How to Recover Your Forgotten Microsoft PIN: A Complete Guide for Windows 10/11 Users

If you’re a Windows 10/11 user, having a Microsoft PIN is essential for quick and secure access to your device. But what happens when you forget your PIN? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this chapter, we’ll not only guide you through quick and efficient methods to reset your forgotten Microsoft PIN, but also explain the difference between a PIN and a password. We’ll also discuss what to do if you forget your PIN and how Windows stores PIN passwords. So let’s dive in and discover everything you need to know about recovering your forgotten Microsoft PIN in Windows 10/11.

Understanding the Difference between Microsoft PIN and Password

A Microsoft PIN is a set of numbers that you choose yourself. It serves as a quick and secure way to sign in to your Windows 10/11 device. Even though Windows Hello offers biometric authentication options like face, iris, or fingerprint recognition, a PIN can be used as an alternative for users who prefer not to use or don’t have access to biometrics.

How Windows Stores PIN Passwords

Windows takes measures to securely store PIN passwords. When you set up a Microsoft PIN, it is stored within the device’s TPM chip, which is a part of the device’s hardware. The TPM chip ensures that the PIN is securely protected from potential attackers.

Since PIN may not possible to modify in the PC,  you can still sign in to your Windows 10/11 device by using your text password instead. This serves as a backup option to ensure you can always access your device, even if you can’t recall your PIN.

It’s important to note that the PIN you use to access your device is different from your Microsoft account password, which is used for other purposes such as signing in to your account online.

Method 1: Utilizing the Built-in PIN Reset Feature

In the previous topic, “Understanding the Difference between Microsoft PIN and Password”, we discussed how a Microsoft PIN is a secure and convenient way to log into your Windows 10 or 11 device. However, it is possible to forget your PIN, just like you might forget a password. In this chapter, we will dive into the first method to recover a forgotten Microsoft PIN by utilizing the built-in PIN reset feature in the Windows 10/11 lock screen.

When you forget your Microsoft PIN, the first thing you should try is resetting it using the built-in feature in the Windows lock screen.

Step 1: Access the Windows Lock Screen

The first step is to access the lock screen on your Windows device.

Step 2: Click on “I forgot my PIN“

On the lock screen, you will see the option “I forgot my PIN“. Click on it to start the PIN reset process.

Step 3: Enter your Microsoft Account Password

You will be prompted to enter your Microsoft account password to verify your identity. This is an important step to ensure the security of your account. Enter your password and click on “Sign in“.

Step 4: Set a New PIN

After verifying your identity, you will be prompted to set a new PIN for your account. Choose a PIN that is easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess. Avoid using simple or easily guessable PINs such as 1234 or your birthdate.

And that’s it! You have now successfully reset your forgotten Microsoft PIN and can use it to log into your Windows 10 or 11 device.

Method 2 : Switch to Text Password and Reset Forgotten Microsoft PIN with Renee PassNow

If you are unable to reset your forgotten Microsoft PIN using the secure questions method or if you simply prefer not to use this method, you can switch to a text password and use Renee PassNow to reset your PIN. Renee PassNow is a powerful and user-friendly software that can help you reset your Windows login password and PIN in just a few simple steps.

To reset your Windows password using Renee PassNow, follow these steps:

Step 1: Download and Install Renee PassNow
Start by downloading Renee PassNow from the official website and install it on a different computer that you can access. You can choose the appropriate version based on your computer’s operating system.

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB or CD/DVD
Launch Renee PassNow and insert a USB flash drive or blank CD/DVD into the computer. Select the option to create a bootable media. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Step 3: Boot the Locked Server from the Bootable Media
Insert the bootable USB or CD/DVD into the locked Windows computer. Restart the computer and enter the BIOS settings by pressing the appropriate key (usually F2 or Delete). Configure the boot order to prioritize the bootable media.

Common Server:

Common Computers:

Step 4: Select password reset function
After successfully booting from the bootable media, Renee PassNow will load. Select “PassNow!” function after booting from the new created Windows password reset disk.

Step 5: Resetting the Password
Choose the user account for which you want to reset the password. Then, click on the “Clear Password” button. Renee PassNow will remove or reset the password for the selected user account.

