Not Working on Windows 11 Login Screen

• Remove recently installed apps that may conflict with Windows Hello.
• While it’s still uncertain why the toolbar is missing, here is how you can troubleshoot: Also, make sure to check for group policy changes or changes to your registry if you are on a managed or work device.
• If none of the preceding steps work, contact Microsoft Support.

Conclusion:

A broken PIN on the Windows 11 login screen can be a pesky thing, but there are typically ways to solve this problem. Begin with the no-brain circuits using alternative sign-in methods or resetting the PIN before progressing to Safe Mode or deleting the NGC folder, or clearing TPM. Also, other future bugs could’ve been prevented by having your system updated and looking for fresh changes. If you pick up your PIN, then you will be able to recover your PIN in this way and get more use out of accessing your Windows 11 device.