Windows Update Now Requires PIN, I usually use my password

[Hope595]

Last week I did a Windows update, walked away and came back to the log in page with my usual password missing and replaced with Set up Pin or Fingerprint. It says I am now being required to update PIN due to changes to security settings on this device. The update didn't warn me to create a PIN before the update nor did it tell me to make sure that my Microsoft Login security info is up to date b/c i no longer have the phone number that they want to send the code to. I filled out the security recovery form several times and now im locked out of my OWN LAPTOP. I haven't used that microsoft account in years! I dont know what to do, they dont have a phone number to speak directly with someone.

[Raj_05]

Hi @Hope595,

Welcome to HP Support Community.  

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

If your HP ENVY x360 running Windows is suddenly requiring a PIN instead of your password for login, it's possible that there have been some changes to your Windows settings or updates that have caused this. Here are some steps you can take to address this issue.

Check for Recent Updates: Windows updates can sometimes change settings. Check if your system recently received a major Windows update. If so, this might be a new security feature or a default setting that can be adjusted.

Reset PIN: If Windows is prompting you for a PIN, it's possible that a PIN was set up inadvertently. You can reset the PIN to use your password instead.

• Go to "Settings" > "Accounts" > "Sign-in options."
• Under "Windows Hello PIN," click on "I forgot my PIN" and follow the on-screen instructions to reset it.

Change Sign-In Option: You can change the sign-in option from a PIN back to a password if needed.

• Go to "Settings" > "Accounts" > "Sign-in options."
• Under "Sign-in options," select "Password" instead of "PIN."

Group Policy Editor (For Windows Pro or Enterprise): If you have Windows Pro or Enterprise edition, you can use the Group Policy Editor to disable the requirement for a PIN.

• Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
• Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Logon.
• Look for "Turn off PIN sign-in" and set it to "Enabled."

Local Security Policy (For Windows Pro or Enterprise): If you have Windows Pro or Enterprise edition, you can also use the Local Security Policy to change this setting.

• Press Win + R, type secpol.msc, and press Enter.
• Navigate to Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options.
• Look for "Interactive logon: Require Windows Hello for Business or smart card" and set it to "Disabled."

Registry Editor: If none of the above methods work, you can try editing the Windows Registry.

• Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
• Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System.
• Look for the "UseWDP" DWORD value and set it to 0.

Remember that making changes in the Group Policy Editor, Local Security Policy, or Registry Editor can have system-wide effects, so be cautious and make sure you know what you're doing.

After trying these steps, you should be able to switch back to using your password for login if that's your preference.

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. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4
HP Support 

[Hope595]

Hi, thank you for responding. Since, I’m locked out completely, I can only use recovery mode to use Command Prompt. I have Windows 11 home edition, so, I was able to access regedit and followed your steps but when I select System, there are no options available. I checked other tabs and found security manager and admin capabilities that shows device unlock. I’m not sure if these are options for me to safely try.

my next idea, is to install windows 10 using the usb media creation tool to see if it will at least “reset” to before I updated with the latest windows 11.

 

System Tab: no option for “UseWDP”

  

Software Tab: security manager and admin capabilities and authorization rules

 

Recovery Environment Tab: locked volumes

 

[Raj_05]

Hi @Hope595,

Thank you for your response, 

Due to limited support, I would request you contact our HP Support and our Support Engineers should be able to sort this out. HP Support can be reached by clicking on the following link.

https://www.hp.com/contacthp/

Please feel free to contact us here anytime you need any further assistance.

Have a great day!

Alden4
HP Support 

[Hope595]

Is it possible to completely remove Microsoft Windows and upload Linux but still be able to get my files/data??

Or can I install a Windows 11 Pro media creation tool to my windows 11 home system??

[Nal_NR]

Hi @Hope595,

Welcome to the HP Support Community

Thank you for posting back. 

To get the answer to this question, we have limited support boundaries in the support community as of now.
I would request you reach out to our phone support.

For that to happen, we will give you additional instructions/information via Private Message.

Please check your inbox on the forums page for the private message.

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution button, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!