Fix "Your PIN Is No Longer Available" Windows 11 & 10

byKona -
0

How to Fix "Your PIN Is No Longer Available" on Windows 11 & Windows 10 (12 Proven Fixes)

Are you unable to sign in to your Windows computer because of the error:

"Your PIN is no longer available due to a change to the security settings on this device. Click to set up your PIN again."

Windows 11 login screen showing Your PIN is no longer available error

 This Windows Hello PIN problem can appear suddenly after a Windows update, Microsoft account change, security setting modification, or system corruption.

The good news is that you usually do not need to reinstall Windows. In this guide, we will show you 12 proven ways to fix "Your PIN is no longer available" on Windows 11 and Windows 10..

⚠ IMPORTANT: ADMINISTRATOR ACCESS REQUIRED

You must be signed in with an administrator account to complete this fix.

This method requires deleting Windows Hello PIN data from the NGC folder and running administrator commands.

If you do not have administrator permission, use another fix in this guide first.

Table of Contents

What Does "Your PIN Is No Longer Available" Mean?

Windows Hello PIN is a security feature in Windows 10 and Windows 11 that allows you to sign in without entering your Microsoft account password every time.

Unlike a password, your Windows Hello, the PIN is:

  • Stored securely on your device
  • Protected by the TPM security chip
  • Connected to your Windows user account
  • Used only on your specific computer

When Windows detects that your PIN security information has changed or become corrupted, it disables the PIN and displays the error:

Your PIN is no longer available.

This security feature prevents unauthorized access to your computer.

Common Causes of "Your PIN Is No Longer Available" Error

1. Windows Update Problems

Major Windows updates can sometimes change security settings and affect Windows Hello authentication.

2. Corrupted Windows Hello PIN Files

Windows stores PIN information inside the NGC folder. If these files become damaged, Windows cannot verify your PIN.

3. Microsoft Account Changes

Changing your Microsoft account password or security settings can require Windows Hello to be configured again.

4. TPM Security Issues

Windows Hello uses the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip to protect your login credentials.

Problems may occur after:

  • BIOS updates
  • TPM configuration changes
  • Firmware updates

5. Corrupted Windows User Profile

A damaged user profile can prevent Windows from loading Windows Hello authentication correctly.

Before You Start

Before trying advanced troubleshooting methods, complete these simple checks.

Check Your Internet Connection

Some Windows Hello repairs require Microsoft account verification. Make sure your computer is connected to:

  • Wi-Fi
  • Ethernet connection
  • Mobile hotspot

Try Your Microsoft Account Password

If your PIN does not work, use your password to sign in.

  1. Click Sign-in options on the login screen.
  2. Select the Password icon.
  3. Enter your Microsoft account password.

Disconnect External Devices

Remove unnecessary devices before troubleshooting:

  • USB drives
  • External hard drives
  • USB hubs
  • Printers

Fix 1: Restart Your Computer

A simple restart can fix temporary Windows Hello authentication problems.

Windows services, security components, or TPM communication may fail temporarily after updates.

Steps:

  1. Click the Power icon on the login screen.
  2. Select Restart.
  3. Wait until Windows starts completely.
  4. Try entering your PIN again.

If the error remains, continue with the next solution.

Fix 2: Sign In With Your Password and Reset Your PIN

This is the easiest and most recommended solution.

After signing in with your password, you can remove the old PIN and create a new one.

Windows Settings showing Windows Hello PIN reset option


Steps:

  1. Click Sign-in options.
  2. Select the Password icon.
  3. Enter your Microsoft account password.
  4. Open:
Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options

For Windows 11: 

Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options → PIN (Windows Hello)

For Windows 10: 

Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options → Windows Hello, PIN.
  1. Select "I forgot my PIN" or "Remove."
  2. Create a new Windows Hello PIN.
  3. Restart your computer.

Fix 3: Set Up Your PIN Again From the Login Screen

Windows may disable your PIN while keeping your account information safe. The Set up my PIN option allows Windows to create a new PIN.

Steps:

  1. On the login screen, click Set up my PIN.
  2. Verify your Microsoft account password.
  3. Complete security verification if requested.
  4. Create a new PIN.
  5. Restart your computer.

If Windows shows an error while setting up your PIN:

  • Check your internet connection.
  • Confirm your Microsoft account password.
  • Restart your PC and try again.

    Fix 4: Remove and Recreate Windows Hello PIN.

    If your existing Windows Hello PIN data is corrupted, removing the old PIN and creating a new one can solve the "Your PIN is no longer available" error.

    This process removes only your Windows Hello PIN. It does not delete your personal files.

    Windows Hello PIN reset option in Windows 11 Settings


    Windows 11 Steps:

    1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
    2. Go to:
    Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options
    1. Expand PIN (Windows Hello).
    2. Click Remove.
    3. Enter your account password.
    4. Restart your computer.
    5. Return to:
    Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options
    1. Click Set up under PIN (Windows Hello).
    2. Create a new PIN.

    Windows 10 Steps:

    1. Open:
    Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options
    1. Select Windows Hello PIN.
    2. Click Remove.
    3. Restart your PC.
    4. Create a new PIN.

