How to bypass pin to unlock pc.

[Tazpooh25]

I have been trying EVERYTHING I have found online to solve this issue, and I am the only administrator and the only user on this laptop PC I accidently locked it and cannot remember any PIN or Challenge Phrase. It remembers my fingerprint, so why is this such an issue? I need technical help, I guess. Can anyone help me?

[Max3Aj]

@Tazpooh25, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
Since your fingerprint still works, that's a good sign—it means your user account and data are still intact. Let’s go over a few technical steps to regain access without wiping the system or doing anything drastic.

Here's what you can try step-by-step:

Option 1: Sign in Using Fingerprint → Remove/Re-add PIN

If you can sign in with your fingerprint:

1. Boot the laptop and use your fingerprint to sign in (skip PIN).
2. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
3. Under PIN (Windows Hello), click Remove.
4. Restart and re-add a new PIN from the same menu.

Option 2: Use Safe Mode to Bypass PIN Lock

Safe Mode sometimes bypasses Hello PIN entirely:

1. Hold down Shift while clicking Restart (from login screen → Power icon).
2. Select:
   • Troubleshoot
   • Advanced options
   • Startup Settings
   • Click Restart
3. When prompted, press 4 or F4 to enter Safe Mode.
4. You should now be at a normal sign-in screen that may allow password instead of PIN.
5. Once signed in, go to:
   • Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options
   • Remove PIN or set a new one.

Option 3: Use Command Prompt to Remove PIN (via Recovery Environment)

This method is more advanced, but works if you can’t log in at all.

1. On the login screen, click Power → Hold Shift → Click Restart.
2. Choose:
   • Troubleshoot
   • Advanced options
   • Command Prompt

Now run the following commands:

cd %windir%\System32\config
ren Sam Sam.bak
ren Security Security.bak
ren Software Software.bak
ren System System.bak
ren Default Default.bak

These steps rename the Windows account security files, effectively resetting local credentials. Restart your PC—this can let you create a new local user account upon boot.⚠️ Use this as a last resort, as it may break account encryption or access to encrypted files.

If Microsoft Account Is Linked

If you used a Microsoft Account to set up the PC originally:

1. Go to https://account.live.com/password/reset on another device.
2. Reset your Microsoft Account password.
3. Return to your PC, connect to the internet, and sign in using the new password.
4. Once inside, you can remove/change the PIN from Settings > Accounts.
    

If none of these work, and you can’t get into Windows at all:You may need to reset the PC without data loss:

1. From login screen → Shift + Restart.
2. Choose Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
3. Select Keep my files.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support