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Can’t Set up Pin on Windows 10: Why & How to Fix

Your third-party antivirus might be the cause of this issue

7 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

PINsign-inis a convenient way tolog into your computer through a four-digit code that is easy to remember and use as the primarysign-inoption on your Windows computer.

However, there are times when Windows 10 won’t let you add a PIN, or it is just not working anymore, as this user reports:

For the past few days, theloginwith PIN on Windows 10 Pro is not available anymore on my laptop. On the sign-in options screen I can only add a PIN but not remove or change it.When try to add a PIN after Password confirmation it asks to confirm my identity with a PIN and then nothing happens anymore. […]If I instead enter a PIN select forget PIN it only open the dialog to go to sign-in option screen to reset my PIN.

Similar situations include:

If one of these issues applies to your case, you can try the solutions listed below to resolve it.

What can I do if Windows won’t let me add a PIN?

1. Set up PIN log in

2. Alter Permissions

Check if you can add a PIN after following these steps.

3. Disable or change your security software

Sometimes Windows 10 won’t let you add a PIN when your security software (antivirus orfirewall) is blocking the powershell.exe after a Windows update.

Allow the program/unblock it via your antivirus program setting, and see if you can go straight to your account settings and add a PIN.

Not every security software behaves restrictively, though. While most such programs are designed to have minimal impact, some are more successful than others.

One such software is the ever-reliableESET NOD32antivirus. ESET NOD32 is a top-notch tool that offers complete online and offline security without messing with your PC.

It employs uses the latest technology to dig out the most stubborn virus on your PC. What’s more, this software can detect even the most hidden virus before it can harm your PC.

If you are looking for a lightweight antivirus that takes a no-nonsense stand against viruses without affecting your activities, you should give ESET NOD32 a try.

4. Reset ACLs on NGC folder

5. Use a local account

For computers connected to a Domain, contact your Network Administrator. There might be an issue with Kerberos authentication, orthe version of Windows Serveris not compatible.

Restart your computer a few times to see if you canlog in. There might be a small delay also, so wait a few seconds, then try again. Use the preview button to make sure you entered the right characters.

7. Clear TPM

8. Run an SFC scan

The result should show one of these three things:

9. Run the DISM tool

These commands will scan for missing components, check for missing or broken files and correct any causes of the Windows 10 desktop being slow to load issue respectively.

Note:The DISM tool usually takes 15 minutes to complete. However, sometimes it may take longer. Do not cancel when it is running. You may want to re-run SFC to check if the repair is successful.

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) toolhelps fix Windows corruption errorswhen Windows Updates and service packs fail to install due to corruption errors.

Before you leave, verify if you using an organization-based account and get rid of theYour organization requires you to change your PINmessage.

Did any of these solutions help you add a PIN again? Let us know in the comments section below.

Can’t Set up Pin on Windows 10: Why & How to Fix#

What can I do if Windows won’t let me add a PIN?#

1. Set up PIN log in#

2. Alter Permissions#

3. Disable or change your security software#

4. Reset ACLs on NGC folder#

5. Use a local account#

6. Login using another user account#

7. Clear TPM#

8. Run an SFC scan#

9. Run the DISM tool#