If you forget your Windows 11 PIN, you can reset it through your Microsoft account; 1. Visit the Microsoft login page and click "Can't access your account?" to verify your identity and reset the PIN; 2. Try to click "Login Options" on the login interface to select your password to log in; 3. Use recovery tools (force restart three times to enter recovery mode, use startup repair or system restore); ensure that Microsoft account information is updated, Windows Hello, and save the BitLocker recovery key can prevent future problems.

If you're locked out because you forgot your Windows 11 PIN, there are a few practical steps you can take — depending on your situation. The good news is that you're not completely stuck. Here's how to get back into your system.

Use Your Microsoft Account to Reset the PIN

If your Windows 11 device is linked to a Microsoft account (which most home users are), you can reset the PIN through that account:

• Go to the Microsoft Sign-in page on another device.
• Click “Can't access your account?” and follow the prompts to verify your identity.
• Once verified, you'll be able to reset your PIN for Windows.

This method works only if you remember your Microsoft account password and have access to the email or phone number associated with it. If you've already signed in this way before, the process should feel familiar.

Try Signing In with Your Password Instead (If Available)

Some Windows devices give you the option to sign in with your full Microsoft account password instead of the PIN. Look for the “Sign-in options” button on the login screen — sometimes it's a small icon near the bottom right.

• Click Sign-in options .
• Choose Password from the list.
• Enter your Microsoft account password.

Not all systems show this option by default, especially if you've used the PIN consistently. But it's worth checking before trying more complex methods.

Reset Windows 11 from Recovery Options (Local Account or No Internet Access)

If you're using a local account (not a Microsoft account) or don't have internet access during login, you'll need to use recovery tools:

• Restart your computer and hold down the power button to force shut it down. Do this three times in a row — on the third time, Windows will boot into recovery mode.
• From there, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Repair , or try System Restore if available.
• Alternatively, if you have a recovery drive or installation media, you can use that to access repair tools.

This route is trickier and may not directly reset your PIN, but it opens up advanced tools that might help you regain access or reset the system.

Prevent This From Happening Again

Once you're back in, it's smart to set up some backup plans:

• Make sure your Microsoft account has updated recovery info — like a trusted phone number or alternate email.
• Consider enabling Windows Hello Face or Fingerprint , if supported, as an alternative sign-in method.
• Keep your recovery key for BitLocker somewhere safe if you use encryption.

It's also a good idea to occasionally test signing in with your full password, just to make sure it still works and that you haven't forgetten it too.

Basically, if you forget your Windows 11 PIN, your best bet is to use your Microsoft account. If that's not possible, recovery tools may help — though they're less direct. Either way, setting up fallback methods now can save you trouble later.

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