Windows

Forgot Windows PIN or password: the safe options

Locked out of Windows? Safe ways to reset a forgotten PIN or password for Microsoft and local accounts, plus scams to avoid.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: 5-20 min
Steps: 6
Updated: 2026-10-19

Sounds like this?

Locked out at the sign-in screen
PIN not accepted
'The password is incorrect'
Forgot the password for a local account

Step by step

Check the basics: Caps Lock, Num Lock, and the keyboard language shown at the bottom right of the sign-in screen.
Click Sign-in options and try the other method (password instead of PIN, or vice versa).
If you sign in with a Microsoft account (an email address), click I forgot my PIN or I forgot my password and follow the code sent to your phone or email. You can also reset at account.live.com/password/reset from another device.
For a local account on Windows 10/11 with security questions set up, click Reset password after a wrong attempt and answer them.
If another admin account exists on the PC, sign in to it and go to Settings › Accounts › Other users to change the locked account's password.
Once back in, set up a PIN plus a second sign-in option, and save your BitLocker recovery key from aka.ms/myrecoverykey.

Related error codes & messages

Quick answers

When should I stop and get professional help with "Forgot Windows PIN or password: the safe options"?

Stop and get help if: It's a local account with no security questions and no other admin account. The PC asks for a BitLocker recovery key you can't find. It's a work or school PC. Contact that IT department instead. Boise Computer Care can diagnose it for a $60 fee; call 208-996-3508.

How long does this fix take and how hard is it?

Plan on 5-20 min. Difficulty: Easy.

Is it safe to try this myself?

Mostly, if you follow these precautions: Avoid 'password cracker' downloads and anyone who offers to unlock your PC remotely for a fee. Many are scams. Resetting a local account with no security questions may require resetting Windows, which erases data. Back up first if you can. Never share your Microsoft account recovery code with a caller.

Which error messages or codes does this guide cover?

The password is incorrect, Something went wrong and your PIN isn't available, 0x80090016.

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