    Why This Fix Works

    The Windows Hello PIN is separate from your Microsoft account password. Removing and recreating the PIN forces Windows to:

    • Delete old authentication information
    • Create new security keys
    • Reconnect Windows Hello with your account

    .

    Fix 5: Delete the NGC Folder (Most Effective Fix)

    The NGC folder contains Windows Hello PIN security information. If this folder becomes corrupted, Windows cannot verify your PIN and displays the following:

    Deleting Windows Hello NGC folder to fix PIN unavailable error


    Your PIN is no longer available.

    Deleting the NGC folder forces Windows to rebuild Windows Hello authentication files.

    ⚠ IMPORTANT: ADMINISTRATOR ACCESS REQUIRED

    You must be signed in with an administrator account to complete this fix.

    This method requires deleting Windows Hello PIN data from the NGC folder and running administrator commands.

    If you do not have administrator permission, use another fix in this guide first.

    Step 1: Open File Explorer

    Press: 

    Windows key + E

    Navigate to: 

    C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft

    Step 2: Take Ownership of the NGC Folder

    1. Find the folder named:
    Ngc
    1. Right-click the folder and select Properties.
    2. Open:
    Security → Advanced
    1. Click Change next to Owner.
    2. Enter your administrator username.
    3. Select Check Names.
    4. Click OK.
    5. Enable:
    Replace owner on subcontainers and objects
    1. Click Apply → OK.

    ⚠ BEFORE DELETING THE NGC FOLDER

    • Your Windows Hello PIN will be removed.
    • Your documents, photos, videos, and personal files will NOT be deleted.
    • Your installed programs will NOT be removed.
    • You must create a new PIN after restarting your PC.

    Step 3: Delete the NGC Folder

    1. Right-click the Ngc folder.
    2. Select Delete.
    3. Confirm the deletion.

    Step 4: Create a New PIN

    1. Restart your computer.
    2. Open:
    Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options
    1. Select:
    PIN (Windows Hello)
    1. Click Set up.
    2. Create a new PIN.

    Alternative Method: Delete NGC Folder Using Command Prompt

    If Windows does not allow you to delete the folder manually, use Command Prompt as Administrator.

    Take ownership:

    takeown /f C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Ngc /r /d y

    Grant administrator permission:

    icacls C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Ngc /grant administrators:F /t

    Delete the NGC folder:

    rd /s /q C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Ngc

    Restart your PC and create a new Windows Hello PIN.

    .

    Fix 6: Enable IPsec Policy Agent Service

    The IPsec Policy Agent service manages security policies used by Windows authentication features.

    If this service is disabled or not running, Windows Hello PIN setup may fail.

    Steps:

    1. Press:
    Windows key + R
    1. Type:
    services.msc
    1. Press Enter.
    2. Find:
    IPsec Policy Agent
    1. Double-click the service.
    2. Set:
    Startup type: Automatic
    1. Click Start if the service is stopped.
    2. Click:
    Apply → OK
    1. Restart your computer.

    Check Related Services

    Service Recommended Setting
    Credential Manager Manual
    Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant Manual
    Cryptographic Services Automatic
    Windows Biometric Service Manual

    .

    Fix 7: Run System File Checker (SFC) to Repair Corrupted Windows Files

    Corrupted Windows system files can prevent Windows Hello from working correctly. The built-in System File Checker (SFC) tool scans protected Windows files and replaces damaged files automatically.

    This method is useful if the PIN problem started after:

    • Windows updates
    • System crashes
    • Sudden power loss
    • Failed software installation

    Steps to Run an SFC Scan

    1. Press:
    Windows key + S
    1. Search for:
    Command Prompt
    1. Right-click Command Prompt.
    2. Select:
    Run as administrator

    Run the SFC Command

    Type the following command: 

    sfc /scannow

    Press Enter and wait until the scan reaches 100%.

    SFC Scan Results

    If you see:

    Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.

    Your system files are healthy.

    If you see:

    Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.

    Restart your computer and test your PIN.

    If SFC cannot repair files:

    Continue with the DISM repair tool below.

    .

    run-sfc-scannow-windows-11-command-prompt.jpg

    Fix 8: Use DISM Repair Tool to Fix Windows Components

    The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool repairs the Windows component store used by SFC.

    Use DISM when Windows system files are too damaged for SFC to repair.

    Steps to Run DISM Commands

    Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

    Step 1: Check Windows Image Health

    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

    Step 2: Scan Windows Image

    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

    Step 3: Repair Windows Image

    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

    After DISM completes, run SFC again: 

    sfc /scannow

    Restart your computer and check whether Windows Hello PIN works.

    .

    Running DISM RestoreHealth command in Windows Command Prompt

    Fix 9: Run Windows Startup Repair

    If you cannot sign in to Windows at all, Startup Repair can fix problems related to Windows startup and system files.

    Access Startup Repair From Login Screen

    1. Hold the Shift key.
    2. Click:
    Power → Restart
    1. Select:
    Troubleshoot → Advanced options
    1. Select:
    Startup Repair
  • Select your account and enter your password.
  • Wait for Windows to complete the repair.

