log in error , pin not accepted , no option to enter password

[kfc13]

moved and pc was in storage for a few months. upon reboot I was asked for the login pin. received an error message wrong pin , can't recall the pin. there was no selection to enter password. how do I get past this . it's an older computer , mostly used for storage of photos and letters 

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @kfc13 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I acknowledge the situation where the computer is asking for a PIN, but you cannot recall it and there is no option to enter the password. Let’s go through the steps to regain access:

Restart and Access Sign‑in Options

• On the PIN entry screen, look for Sign‑in options just below the box.
• Select the Key icon to switch from PIN to password. If this option is not visible, continue with the next steps.

Use Safe Mode to Trigger Password Prompt

• Power off the computer completely.
• Power it back on and immediately press F11 repeatedly until the Choose an option screen appears.
• Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
• After restart, press 4 or F4 to enter Safe Mode.
• In Safe Mode, Windows usually prompts for the account password instead of the PIN.

Reset PIN through Microsoft Account

• If Safe Mode allows you to sign in with the password, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign‑in options.
• Choose Windows Hello PIN > I forgot my PIN.
• Follow the on‑screen steps to reset the PIN using your Microsoft account credentials.

Offline Account Scenario

• If the computer uses a local account (not Microsoft), Safe Mode should still allow password entry.
• Enter the password you originally set for that account. If forgotten, you may need to use a password reset disk if one was created earlier.

HP Recovery Environment

• If none of the above works, restart and press F11 again to access HP Recovery Manager.
• From there, you can attempt System Restore to a point before the PIN was enforced, which may re‑enable password login.

Here is the official HP resource for reference:
HP PCs – Windows Sign‑in Options and PIN Reset

This approach ensures you regain access without losing your stored photos and letters. 

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye