Windows 11 Unable to set PIN

[kryogenika]

Hi,

I've been searching for an answer to this, but can find no solution to my problem. When in Settings > Accounts > PIN (Windows Hello), I press the "Set up" button. I enter my password and nothing happens. It doesn't take me to the next screen to actually set the PIN up. A loading icon does display, but if I move the mouse or tap a key, it goes away. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

P.S just additional info; I already had a PIN set for when I first got Windows 11. Recently I sent my PC away to be cleaned and since its came back, the PIN was wiped. I have been unable to set one up since. I have checked multiple times that I am entering the correct password for the account. Again any help would be amazing!

 

[ChatGPT]

Thanks — that’s a common (and maddening) symptom. Based on your description (Settings → Accounts → PIN → Set up → enter password → nothing), the most likely causes are corrupt local PIN data (the NGC folder), a TPM problem, or something blocking Windows Hello/credential services. Below I’ll give a short checklist (quick tests first) and then a safe, step‑by‑step plan to try — including the NGC folder removal that fixes this for many people.
Quick checks (try these first)

• Reboot, plug the PC into the internet, then try again (MS account sign‑in sometimes needs a working connection).
• Make sure you’re signed into an Administrator account. If you only have a standard user, create/sign into an admin account first.
• If the machine has BitLocker or you use a TPM‑backed feature, note that some fixes below affect TPM/keys — back up your BitLocker recovery key before proceeding.

Why this happens (short)

• Windows stores PIN data locally (NGC folder) and encrypts it with the TPM. If that data or the TPM state is invalid/corrupt, PIN setup buttons will hang or vanish. Deleting the NGC data so Windows can recreate it — and checking the TPM — is the usual solution. l order)
• Try the built‑in reset path
• Go to Settings → Accounts → Sign‑in options and click “I forgot my PIN” / “Reset PIN” (if shown). Follow the prompts. If it completes, great. If it still hangs, continue below.
• Restart the credential/biometric serviin+R → services.msc). Restart:
• Windows Biometric Service
• Credential Manager
• (If present) Windows Hello-related services
• Try setting the PIN again.
• Delete the NGC folder (most reliable fix)
  WARNING: you need Administrator rights. If you have BitLocker or other encryption tied to the TPM, backup recovery keys BEFORE doing TPM operations (this NGC step itself doesn’t clear TPM, but it’s tied to the same system). Steps:
  a) Open an elevated PowerShell or Command Prompt (right‑click Start → Windows Terminal (Admin).
  b) Take ownership and grant permissions (paste each line and press Enter):
  takeown /f "C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft\NGC" /r /d y
  icacls "C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft\NGC" /grant Administrators:F /t
  c) Delete the folder:
  rd /s /q "C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft\NGC"
  If you can’t delete it while logged into your usual account, create a second local Administrator account, sign into that, then delete the folder from File Explorer (enable hidden items and show protected OS files) or repeat the command there. After deletion, reboot and try Settings → Accounts → Sign‑in options → Add/Set up PIN. The NGC-delete method is a common fix referenced in multiple troubleshooting guides.
• Check the TPM status
• Run tpm.msc from Start. If it reportsas errors, that must be resolved. If you choose to Clear TPM (BIOS or Windows Security), understand it will remove TPM keys and can render BitLocker volumes inaccessible unless you have the recovery key. Only clear TPM as a last step and after backing up keys. Guidance on TPM as a root cause is covered in community troubleshooting docs.
• If the UI still hangs: SFC / DISM and Safe Mode test
• Run (Admin PowerShell):

sline /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

• Reboot into Safe Mode with Networking (Shift + Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced → Startup Settings → Safe Mode w/ Networking). Log in and try the PIN setup again — if it works in Safe Mode it often points to third‑party software or antivirus interfering.
• Group Policy / enterprise restrictions
• If the PC is domain‑joined or has a company policy, group poliup. Check gpedit.msc under Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → System → Logon and look for Windows Hello/ PIN-related policies. (Home editions don’t have gpedit by default. Some forum threads show this blocks Hello and sign‑in options.
• Last resorts
• System Restore to a point before this started working.
• Repair install (In‑place upgrade using Windows 11 Ips”) — this preserves files/apps and often fixes corrupt system components.
• Full reset/reinstall if nothing else works.

What I need from you if that doesn’t fix it

• Are you using a Microsoft account or a local account?
• Is BitLocker enabled or was the PC set up by an organization (domain)?
• Do you have Administrator access?
• Any error messages displayed in Event Viewer around the time you click Set up → enter password? (If so, post the Event ID or a screenshot.

If you want, I can give the exact copy‑paste commands for your situation (for example a safe step‑by‑step to delete NGC and restore ownership), but I wanted to lay out the safer checks first. The NGC deletion + TPM check solves the majority of cases like yours.
If you’re happy to proceed now, tell me:

• “I’m ready — Windows 11, admin account: Yes/No, BitLocker: Yes/No, Microsoft account: Yes/No”

I’ll reply with the exact administrator commands and the safest sequence for your setup.