- There are many different causes of the ‘Something happened and your pin isn’t available’ error message.
- If you’re trying to reset your password, it could mean that there’s something wrong with your Microsoft Account.
- Log into Windows 10 using your account password to sign in to your Microsoft account from another device.
- Log in to the administrator account and reset its password using the one-time code sent via SMS text messages.
Unlocking the Potential: Solving the PIN Unavailability Conundrum
Troubleshooting Methods for PIN Unavailability
If you’re encountering the “PIN isn’t available” error on your Windows PC, there are several troubleshooting methods you can try:
1. Restart your computer: This can help resolve temporary glitches or permission errors that may be causing the issue.
2. Reset your PIN: To do this, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, and click on “Windows Hello PIN.” Then, click on “I forgot my PIN” and follow the on-screen instructions to set up a new PIN.
3. Check for system file corruption: Use the System File Checker tool to scan and repair any corrupted system files that may be affecting the PIN login option. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command “sfc /scannow”.
4. Check Windows services: Make sure the PIN service is running properly. Open the Services window by pressing the Windows key + R, typing “services.msc”, and pressing Enter. Look for “Windows Hello PIN Service” and ensure it is set to “Automatic” and running.
If these troubleshooting fixes don’t resolve the issue, it’s recommended to reach out to Microsoft support for further assistance.
Resetting and Restoring Your PIN
If you’re experiencing the “PIN isn’t available” error on your Windows 11 PC, there are a few troubleshooting fixes you can try. First, restart your computer and click on the “I forgot my PIN” link on the login screen. This will guide you through the process of resetting your PIN.
If that doesn’t work, you can try resetting your PIN in Safe Mode. To do this, press and hold the power button on your computer until it shuts down. Then, press the power button again to turn it back on. As soon as you see the Windows logo, press and hold the power button again to force your computer to shut down. Repeat this process two more times, and then your computer will boot into Safe Mode.
Once in Safe Mode, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and click on “Add” under the PIN section. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new PIN.
If none of these troubleshooting recommendations work, you may need to contact Microsoft support for further assistance.
Alternative Sign-in Options for PIN Issues
- Open Settings by clicking on the Start menu and selecting the Settings gear icon.
- Click on Accounts to open the Accounts settings page.
- Select Sign-in options from the left-hand menu.
- Under PIN, click on the “Add” or “Change” button.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your PIN. This may involve verifying your identity through security questions, email, or phone.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes and check if the PIN issue is resolved.
Repair Method 2: Use Windows Hello
- Open Settings by clicking on the Start menu and selecting the Settings gear icon.
- Click on Accounts to open the Accounts settings page.
- Select Sign-in options from the left-hand menu.
- Under Windows Hello, click on the “Set up” button.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to set up Windows Hello using facial recognition, fingerprint, or a security key.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes and check if the PIN issue is resolved.
python
def unlock_device_without_pin():
attempts = 0
max_attempts = 3
while attempts < max_attempts: entered_pin = input("Enter your alternative security code: ") if verify_pin(entered_pin): unlock_device() return attempts += 1 print("Incorrect pin. Attempts remaining:", max_attempts - attempts) print("Maximum attempts reached. Please contact support for further assistance.") def verify_pin(entered_pin): # Here, you would have a logic to compare the entered_pin with the stored pin in a secure manner. # This code assumes a simple comparison with a hardcoded pin for simplicity. stored_pin = "1234" return entered_pin == stored_pin def unlock_device(): print("Device unlocked successfully.") # Example usage: unlock_device_without_pin()
In this code, we assume the user has an alternative security code that can be used when the original pin is not available. The `unlock_device_without_pin` function prompts the user to enter the alternative code, verifies it, and unlocks the device if it matches the stored code. The number of attempts is limited to three in this example.
Disabling Fastboot and Enabling TPM for PIN Errors
To fix the "PIN isn't available" error on your Windows 11 device, you can try disabling Fastboot and enabling TPM. These steps can help resolve any permission errors or system file corruption that may be causing the issue.
1. Disable Fastboot:
- Press the Windows key + X and select "Power Options".
- Click on "Choose what the power buttons do" on the left side.
- Click on "Change settings that are currently unavailable".
- Scroll down to the "Shutdown settings" section and uncheck "Turn on fast startup".
- Click "Save changes" to apply the settings.
2. Enable TPM:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type "tpm.msc" and press Enter.
- In the TPM Management console, click on "Turn on TPM" and follow the on-screen instructions.
Once you have disabled Fastboot and enabled TPM, restart your computer and check if the PIN login option is available on the lock screen. If the issue persists, you may need to troubleshoot further or consider resetting your PIN.
Windows Recovery Environment for PIN Troubleshooting
If you're experiencing issues with your PIN on Windows, the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) can help you troubleshoot and resolve the problem. Here are some steps to fix PIN unavailability:
1. Restart your computer and boot into the Windows Recovery Environment. You can do this by holding down the Shift key while selecting Restart from the power options menu on the login screen.
2. Once in WinRE, select Troubleshoot, then Advanced options.
3. Choose Command Prompt from the list of options.
4. In the Command Prompt window, type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
5. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Passport in the Registry Editor.
6. Look for a DWORD value named LockScreenCamera. If it exists, double-click on it and change the value to 0.
7. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
After following these steps, your PIN should be available again for use on the Windows login screen. If you continue to experience issues, consider resetting your PIN or seeking further assistance from Microsoft support.
Fixing PIN Issues through Account Password and Updates
If you're experiencing issues with your PIN and it's unavailable, you can try fixing it through your account password and updates. Here are some troubleshooting recommendations:
1. Reset your PIN: Go to the lock screen and click on "I forgot my PIN". Follow the instructions to reset your PIN using your Microsoft account password.
2. Update Windows: Make sure your Windows operating system is up to date. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click on "Check for updates". Install any available updates.
3. Check for PIN service malfunctions: Sometimes, PIN service malfunctions can cause issues. To check if this is the case, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and click on "Windows Hello PIN". If there are any error messages or the PIN isn't available, try the next step.
4. Remove PIN and set it up again: In the Sign-in options page, click on "Remove" under Windows Hello PIN. Then, click on "Add a PIN" and follow the instructions to set up a new PIN.
By following these steps, you should be able to fix PIN unavailability issues on your Windows device.
Mark Ginter is a tech blogger with a passion for all things gadgets and gizmos. A self-proclaimed "geek", Mark has been blogging about technology for over 15 years. His blog, techquack.com, covers a wide range of topics including new product releases, industry news, and tips and tricks for getting the most out of your devices. If you're looking for someone who can keep you up-to-date with all the latest tech news and developments, then be sure to follow him over at Microsoft.