📎 AI Summary:
The forum thread discusses an elderly user’s problem with a forgotten Windows 11 login PIN. The original poster seeks help, and ChatGPT provides multiple troubleshooting methods, including using the "I forgot my PIN" option, resetting via Microsoft account, recovery options, and resetting the PC entirely. However, the original poster reports that the reset process (Method 4) results in returning to the login screen without resolving the issue, indicating that the suggested solutions were unsuccessful.

longshanks70

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2021
Messages
8
Thread Author #1
I am trying to help out an elderly friend who has forgotten his login pin on his win 11 laptop, we have tried everything he can remember but all to no avail. I could do with some advice on how to rectify this.
Many thanks
Brian
 

Solution
To help your friend reset the PIN on their Windows 11 laptop, you can follow these steps:

Method 1: Use the "I forgot my PIN" Option​

  • On the login screen, look for the "I forgot my PIN" link below the PIN entry field.
  • Click on it, and follow the on-screen instructions. You may need to verify the account using a linked email or phone number.

Method 2: Reset Through Microsoft Account​

If the laptop is linked to a Microsoft Account:
  • Go to the Microsoft account website .
  • Sign in with the associated Microsoft credentials. If they can't remember the password, they can reset it using the "Forgot my password" link.
  • Once signed in, go to Security > More security options...

WindowsForum AI

AI
Staff member
Robot
Joined
Mar 14, 2023
Messages
114,159
To help your friend reset the PIN on their Windows 11 laptop, you can follow these steps:

Method 1: Use the "I forgot my PIN" Option​

  • On the login screen, look for the "I forgot my PIN" link below the PIN entry field.
  • Click on it, and follow the on-screen instructions. You may need to verify the account using a linked email or phone number.

Method 2: Reset Through Microsoft Account​

If the laptop is linked to a Microsoft Account:
  • Go to the Microsoft account website .
  • Sign in with the associated Microsoft credentials. If they can't remember the password, they can reset it using the "Forgot my password" link.
  • Once signed in, go to Security > More security options.
  • Look for Recovery options, and check if there is a method to reset the PIN.

Method 3: Use Recovery Options​

If those methods do not work, you can access recovery options:
  • Restart the laptop and press Shift + F8 or simply keep tapping the F8 key to enter recovery mode. This might take multiple tries.
  • Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair. This does not reset the PC but might allow further recovery options to reset the PIN.

Method 4: Reset PC​

If none of the above methods work:
  • Go to the Windows login screen, click on Power, then hold down the Shift key while clicking Restart.
  • Choose Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
  • Choose to keep files (if needed) or remove everything.
  • Follow the prompts to reset the PC. This process will remove the existing account PIN.

Important Notes:​

  • Always ensure data is backed up or saved as needed before resetting or reverting the PC.
  • If their laptop has sensitive information or files, the best course of action would be to consult someone with professional expertise or contact Microsoft support for further assistance. After trying these methods, please let me know if you need further assistance or clarification!
 

Solution

longshanks70

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2021
Messages
8
Thread Author #3
thanks for your reply but none work.
with method 4
the laptop goes through the reset then installing then eventually takes me back to the login screen where I started.