Pin Is Not Available Windows 10 Fix

If Windows 10 says your PIN is not available, the fix is usually to delete the NGC folder (which stores PIN data) in File Explorer, then set up a new PIN in Settings. This error typically appears after a system update, a failed sign-in, or a corrupted user profile, and the steps below resolve it in most cases without losing files.

Why Does This Error Happen?

The PIN is not a password stored on Microsoft’s servers; it is tied to a hardware feature called TPM (Trusted Platform Module) and a local folder named NGC (Next Generation Credentials). Windows uses the TPM to encrypt the PIN and link it to your specific device. If the TPM driver gets updated, the system clock changes, or the NGC folder becomes corrupted, Windows can no longer verify the PIN and shows the “PIN is not available� error. This is different from a forgotten password—the PIN still exists, but Windows cannot read it securely.

Quick Fix: Delete the NGC Folder

This is the most common solution and works for most users. The NGC folder is hidden and protected, so you need to take ownership first. Follow these steps exactly:

1. Restart your PC and sign in with your Microsoft account password (or local account password) if prompted. If you cannot sign in at all, boot into Safe Mode by holding Shift while clicking Restart on the sign-in screen.
2. Open File Explorer and navigate to: C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft\NGC
3. If you see a prompt about permission, click Continue to get permanent access.
4. Select all files and folders inside the NGC folder and delete them. If some files are in use, close all apps and try again, or use Safe Mode.
5. Restart your PC normally. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, choose Windows Hello PIN, and click Add to create a new PIN.

This method works because Windows recreates the NGC folder automatically when you set up a new PIN. It does not affect your files, installed apps, or Microsoft account.

Alternative Fixes to Try

If deleting the NGC folder doesn’t work, or you cannot access it, try these in order:

• Run the Windows Hello troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters, select Windows Hello, and run it. This can fix driver or configuration issues.
• Update or reinstall the TPM driver: Open Device Manager, expand Security devices, right-click Trusted Platform Module 2.0, and choose Update driver. If that doesn’t help, uninstall the driver and restart—Windows will reinstall it automatically.
• Check the date and time: Wrong system time can break the TPM validation. Right-click the clock, select Adjust date/time, and turn on Set time automatically.
• Create a new local administrator account: If the profile is corrupted, create a new user account via Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, then sign in with that account and set up a PIN.

What If You Can’t Sign In At All?

If the error appears on the lock screen and you don’t have a password, you can still use Safe Mode. To enter Safe Mode from the sign-in screen:

1. Click the Power icon in the bottom-right corner.
2. Hold Shift and click Restart.
3. After the PC restarts, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
4. Press 4 or 5 on your keyboard to boot into Safe Mode.

In Safe Mode, the PIN is often bypassed, and you can sign in with your password. Then follow the NGC deletion steps above. If you never set a password, you may need to use a password reset disk or reset the PC (which can keep your files but removes apps).

Common Misconceptions

One common myth is that the PIN is stored online and can be reset from another device. That is false—the PIN is local to your device, so a Microsoft account password reset won’t fix it. Another misconception is that you need to reinstall Windows. In the vast majority of cases, the NGC folder fix or a driver update resolves the issue without a reinstall. Also, some users worry that deleting the NGC folder will log them out of their Microsoft account; it doesn’t—it only removes the PIN, and you can sign back in with your password.

Preventing Future PIN Errors

To reduce the chance of this error recurring, keep Windows updated, avoid using third-party “PIN reset� tools, and make sure your system clock is always correct. If you use a local account, consider linking it to a Microsoft account so you have a password fallback. Also, periodically check that your TPM driver is up to date via Device Manager. If you have BitLocker enabled, ensure you have your recovery key saved, because TPM changes can trigger BitLocker recovery mode.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will deleting the NGC folder delete my files? No, it only removes the PIN configuration. Your documents, photos, and apps remain untouched.

Why does the PIN work after a Windows update but then fail later? A Windows update can replace the TPM driver, and the new driver may not read the old PIN data correctly. Deleting the NGC folder forces Windows to create fresh PIN data.

Can I use my Microsoft account password instead of a PIN? Yes, you can sign in with your Microsoft account password at any time. To disable the PIN entirely, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and remove the Windows Hello PIN.

What if I don’t have a Microsoft account? You can still use a local account password. The NGC folder fix works the same way for local accounts.

Is it safe to take ownership of the NGC folder? Yes, it is a standard troubleshooting step recommended by Microsoft. Just be careful not to delete anything outside the NGC folder.

Will this fix work on Windows 11? Yes, the same steps apply to Windows 11, as the PIN system is essentially the same.

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