How to change your PIN on Windows 11

2 min read · 4 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

The PIN unlocks only this PC. It is separate from your Microsoft account password, so changing one does not change the other.

These steps are for Windows 11. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the Settings window, not screenshots, so colours and spacing on your PC look a little different.

Step by step

1. Open Settings and click Accounts

   Press Windows + I and click Accounts on the left.

   Done

2. Click Sign-in options

   The ways to sign in are listed.

   Done

3. Click PIN (Windows Hello), then Change PIN

   The row opens when you click it.

   Done

4. Enter the old PIN and the new one

   Type the current PIN, then the new PIN twice, and click OK. Tick "Include letters and symbols" if you want more than digits.

   Done

Good to know

Forgotten PIN while signed in: click "I forgot my PIN" on the same page. You confirm with your Microsoft account password and set a new PIN.

Forgotten PIN at the sign-in screen: with a Microsoft account, click "I forgot my PIN" below the PIN box. With a local account that link is not offered. Sign in with your password instead and change the PIN in Settings.

Avoid simple patterns such as 1234 or your birth year.

In short: Settings, Accounts, Sign-in options, PIN (Windows Hello), Change PIN.