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Reactivating the pin at start up

Carolyn L 20 Reputation points
2025-11-25T15:11:50.03+00:00

I'm trying to add my previous pin at start up. I had initially removed it because my computer was in a private area, so I didn't have to log in every time at start up.

Now this computer is being moved to a public area, so I want to add the start up pin back.

I have tried everything. Dell says it the operating system, which I don't believe.

I've gone to Sign in Options and pin. There is no option to put it back up on start up. I've tried changing my pin and clicking a couple other buttons, but still not working.

Thank you!

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | User experience | Remote desktop clients
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  1. Harry Phan 10,370 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-28T10:17:19.48+00:00

    Since your device is now on Windows 11 and not domain‑joined, the PIN option should normally be available under Settings → Accounts → Sign‑in options → PIN (Windows Hello). If it is missing, here are the next steps to try:

    1. Check for updates: Go to Settings → Windows Update and install the latest cumulative updates. Missing updates can sometimes hide or disable sign‑in options.
    2. Verify credential provider: Open Services.msc and confirm that the Credential Manager service is running and set to Automatic.
    3. Enable convenience PIN via registry
      • Press Win + R, type regedit, and navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\PolicyManager\default\Settings\AllowSignInOptions
      • Ensure the value is set to 1.
    4. Add a password first: If your account currently has no password, Windows will not allow a PIN. Please set a password, then retry adding a PIN.
    5. Create a new local account (test): Add a temporary local user account, set a password, and check if the PIN option appears there. If it does, the issue is profile‑specific.

    If this guidance helps, please click “Accept answer” so others can benefit as well 🙂.

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  1. Harry Phan 10,370 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-25T15:37:42.1433333+00:00

    Hello Carolyn L

    The PIN option in Sign‑in Options is tied to Windows Hello, and if it no longer appears, it usually means the credential provider has been disabled or the policy settings are preventing it. This is not a Dell hardware issue but a Windows configuration matter.

    Please check the following:

    Ensure Windows Hello for Business is enabled in Settings → Accounts → Sign‑in Options.

    Confirm that Group Policy or Registry settings have not disabled PIN sign‑in (for domain‑joined devices, administrators sometimes enforce password‑only login).

    Run gpedit.msc and navigate to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → System → Logon to verify that “Turn on convenience PIN sign‑in” is enabled.

    If the option is missing, remove any existing PIN credentials via Settings → Accounts → Sign‑in Options, then restart and re‑add the PIN.

    As a fallback, you can reset the PIN by going to Settings → Accounts → Sign‑in Options → PIN (Windows Hello) → I forgot my PIN.

    If these steps do not restore the option, it may be due to a domain or organizational policy. In that case, your IT administrator will need to re‑enable PIN sign‑in at the tenant level.

    Please let me know if these steps help resolve your issue. If you find this answer helpful, kindly hit “Accept Answer” so we know your question has been addressed 🙂.

    Harry.

  2. Carolyn L 20 Reputation points
    2025-11-25T16:01:13.09+00:00

    Thank you for your quick response, Harry. This computer was not registered as a home computer so not a business computer, so Windows Hello does not say Business. When I purchased this computer it was Windows 10 and I chose not to use a pin. Now it is Windows 11 and want to add it since I'm moving it to a public office.

    What is your advice on reinstating this. Thank you!!!!

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