    • Access Automatic Repair Manually

    1. Turn on your computer.
    2. When the Windows logo appears, hold the power button to turn it off.
    3. Repeat this process 2–3 times.
    4. Windows will enter Recovery Mode.
    5. Select:
    Advanced options → Startup Repair

    .

    Windows Recovery Environment showing Startup Repair option

    Fix 10: Use System Restore

    If the PIN error appeared recently, System Restore can return Windows to an earlier working condition.

    System Restore does not delete personal files.

    It can remove:

    • Problematic updates
    • Recent drivers
    • Incorrect system changes

    Steps:

    1. Open Windows Recovery Environment.
    2. Select:
    Troubleshoot → Advanced options
    1. Select:
    System Restore
    1. Choose a restore point created before the PIN problem started.
    2. Click Finish.

    Fix 11: Create a New Windows User Account

    A damaged Windows user profile can prevent Windows Hello from working correctly.

    Creating a new account helps determine whether the issue is related to your profile.

    Create a New Account in Windows 11

    1. Open:
    Settings → Accounts → Other users
    1. Click Add account.
    2. Select:
    I don't have this person's sign-in information
    1. Select:
    Add a user without a Microsoft account
    1. Create the account.
    2. Change account type to Administrator.

    Sign in with the new account and create a Windows Hello PIN.

    Fix 12: Reset Windows PC (Last Option)

    If none of the previous solutions work, resetting Windows can repair serious Windows Hello problems.

    ⚠ WARNING: RESETTING WINDOWS IS THE LAST OPTION

    Backup your important files before resetting Windows.

    • Save documents and photos
    • Backup browser bookmarks
    • Confirm your Microsoft account password

    Reset Windows 11

    Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC

    Reset Windows 10

    Settings → Update & Security → Recovery → Reset this PC

    Choose an Option

    Keep my files:

    • Keeps personal files
    • Removes apps and settings

    Remove everything:

    • Deletes all files
    • Performs a complete Windows reset

    Windows 11 Reset this PC recovery option

    .

    How to Prevent "Your PIN Is No Longer Available" Error

    After fixing the Windows Hello PIN problem, follow these tips to prevent it from happening again.

    1. Keep Windows Updated

    Regular Windows updates improve security, compatibility, and Windows Hello reliability.

    Check for updates:

    Windows 11:

    Settings → Windows Update

    Windows 10:

    Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update

    2. Do Not Disable Windows Security Services

    Windows Hello depends on important Windows services. Avoid disabling these services:

    • Credential Manager
    • Cryptographic Services
    • Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant
    • Windows Biometric Service

    3. Keep Your Microsoft Account Secure

    Make sure your Microsoft account recovery information is updated.

    • Use a strong password
    • Enable two-step verification
    • Keep recovery email information updated

    4. Create Restore Points Before Major Changes

    Create a restore point before:

    • Installing new drivers
    • Changing Windows settings
    • Installing system utilities

    5. Avoid Untrusted Windows Optimization Tools

    Some third-party "PC optimizer" tools disable Windows services or modify security settings, which can cause Windows Hello problems.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    1. Why does Windows say "Your PIN is no longer available"?

    Windows displays this message when Windows Hello PIN data becomes corrupted or security settings change. Common causes include Windows updates, TPM problems, Microsoft account changes, and damaged PIN files.

    2. Can I fix "Your PIN is no longer available" without losing files?

    Yes. Most solutions, including resetting the PIN, deleting Windows Hello data, and repairing Windows system files, do not delete personal files.

    3. Why is my Windows PIN not working after an update?

    Windows updates can sometimes change security settings or affect TPM communication. Resetting Windows Hello PIN usually fixes this issue.

    4. What is the NGC folder in Windows?

    The NGC folder stores Windows Hello authentication information. If this folder becomes corrupted, Windows may show the "Your PIN is no longer available" error.

    5. Will deleting the NGC folder delete my files?

    No. The NGC folder only contains Windows Hello PIN information. Your documents, photos, videos, and installed programs remain safe.

    6. Can I log in without a Windows PIN?

    Yes. You can use your Microsoft account password by selecting the following:

    Sign-in options → Password

    7. How do I reset my Windows 11 PIN?

    Go to: 

    Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options → PIN (Windows Hello)

    Select I forgot my PIN and follow the instructions.

    8. Does resetting Windows fix PIN problems?

    Yes. Resetting Windows can fix serious Windows Hello issues, but it should only be used as a last option.

    Related Windows Troubleshooting Articles

    Conclusion

    The "Your PIN is no longer available" error in Windows 11 and Windows 10 can prevent you from signing in, but it is usually easy to fix.

    Start with simple solutions such as restarting your computer, signing in with your password, and recreating your Windows Hello PIN.

    If those methods fail, advanced fixes such as deleting the NGC folder, running SFC and DISM commands, using Startup Repair, or resetting Windows can restore PIN functionality. 

    Tags

    You may like these posts

    Post a Comment

    Previous Post Next Post