Forgot HP pin

[Cha16]

how to get into my computer since I forgot my pin and can’t reset

[Max3Aj]

@Cha16, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
I can walk you through the steps to regain access to your HP notebook laptop even if you forgot your PIN. There are a couple of ways depending on whether you're using a Microsoft account or a local account to sign in. Let's figure that out first:

First, check: Are you using a Microsoft account?

When you go to the login screen, does it show an email address like you@example.com?

• If yes, you're using a Microsoft account.
• If no, you're likely using a local account (just a username, no email).

Let’s go through both paths:

Option 1: You use a Microsoft account (login shows email)

Step-by-step to reset your PIN:

1. On the login screen, click on "I forgot my PIN" (right below the PIN box).
2. Enter your Microsoft account password (your email password).
3. Follow the verification steps (you might get a code to your phone or email).
4. Once verified, you can set a new PIN and log in.

If you don’t remember the Microsoft account password either, go to:
https://account.live.com/password/reset
Reset the password and come back to the laptop once done.
 

Option 2: You're using a local account (just a name, no email)

Try this:

1. On the login screen, click "Sign-in options".
2. Choose Password instead of PIN.
3. If you remember the password, you can log in that way.

Forgot the password too? Then you’ll need to reset it using recovery tools. Here's how:

Advanced: Reset local account password (if no Microsoft account)

Option A: Using a Password Reset Disk (if you made one)

• Insert the disk/USB and follow the on-screen instructions.

Option B: Use Safe Mode and enable built-in Admin account (if possible)

If you can access Safe Mode, you might be able to enable the hidden Administrator account to reset the password. Let me know if you want to try this — it’s a bit more technical but I can guide you.

Last Resort: Factory Reset the Laptop

If nothing else works, you can factory reset the laptop to start fresh:

1. Hold Shift and click Restart on the login screen (bottom right power icon).
2. Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
3. Choose either:
   • Keep my files (if you want to try saving your files)
   • Remove everything (starts completely fresh)

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