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How to Set Up or Change Your PIN in Windows 10

Guide 10-23912 · Updated · Step by step

Setting up a PIN in Windows 10 gives you a fast, secure way to sign in without typing your full password every time. This guide walks you through creating a new PIN or changing an existing one, and covers what to do if things go wrong. You’ll need to be signed in to your Windows 10 account with administrator rights (though standard users can usually set their own PIN).

What You’ll Need

  • A Windows 10 PC or laptop with your account already set up.
  • Your current password or PIN (if you’re changing an existing PIN).
  • Administrator access if you’re setting up a PIN for another user (optional).

Step-by-Step

  1. Open Settings: Click the Start button (Windows logo) in the bottom-left corner, then click the gear icon (Settings). Alternatively, press Windows + I on your keyboard.
  2. Go to Accounts: In the Settings window, click Accounts (it shows a person icon).
  3. Select Sign-in options: In the left sidebar, click Sign-in options.
  4. Find the PIN section: Scroll down to the PIN area (it’s usually under “Windows Hello PIN”). You’ll see one of these:
    • Set up – if you don’t have a PIN yet.
    • Change – if you already have a PIN.
    • Remove – if you want to delete the PIN entirely.
  5. If you’re setting up a new PIN:
    1. Click Set up (or Add). Windows may ask you to verify your account password – type it and click OK.
    2. In the “Set up a PIN” dialog, enter a PIN that is at least 4 digits long. You can also check the box for “Include letters and symbols” to make it more complex.
    3. Re-enter the PIN to confirm, then click OK.
  6. If you’re changing an existing PIN:
    1. Click Change under the PIN section.
    2. Windows will ask for your current PIN first – enter it and click OK.
    3. Then enter your new PIN, confirm it, and click OK.
  7. Test your new PIN: Lock your PC (press Windows + L) and try signing in with the new PIN to make sure it works.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the same PIN as your password: While allowed, it defeats the purpose of having a separate PIN. Choose something unique.
  • Forgetting your Microsoft account password: If you use a Microsoft account, you’ll need that password to verify when setting up a PIN. If you forget it, you’ll have to recover it online first.
  • Entering the PIN too quickly: Windows may not register all digits if you type fast, especially on touchscreens. Slow down slightly.
  • Not checking the “Include letters and symbols” box: If you want a more secure PIN, you must enable that option; otherwise only numbers are allowed.
  • Clicking “Remove” instead of “Change”: Removing the PIN doesn’t let you set a new one immediately – you’ll have to go through the “Set up” process again, which requires your password.

Tips

  • Use a longer PIN: Windows allows up to 127 characters. A longer PIN (like 6-8 digits) is harder to guess yet still easy to remember.
  • Enable letters and symbols: If you want a truly strong PIN, check the box for letters and symbols. You can then use a phrase like “GoBlue!42” – just remember it’s case-sensitive.
  • Keep your PIN private: Don’t share your PIN with others. Since it’s often used for quick unlocks, it’s easy to overlook.
  • Use a PIN that’s not tied to personal info: Avoid using birthdates, phone numbers, or simple sequences like 1234.
  • Remember your password: Even with a PIN, you’ll still need your password for certain tasks (like changing security settings). Keep it somewhere safe.

Troubleshooting

  • “Something went wrong” error when setting up: This often happens if your account isn’t properly connected to Microsoft servers. Try restarting your PC and checking your internet connection. If it persists, sign out and back in, or run the “Windows Hello” troubleshooter in Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
  • PIN option is grayed out: This can happen if your device doesn’t support Windows Hello (e.g., older hardware) or if the feature is disabled by group policy. Check if your PC has a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chip – it’s required for Windows Hello. If you’re on a work or school device, contact your IT admin.
  • Forgot your PIN: On the sign-in screen, click “I forgot my PIN” (or “Sign-in options” then “I forgot my PIN”). You’ll be prompted to verify your Microsoft account password or use another recovery method. Then you can set a new PIN.
  • PIN works but Windows still asks for password: This can happen after a Windows update or if your account requires a password for security. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and make sure “For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts” is enabled (if you want to use PIN exclusively).
  • Can’t type the PIN on the lock screen: Your keyboard might not be working. Try using the on-screen keyboard (click the keyboard icon in the bottom-right corner of the lock screen). If that fails, restart the PC and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a PIN as secure as a password?

Yes, a PIN is tied to your specific device, so even if someone steals your PIN, they can’t use it on another computer. Your password, on the other hand, works anywhere. That makes a PIN actually more secure for local sign-in.

2. Can I use letters and symbols in my PIN?

Yes, but only if you check the box “Include letters and symbols” when setting up the PIN. By default, only numbers are allowed.

3. What’s the maximum length of a PIN?

Windows 10 allows PINs up to 127 characters. However, it’s recommended to keep it reasonably short for convenience.

4. Will changing my PIN affect my password?

No, your PIN is separate from your password. Changing one does not change the other. You can have both, and use either to sign in.

5. Can I set up a PIN for another user on my PC?

Yes, if you have administrator rights. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, select the user, click “Change account type” to make them an administrator if needed, then follow the same steps in their account. Alternatively, they can set it up themselves when they sign in.

6. Why does Windows ask for my password sometimes even though I have a PIN?

Windows may require your password for security-sensitive actions like changing account settings, or if you haven’t signed in for a while. You can adjust this in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options under “If you’ve been away, when should Windows require you to sign in again?”.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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