Please can you confirm the Make Model and OS, along with any configuration details like touch screen, backlit keyboard, SFF or tower etc etc.
Is that a PIN to Microsoft Windows?
If you’re on Windows, try resetting the PIN from the sign-in screen first. The key is to switch to the password sign-in option, then use “I forgot my PIN” if it appears.support.microsoft
Try this first
On the lock/sign-in screen, click Sign-in options — usually an icon below the PIN box.
Choose the key/password icon and enter your Microsoft account password.
If the password works, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN (Windows Hello) and select I forgot my PIN to set a new one.support.microsoft
If you only see the PIN box, look directly beneath it for I forgot my PIN. That option is available for Microsoft accounts, but not for local Windows accounts.support.microsoft
If the password is also rejected
Make sure you’re entering the Microsoft account password, not the old PIN; check Caps Lock and try typing it in another app first.
Reset the Microsoft account password from another phone or computer at Microsoft’s account recovery page, then return to the PC and sign in with the new password.learn.microsoft
If Windows says sign-in is disabled after too many attempts, leave the PC powered on for at least two hours without restarting, then try again.h30434.www3.hp
If no sign-in option works
Force Windows Recovery Environment: turn the PC on, and as soon as the manufacturer/Windows logo appears, hold the power button to force shutdown. Repeat this twice; on the third boot, let it start into recovery.
Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart, then press 4 for Safe Mode.
If Safe Mode lets you sign in, reset the PIN under Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.learn.microsoft
If PIN, password, face recognition, and recovery sign-in all fail, the remaining practical route is usually Windows recovery/reset or reinstalling Windows — ideally after backing up your files if you can access them.learn.microsoft
Are you using a Microsoft account or a local account, and do you see “I forgot my PIN” under the PIN box?
anne_droid
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Posted October 23rd, 2026 22:51
Hi
Please can you confirm the Make Model and OS, along with any configuration details like touch screen, backlit keyboard, SFF or tower etc etc.
Is that a PIN to Microsoft Windows?
If you’re on Windows, try resetting the PIN from the sign-in screen first. The key is to switch to the password sign-in option, then use “I forgot my PIN” if it appears.support.microsoft
Try this first
On the lock/sign-in screen, click Sign-in options — usually an icon below the PIN box.
Choose the key/password icon and enter your Microsoft account password.
If the password works, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN (Windows Hello) and select I forgot my PIN to set a new one.support.microsoft
If you only see the PIN box, look directly beneath it for I forgot my PIN. That option is available for Microsoft accounts, but not for local Windows accounts.support.microsoft
If the password is also rejected
Make sure you’re entering the Microsoft account password, not the old PIN; check Caps Lock and try typing it in another app first.
Reset the Microsoft account password from another phone or computer at Microsoft’s account recovery page, then return to the PC and sign in with the new password.learn.microsoft
If Windows says sign-in is disabled after too many attempts, leave the PC powered on for at least two hours without restarting, then try again.h30434.www3.hp
If no sign-in option works
Force Windows Recovery Environment: turn the PC on, and as soon as the manufacturer/Windows logo appears, hold the power button to force shutdown. Repeat this twice; on the third boot, let it start into recovery.
Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart, then press 4 for Safe Mode.
If Safe Mode lets you sign in, reset the PIN under Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.learn.microsoft
If PIN, password, face recognition, and recovery sign-in all fail, the remaining practical route is usually Windows recovery/reset or reinstalling Windows — ideally after backing up your files if you can access them.learn.microsoft
Are you using a Microsoft account or a local account, and do you see “I forgot my PIN” under the PIN box?
Kind Regards
anne_droid