How to Change Your PIN on Windows 11 (Step-by-Step)

You can change your Windows 11 sign-in PIN from the Sign-in options page in Settings in under a minute, as long as you know your current PIN. If you’ve forgotten it, Windows gives you a separate “I forgot my PIN” route that lets you reset it after verifying your identity.

Quick steps

Open Settings on your Windows 11 PC.
Go to Accounts > Sign-in options.
Select PIN (Windows Hello).
Click Change PIN.
Enter your current PIN, then type and confirm your new one.

Before you start

A few things worth checking before you dive in:

You’ll usually need to enter your current PIN first, so have that ready.
If you’ve completely forgotten your PIN, you don’t need your old one. Windows offers a separate reset flow (covered below).
Your Windows Hello PIN is tied to this specific device. It’s not the same as your Microsoft account password, and changing one doesn’t change the other.
On work or school managed devices, your organization’s IT policy may control PIN requirements, such as minimum length or complexity. Contact your IT department if you’re unsure what applies to your account.

Change your PIN from Settings (Windows 11)

This is the standard method for updating a PIN you already know.

Click the Start button and open Settings (or press the Windows key and type “Settings”).
Select Accounts from the left-hand menu.
Click Sign-in options.
Under “Ways to sign in,” select PIN (Windows Hello) to expand that section.
Click Change PIN.
A small window pops up asking for your current PIN. Enter it.
In the next fields, type your new PIN, then re-enter it to confirm.
Click OK to save the new PIN.

From this point on, your new PIN is what you’ll use to unlock your PC, sign in after a restart, and authorize anything that previously asked for your old PIN.

Reset your PIN if you’ve forgotten it

If you can’t remember your current PIN at all, you don’t need it to set a new one. Instead, use the “forgot PIN” link right on the lock screen or sign-in screen.

On the Windows sign-in screen, click into the PIN entry box.
Select I forgot my PIN (this link appears below the PIN field).
Follow the prompts on screen to verify your identity.
Once verified, you’ll be asked to create a new PIN and confirm it.
Finish the process and your account will use the new PIN going forward.

The exact verification prompts you see can vary depending on how your device and account are set up, so follow whatever instructions Windows shows you on screen.

Set up a PIN for the first time

If you don’t currently have a PIN and want to add one (which you’ll need before you can “change” it later), the steps are similar:

Open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
Under “Ways to sign in,” select PIN (Windows Hello).
Click Add.
You may be asked to verify your account password first.
Enter and confirm a new PIN, then click OK.

Once set up, Windows will offer the PIN as a faster sign-in option alongside, or instead of, your password.

If it doesn’t work

The “Change PIN” or “Add” button is greyed out

On a work, school, or other managed device, this usually means IT policy controls PIN settings for that account. Contact your organization’s IT support or help desk rather than trying to work around it, since changing security policies on a managed device isn’t something you can do from the Settings app alone.

You keep getting an error when setting a new PIN

Make sure your new PIN meets any minimum length or complexity rules set by your device or organization. Try closing the Settings window completely and reopening it, then attempt the change again. A quick restart of the PC can also clear up a temporary glitch with Windows Hello.

The “I forgot my PIN” link isn’t showing

This link only appears when a PIN is already set up and you’re on the sign-in or lock screen PIN entry box specifically. If you’re trying this from inside Settings instead, use the regular “Change PIN” flow, or sign out first and try from the actual lock screen.

You’re asked for extra verification before resetting

If Windows asks you to confirm your identity before letting you reset your PIN, follow the on-screen prompts. Make sure you have access to whatever recovery details are linked to your account, such as a recovery email or phone number, before you start the reset.

Frequently asked questions

Is my Windows 11 PIN the same as my Microsoft account password?

No. Your PIN is tied only to the specific device you set it up on and is managed through Windows Hello, while your Microsoft account password works across any device and any Microsoft service. Changing your PIN doesn’t change your account password, and vice versa.

Can I change my Windows 11 PIN without knowing the old one?

Yes, as long as you can verify your identity another way. Use the I forgot my PIN link on the sign-in screen instead of the regular “Change PIN” option in Settings.

Why can’t I change my PIN on my work laptop?

Managed devices enrolled in an organization’s IT system often have sign-in security controlled centrally. If the option is missing or greyed out, you’ll need to reach out to your IT department rather than trying to change it yourself.

No. A PIN, fingerprint, and facial recognition are each set up separately under Windows Hello in Sign-in options. Updating your PIN doesn’t remove or reset any biometric sign-in methods you’ve already configured.

How often should I change my Windows 11 PIN?

There’s no fixed rule for personal devices, it’s really up to you and how comfortable you feel with your current PIN. On managed work or school devices, your organization may set its own requirements, so check with your IT department if you’re unsure.

Sources

Windows client documentation (Microsoft Learn)