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15 October 2026  Jennifer Thatcher  Technology Manager of Test Dept.
Last update by William Davis at 16 October 2026

Summary
This guide explains how to delete the NGC folder via Command Prompt when you're locked out, by taking ownership, granting permissions, and renaming the directory. It covers both desktop and WinRE methods to resolve Windows Hello PIN corruption.



Table of contents

table iconDelete or rename the NGC folder when your Windows PIN is locked out
table iconUse Renee PassNow if you can’t get into Windows normally
table iconStep-by-step: Rename or delete the NGC folder in Command Prompt
table iconFAQ
Windows Hello PIN lockouts often follow a Windows update, hardware change, BIOS reset, or TPM mismatch. The same PIN that worked before may suddenly fail with messages like “PIN isn’t available” or “Something went wrong”. If you’re unable to sign in with your password, desktop-based fixes may seem out of reach.
Windows Hello PIN is no longer available error message
PIN something went wrong
The NGC folder stores local Windows Hello PIN data on both Windows 10 and 11. When it gets corrupted, deleting or renaming it lets Windows rebuild fresh PIN credentials. The biggest hurdles are taking ownership, granting permissions, and finding the correct drive letter in WinRE. All the commands you need are built into Windows, but they have to be entered exactly.

Delete or rename the NGC folder when your Windows PIN is locked out

What this fixes: Deleting or renaming the NGC folder resolves severe Windows Hello lockouts such as “PIN isn’t available,” “Something went wrong,” or endless sign-in loops caused by corrupted credential data after hardware, BIOS, or TPM changes.
Common causes and initial assessment:
Symptom Likely Cause

“PIN isn’t available” / “Wait 2 hours”

Corrupted NGC folder or TPM mismatch.

“Something went wrong” during PIN setup

Failed Windows update or broken Hello service.

“Access is denied” when trying to delete

Strict system ownership (LocalService/SYSTEM) blocking standard admin access.

Decision rule: Always rename the folder to NGC.old first, so you can roll back if needed. Delete it only if renaming fails.
Folder path: C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft\NGC
Note: Afterward, you’ll need your password to sign in. If you do not known the text password, you may need Renee PassNow to reset the password.
For the full command sequence, see the manual command steps.

Use Renee PassNow if you can’t get into Windows normally

If you cannot reach an admin desktop, open Command Prompt, or want an easier offline solution, Renee PassNow offers a straightforward recovery path. This bootable Windows recovery toolkit runs from a USB or CD/DVD and features PassNow!, BitLocker Manager, Data Transfer, and Undeleter.
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After loading into main interface, please select the “PassNow!” function.

Key capabilities include:

- PassNow!: Clears Windows 10/11 PINs and passwords without needing previous credentials.
- BitLocker Manager: Unlocks encrypted system drives using your BitLocker password or recovery key.
- Data Transfer and Undeleter: Back up or recover important files before making system changes.
Manual Command Prompt deletion is free, but it requires access to the desktop or WinRE and precise command syntax. Renee PassNow gives you a simpler, GUI-driven offline alternative if you can’t get that far. If your drive is encrypted, start with BitLocker Manager.
BitLocker Manager unlock drive interface
Pros:
  • Works from a bootable USB/CD even when Windows cannot start normally
  • Clears Windows 10/11 PINs and passwords without requiring prior credentials
  • Includes Data Transfer and Undeleter tools for safer recovery

Cons:

  • Requires a working computer to create bootable media
  • Basic edition does not support BitLocker features

Step-by-step: Rename or delete the NGC folder in Command Prompt

Manual Command Prompt deletion is a precise, built-in fix, but it only works if you can launch an elevated console from a working desktop or Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). You must know your local account password before starting, as the existing PIN will be permanently removed. If BitLocker is enabled, keep your recovery key ready.
Command Prompt for SFC scan
Pros:
  • Uses built-in Windows commands with no extra download
  • Creates a rollback point by renaming NGC to NGC.old first
  • Fixes corrupted Windows Hello PIN data at the source

Cons:

  • Requires careful command syntax and administrative access
  • Drive letters can shift in WinRE and confuse the path
  • BitLocker encryption must be unlocked before folder access

Make sure you know your account password before you start. Password sign-in is required after the PIN folder is removed.

1. Open elevated Command Prompt and navigate to the folder

To complete this step, you need to be able to sign in with another account. If you can’t sign in, skip to Step 2 or use the Renee PassNow graphical interface instead.
1. Press Win + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
Windows 11, run cmd as administrator
2. Run the following command to go to the parent directory of the NGC folder:

cd C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft

This puts you in the Microsoft folder; the NGC folder is inside.
ngc folder in Windows

2. WinRE / Offline path (If locked out of desktop)

If you can’t reach the desktop, start from the Windows Recovery Environment:
1. At the Windows 10 sign-in screen, hold Shift, click the power icon, and select Restart.
Shift + Restart to enter Windows Recovery
2. On the blue screen, choose Troubleshoot.
select troubleshoot in windows safe mode
3. Select Advanced options.
4. Choose Command Prompt.
If you’re still locked out and need to enter a password for the account in this step, go back to the Renee PassNow section for a bootable recovery solution.
command prompt
Drive letters often shift in WinRE. Use these commands to find the drive that contains the Windows folder:

dir C:
dir D:

If the drive is encrypted, unlock it first with your BitLocker recovery key.
BitLocker recovery key prompt
If BitLocker is enabled, unlock the system drive before making any changes to the NGC folder.
After you find the correct drive, adjust the cd command. For example, if Windows is on D:, use:

cd D:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft

Then repeat the ownership, permission, and rename/delete commands from Steps 3 and 4.

3. Take ownership and grant permissions

Take ownership of the NGC folder and everything inside it:

takeown /f NGC /r /d y

- /f NGC: Targets the NGC folder.
- /r: Recursively applies to all files and subfolders.
- /d y: Automatically answers “yes” to prompts.
Grant full control to the Administrators group:

icacls NGC /grant administrators:F /t

- /grant administrators:F: Gives full control to Administrators.
- /t: Applies changes to all subfolders and files.
These commands get around the usual “Access is denied” error. Always use the exact folder path.

4. Rename NGC first, then delete only if necessary

Recommended (safer): Rename the folder to keep a backup.

ren NGC NGC.old

Fallback (aggressive): Delete the folder only if renaming doesn’t work.

rd NGC /s /q

- /s: Removes all contents.
- /q: Quiet mode, no confirmation.

5. Restart and recreate your PIN

1. Restart your PC normally.
2. Sign in with your account password (not the PIN).
3. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
4. Select Windows Hello PIN and set up a new PIN. Windows will automatically recreate a fresh NGC folder.
Once your PIN is recreated, you can use your device as usual. If you run into further issues, see the next section for verification and troubleshooting.
Windows 11 Settings sign-in options page showing Windows Hello and PIN settings

FAQ

Is it safe to delete the NGC folder, and what breaks if I do?

Yes, deleting or renaming the NGC folder only removes local Windows Hello PIN data. Your password, files, and installed apps stay intact. Afterward, Windows may require password sign-in until you create a new PIN.

Should I rename NGC to NGC.old instead of deleting it?

Absolutely—renaming is safer. NGC.old lets you restore the original folder if needed. You can revert by removing the .old extension, as long as you still have ownership and permissions.

Where is the NGC folder in Windows Recovery Environment, and how do I find the right drive letter?

In WinRE, drive letters often shift. The NGC folder remains under \Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft\NGC, but the system drive may not be C:. Use dir commands to find the correct volume, then adjust your path.
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