Step 6: Reboot the PC
Once the password is reset, remove the bootable media from the PC and restart the computer. You will now be able to log in to Windows Account without a password.

Step 7: After rebooting, you can login to your Windows account using the new text password that you just set. You should switch to input Login password.

Using Renee PassNow is a quick and efficient way to reset your forgotten Microsoft PIN in Windows 10/11. It also gives you the option to switch to a text password, which can be more convenient for some users. Remember to keep your password and PIN in a safe place to avoid forgetting them in the future.

Method 3 : Use Ophcrack to Recover Text Password for Windows

In the previous chapter, we discussed how to use Renee PassNow to reset a forgotten Microsoft PIN in Windows 10/11. However, if you prefer to get back password instead of resetting it, Ophcrack could be your best choice.

In this chapter, we will discuss how to switch to a text password and use a tool called Ophcrack to recover it if you have forgotten it.

Here are the steps to use Ophcrack:

Step 1: Download and Install Ophcrack
To use Ophcrack, you will first need to download and install it on another computer with internet access. Once installed, create a bootable USB or CD/DVD using Ophcrack to run it on your locked Windows 10 desktop.

Step 2: Choose and download the Correct Tables
Ophcrack requires rainbow tables to crack passwords. These tables contain precomputed hashes for a wide range of possible passwords. Select the appropriate tables according to the Windows version you are using. In this case, select the tables for Windows XP.

Step 3: Launch Ophcrack

Once you have prepared the bootable device, insert it into the ASUS laptop and restart the computer. As the laptop boots up, you will need to access the boot menu, which can typically be done by pressing a designated key (e.g., F2, F8, or F12) during the startup process. Select the bootable device from the menu, and the Ophcrack software will begin to load.

Step 4: Begin the Password Recovery Process
Once you have selected the correct tables, click on the “Load” button to load them into Ophcrack. Then, click on the “Crack” button to start the password recovery process. Ophcrack will begin analyzing the hashes and attempting to crack the password

Using a text password instead of a PIN can be a more secure option for some users, especially if you frequently forget your PIN or if you have difficulty entering it accurately. However, it is important to remember your text password and have a backup plan in case you forget it. With the help of Ophcrack, you can easily recover your forgotten text password and regain access to your Windows account.

Provide tips for creating a strong and memorable PIN.

Use a Combination of Numbers, Letters, and Symbols

A strong and memorable PIN for your Microsoft Windows system should include a combination of numbers, letters (both uppercase and lowercase), and symbols. This makes it harder for someone to guess or crack your PIN. Avoid using sequential or repetitive numbers or letters, such as “123456” or “aaaaaa“. Instead, incorporate a mix of characters for added security.

Avoid Using Personal Information

When creating a PIN, avoid using personal information that could be easily guessed or obtained by others, such as your birthdate, phone number, address, or any other identifiable information. Hackers often try to exploit personal details to guess PINs, so it’s important to choose something unrelated to your life.

Avoid Common PINs and Patterns

Common PINs and patterns, such as “0000” or “1234“, are incredibly easy for hackers to guess. It’s important to avoid using these obvious choices and opt for something more unique.

Consider Using a Phrase or Acronym

One way to create a strong and memorable PIN is to use a phrase or acronym. Choose a phrase that is meaningful to you, such as a favorite quote or a line from a song, and convert it into a series of numbers and symbols. For example, the phrase “I love to travel the world” can be transformed into “1L0v3T2TtW!”. This makes it easier for you to remember while still maintaining the necessary complexity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, recovering a forgotten Microsoft PIN in Windows 10/11 is a simple process with a few methods to choose from. Whether utilizing the built-in PIN reset feature, answering secure questions, or using third-party software like Renee PassNow or Ophcrack, it is important to remember to regularly update and securely store your Microsoft PIN to avoid future inconveniences. Additionally, understanding the difference between a Microsoft PIN and password and knowing the options for recovery can save you time and frustration in the future. Follow these methods to reset your forgotten Microsoft PIN and regain access to your Windows 10/11 device. Remember to always keep your PIN safe and secure to prevent any future complications.