A PIN is an additional security feature available in Windows 10 and Windows 8.1 to protect your user account and all the sensitive data inside it. When enabled, it can be entered instead of the password. Unlike a password, a PIN does not require the user to even press the Enter key and it can be a short 4 digit number. Once you enter the correct PIN, you will be signed in to your Windows 10 account immediately. If you need to change your PIN, here is how it can be done in Windows 10.
The main difference between a PIN and a password is the device on which they can be used.
- While you can use your password to sign in to your Microsoft account from any device and any network, a PIN can only be used with one device where you created it. Think of it as a password for a local (non-Microsoft) account.
- When you are signing in with a password on a device which is online, it is transmitted to Microsoft's servers for verification. A PIN won't be sent anywhere and truly acts like a local password stored on your PC.
- If your device comes with a TPM module, the PIN will be protected and encrypted additionally thanks to the TPM hardware support. For example, it will protect against PIN brute-force attacks. After too many incorrect guesses, the device will become locked.
However, a PIN does not replace the password. To set up a PIN, it is necessary to have a password set for your user account.
Note: if you need to start the computer in Safe Mode, the PIN does not work. Keep this in mind.
To change a PIN for a User Account in Windows 10, do the following.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Accounts\Sign-in options.
- On the right side, click the Change button under the PIN section. See the following screenshot:
- In the next dialog, you can change your PIN. Enter your old PIN and specify a new one when prompted:
That's it. Now see how to Reset PIN For a User Account in Windows 10.
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What concerns me is the possibility the device is stolen, and then it gets locked from someone trying to get in via the PIN: suppose I get the computer back, and it’s now locked … what then ? Yes, an unlikely scenario !
thanks, Bill
I don’t have the option to change the PIN. I’ve in an “standard” account, not the administrator.
One of the kids figured out the PIN and I need to change it.
When I go to the settings and then sign-in options, there is nothing that shows how to change the PIN