Protecting your computer with a PIN or password is essential in ensuring your data is not leaked or compromised. However, some users may run into some errors while using this kind of protection. A few have complained about the error message – your PIN is no longer available on Windows 11.
If you have received this error message, we will show you how to fix it in this guide. The error may be triggered if the folder containing the PIN information is corrupted, a change to the device’s security settings, an issue with your user profile, or a hardware problem. Try these fixes.
Pre-solution: Log in With a Password
When your PIN is no longer available on Windows 11, you can no longer log in using that PIN. Before you try any troubleshooting, you should log into the computer with the password alternative.
To log in with a password, click Sign-in options on the sign-in screen, click on the password icon, enter your password, and then hit Enter.
If there is no sign-in option, proceed to solution 1.
1. Update Registry Keys
The Windows registry is a database of configurations. If you do not have the option to sign in with a password, you may add some registry values to fix the problem, as shown below.
Step 1: On the sign-in screen where the error is displayed, hold down the shift key, then click the power button on the far right, click Restart, and click Restart anyway.
Step 2: Click Troubleshoot, then click Advanced Options on the next screen.
Step 3: Next, click on Command Prompt.
Step 4: Type the script below and hit Enter.
regedit
Step 5: Click on HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
Step 6: Click the File menu and select Load Hive.
Step 7: Double-click Config, then click Software and click Open.
Step 8: If asked for a key name, input msoftware and hit OK.
Step 9: Now navigate the path below
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE / msoftware / Microsoft / Windows NT / CurrentVersion / PasswordLess / Device
Step 10: On the right pane, double-click DevicePasswordLessBuildVersion and change Value data to 0, then click OK.
Step 11: Close the Command prompt and all open registry Windows, then click Continue.
Step 12: Click Sign-in options, click on the password option, enter your password, and then hit Enter.
2. Change the PIN
Once you log in with a password, you should change your PIN. This is a valid fix when you get the error because the old PIN is corrupted. You may follow the steps below to reset your PIN.
Step 1: Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Click Accounts on the left pane, then on the right, click on Sign in options.
Step 3: Expand PIN Windows Hello, and click
Step 4: Follow the prompts from the wizard to complete the process.
3. Uninstall Any Recent Windows Updates
While updates are an essential way to keep your computer safe and adequately running, there are rare situations where an update triggers errors or bugs. Uninstalling the update will fix the problems. This may be the case when your PIN is no longer available on Windows 11.
Step 1: Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Click Windows Update on the left pane, then select Update history on the right.
Step 3: Scroll down and click Uninstall updates.
Step 4: Select the Uninstall button for your most recent update.
4. Clear Existing TPM Data
Windows 11 TPM is a security chip for data protection. It holds passwords, encrypted keys, and other sensitive information. If it is corrupted or damaged, you may get the error – your PIN is no longer available on Windows 11. Reset it following the steps below.
Step 1: Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Click System on the left, then on the right, click Recovery.
Step 3: Click the Restart now option under Advanced startup.
Step 4: Click the Troubleshoot option.
Step 5: Select Advanced options on the Troubleshoot screen.
Step 6: Click on UEFI Firmware Settings, then click Restart, and the devices will boot into the UEFI firmware settings.
Step 7: Now navigate to the security tab and select the option to clear the TPM data. Note that the very process will differ by manufacturer.
Step 8: Restart the computer, and you should be able to reset your PIN.
5. Delete Your NGC Folder
This is a Windows 11 folder that keeps sensitive data relating to login options. When this folder is damaged, you may expect login errors, like your PIN is no longer available on Windows 11. You should delete the folder to fix the issue, as Windows will be forced to recreate it.
Step 1: Press the Power button, then as soon as Windows starts coming up, press and hold the Power button till the computer shuts down. Repeat the process three times so Windows can boot into Startup Repair, then select Advanced options.
Step 2: Click the Troubleshoot option.
Step 3: Select Advanced options on the Troubleshoot screen.
Step 4: Click Startup Settings.
Step 5: Click the Restart button
Step 6: Finally, press F4 or F5 to boot into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with networking.
Step 7: Press Windows + E to launch File Explorer.
Step 8: Click View, Show, then Hidden items.
Step 9: Navigate to the path below:
C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft
Step 10: Locate and delete the NGC file, then restart the computer. You will not be asked for a PIN; you can create one after signing in.
6. Reset Your System’s BIOS
Any inaccurate or corrupted settings will be reset when you restore them to their original values. Sometimes, these bad settings may trigger your PIN is no longer available on Windows 11. The steps are listed below.
Step 1: Restart your computer and start tapping the BIOS key when you see the manufacturer’s logo. The BIOS key is usually one of the function keys, and you may verify with your manufacturer.
Step 2: Navigate to the Security tab and select Restore Security settings to factory defaults using the arrow keys.
Step 3: You may want to read the description before entering a passcode and hitting Enter.
Step 4: Save the changes and exit the BIOS.
Step 5: Re-enter your BIOS and verify Secure Boot is no longer greyed out.
7. Reset the PC
After trying all other options, resetting Windows 11 should only be used as a last resort because you risk losing essential data on your machine. After a reset, the operating system will be reinstalled, and any bugs responsible for the error – your PIN is no longer available on Windows 11 will be fixed.
Step 1: Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Scroll down the right pane and select Recovery.
Step 3: Click the Reset PC button.
Step 4: Select the Keep my files option.
Step 5: Click Cloud download. This option will ensure you reinstall a new copy of the operating system, which may be the better choice if the version currently on your computer is faulty.
Step 6: Follow the wizard to complete the reset. Note that this will take a while, and your computer will restart several times.
FAQ
1. Why is my PIN no longer available on Windows 11?
The problem may also be brought on by elements such as flawed Windows security upgrades, incompatible PIN data in the NGC folder, and faulty system files.
2. Is Windows 11 PIN the same as password?
No, the PIN and the password are different things. While the former is a short numerical code, the latter is an alphanumeric longer code.
Closing Thoughts
Problems with your PIN can be frustrating since they make it impossible to access your computer normally. However, you may circumvent this problem using the solutions suggested in this guide. If you have additional questions, please reach out in the comments below.
On A Windows 10 system, you may follow a few easy steps if the PIN is disabled.