If you’re using Windows 10 on your PC you may not know you have the ability to add a PIN to simplify authentication on your computer. A PIN is a minimum 4 digit code that allows you to authenticate your account in Windows. It can be used in place of the standard Windows account password you’re likely already familiar with, so you can sign into the computer with it or use it with other Windows related services when you need to provide your account credentials.
This post will cover how to add and manage a PIN for your Windows account.
- While logged in, open the Start Menu and click the gear icon to open Settings
- Find the Accounts section inside the Settings window and click on it
- Click on the Sign-in options section on the left-hand side of the window
- Locate the Windows Hello PIN button in the main window and click on it
- Click the Add button
- Enter your current account password and click OK
- Enter the PIN you would like to use for the account (it should be minimum 4 numbers long, you can allow letters and symbols by clicking the Include letters and symbols checkbox as well). Click OK when you’ve entered it in both fields
The PIN should be set and active now. If you ever need to remove or change it, you can return to the Accounts > Sign-in options > Windows Hello PIN section to do so.
Click an image to enlarge it
Note: You will be prompted for your new PIN first now instead of the standard account password. If you ever forget the PIN or it isn’t working for you you should also have the option to use the regular password as a backup. For example on the login screen, you would click Sign-in options then click the Key icon to switch to use your regular password.
Using your password instead of the PIN to log in
That should be everything you need in order to add and start using a PIN in Windows 10. If we missed anything or you have any questions, please contact us!
