Fix PIN Isn’t Available Error 0x80090027 in Windows 11

If you’re seeing the “PIN isn’t available” error with code 0x80090027 when trying to sign in to Windows 11, your PIN settings or the underlying security data may be corrupted. This guide walks you through several fixes, from resetting the PIN to repairing the system files, so you can get back into your account quickly.

What You’ll Need

• Access to your Microsoft account password (or another admin account on the PC)
• An internet connection (for some methods)
• Windows 11 installation media (USB or ISO) for the last resort method

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Restart and Try Again

1. Click the power icon on the sign-in screen and select Restart.
2. After the restart, try entering your PIN again. This clears temporary glitches that often trigger the error.

Method 2: Sign in with Password and Reset PIN

1. On the sign-in screen, click Sign-in options and choose the Password (or Windows Hello if you have a fingerprint/face).
2. Enter your account password to sign in.
3. Press Win + I to open Settings.
4. Go to Accounts > Sign-in options.
5. Under PIN (Windows Hello), click Remove (if available) and confirm.
6. Then click Set up and follow the prompts to create a new PIN.

Method 3: Use the “I Forgot My PIN” Link

1. On the sign-in screen, after entering a wrong PIN once, click the I forgot my PIN link.
2. You’ll be asked to verify your Microsoft account password. Enter it and follow the instructions to reset your PIN.
3. Once reset, try signing in with the new PIN.

Method 4: Run the System File Checker and DISM

1. Boot into Safe Mode or use the Advanced Startup options (Shift + Restart on the sign-in screen).
2. Open Command Prompt as administrator (right-click Start > Terminal (Admin)).
3. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait for the scan to complete.
4. Then type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter. This may take several minutes.
5. Restart your PC and try the PIN again.

Method 5: Delete the NGC Folder (Advanced)

1. Boot into Safe Mode as described above.
2. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft\NGC.
3. If you see the folder, take ownership first: right-click it, select Properties > Security > Advanced, change the owner to your account, and enable full control.
4. Delete the contents of the NGC folder (or the folder itself).
5. Restart Windows normally. The system will recreate the folder, and you can set up a new PIN from Settings.

Method 6: Repair Install with Windows 11 ISO

1. Download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft’s official website.
2. Mount the ISO (right-click > Mount) and run setup.exe.
3. Choose Keep personal files and apps when prompted.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to perform an in-place upgrade repair. This reinstalls Windows while preserving your files.
5. After completion, try setting up your PIN again.

Common Mistakes

• Skipping the restart – many PIN errors are transient, and a simple reboot resolves them.
• Forgetting to sign in with password – you must use your Microsoft account password to access the PIN settings.
• Deleting NGC folder without taking ownership – you’ll get an access denied error and could cause further issues.
• Running DISM without admin rights – the command will fail if not run as administrator.

Tips

• Keep your Microsoft account password handy – it’s your fallback if the PIN fails.
• After resetting the PIN, consider using a longer, more complex PIN (letters and symbols) for better security.
• If you use a local account, the PIN is tied to that account; resetting it via the “I forgot my PIN” link may not work – you’ll need to use the password method.
• Regularly run Windows Update to avoid corrupted system files that can trigger this error.

Troubleshooting

If none of the above methods work, try the following:

• Check if your account is locked or disabled – try signing in with another admin account and check User Accounts settings.
• Use the “Reset this PC” option – go to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC. Choose “Keep my files” to reinstall Windows without losing data.
• Contact Microsoft Support – if the error persists, it may indicate a deeper account or hardware issue that requires professional assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does error 0x80090027 occur?

It usually indicates a corrupted Windows Hello PIN database or a problem with the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) or secure boot settings.

Will I lose my files if I delete the NGC folder?

No, the NGC folder only contains PIN-related data. Your files and apps are unaffected.

Can I fix this without a Microsoft account?

Yes, if you’re using a local account, you can still reset your PIN by signing in with your password and following the steps in Method 2.

Is it safe to use the “Reset this PC” option?

Yes, choosing “Keep my files” will reinstall Windows while preserving your personal files, but it will remove installed apps and settings.

How long does the DISM command take?

It can take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes depending on your system and internet speed.

Do I need to reinstall Windows if nothing works?

Not necessarily – a repair install (Method 6) is less drastic and often resolves the issue without losing data.

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