[Guide] How to Remove Your Hello Pin in Windows 10

[Guide] How to Remove Your Hello Pin in Windows 10

/ Shayne Sherman

If you’ve set up a PIN as the sign-in option on your Windows 10 device, it’s easy and convenient. However, there may come a time when you want to remove the PIN, either because you prefer to sign in with a password or because you need to change the security settings on your device.

Removing the Windows Hello PIN is a straightforward process, and in this article, we will guide you step by step on how to do so in Windows 10. Whether you’re a tech-savvy user or just starting to explore your device’s settings, this guide will help you remove your PIN quickly.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Removing Windows Hello Pin Sign In

Advantages

  • Increased Security: Removing your PIN and replacing it with a password can provide your device with an added layer of security. Passwords are generally considered more secure than PINs, as they are typically longer and more complex.
  • Easy to Change: If you need to change your sign-in option in the future, it’s easier to change a password than a PIN. You can make changes without worrying about remembering a new number with a password.
  • No Need to Remember: Removing the PIN means you no longer need to remember a specific number. This can be especially helpful for those with trouble remembering multiple passwords or numbers.

Disadvantages

  • Slower Login Time: Signing in with a password can take longer than using a PIN, as you must type in the full password.
  • More Complex Sign-In Process: Typing in a password can be more complicated than entering a 4-digit PIN for some users. This can be especially true for those with disabilities or who struggle with typing.
  • Increased Risk of Forgotten Password: If you forget your password, you may have to reset it, which can be time-consuming and potentially frustrating. In contrast, if you forget your PIN, you can easily reset it to a new number.

5 Methods to Remove Pin in Windows 10

Use Windows Settings

You can utilize the Settings app to eliminate the Windows Hello PIN from your Windows 10 device. This setting allows you to modify or remove any of the sign-in methods. Here are the steps to remove your PIN:

1. Launch the Settings app by pressing the Windows + I keys simultaneously.

windows 11 settings

2. Navigate to the Accounts option in the menu that appears.

accounts settings in windows 11

3. In the left panel of the window, select the Sign-in options tab.

sign in options

4. From the list, locate the Windows Hello PIN setting.

windows hellp pin

5. Click the Remove button to erase the PIN set on your PC.

6. To confirm the removal, click the Remove button again.

7. Enter your password and click on the OK button to finalize the removal of your PIN.

Use Local User Account

You can use the User Accounts window to disable the requirement for entering a PIN or a Microsoft account password when logging into your Windows 10 device. Here are the steps to remove the PIN using the User Accounts window:

1. Initiate the Run dialog box by pressing and holding the Windows + R keys.

2. On the box, type “netplwiz” and click the OK button. This will open the User Accounts window.

run netplwiz

3. Uncheck the box “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer.”

user must enter a user name and password

4. Finally, click the Apply button and then the OK button to apply this change and remove the PIN login requirement.

Use Local Group Policy Editor

You can use the Group Policy Editor to disable the option of signing in with a PIN by following these steps:

1. Open the Run dialog box by pressing and holding the Windows + R keys.

2. Type “gpedit.msc” and click the OK button to open the Group Policy Editor window.

gpedit msc

3. Locate “Computer Configuration” folder and expand the “Administrative Templates” sub-folder.

select administrative templates

4. Locate the “System” folder and expand it in the list.

5. Select the “Logon” folder in the displayed list.

logon folder

6. Double-click the “Turn on convenience PIN sign-in” option on the right panel.

7. In the next window, choose the “Disabled” option.

8. Click the Apply button and then the OK button to apply the change.

9. Restart your PC to implement the changes to your device.

Use Registry Editor

You can disable the requirement for a PIN login by using the Registry Editor and adjusting the value of a specific entry.

1. To open the Registry Editor, press the Windows + R keys to launch the Run dialog box.

2. Type “regedit” into the Run dialog box and click OK to open the Registry Editor.

regedit

3. Navigate to the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE folder, then to the SOFTWARE folder.

regedit software folder

4. From there, access the Policies folder, then the Microsoft folder.

microsoft folder regedit

5. From the Microsoft folder, access the Windows folder and open the System folder.

regedit system folder

6. On the right panel, right-click on an empty space, select New, and then choose String Value.

7. Name the new string value “AllowDomainPINLogon” and press Enter.

8. Double-click on the AllowDomainPINLogon string value and set it to “0”.

change allowdomainpinlogon value data

9. Restart your PC.

restart computer

Use Windows PowerShell

The PowerShell window is a tool that manages the programs on your Windows computer. You can turn off the PIN setting by running a command on this window.

1. Open the PowerShell window by pressing the Windows key, typing “PowerShell”, and selecting “Run as administrator”.

windows powershell

2. On the command window, key in the following command and press Enter:

#Disable pin requirement $path = “HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft” $key = “PassportForWork” $name = “Enabled” $value = “0” New-Item -Path $path -Name $key –Force New-ItemProperty -Path $path\$key -Name $name -Value $value -PropertyType DWORD -Force #Delete existing pins $passportFolder = “C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Ngc” if(Test-Path -Path $passportFolder) { Takeown /f $passportFolder /r /d “Y” ICACLS $passportFolder /reset /T /C /L /Q Remove-Item –path $passportFolder –recurse -force }

3. Wait for a few minutes for the command to take effect.

4. Restart your computer and retry logging in.

restart computer

You have successfully removed the Windows Hello PIN on Windows 10.

Simplify Your Login: Follow These Easy Steps to Remove Your Hello Pin in Windows 10

In conclusion, removing your Hello PIN in Windows 10 provides a level of customization and control over the security measures on your device. It offers a personal and secure way to access your PC using a PIN, facial recognition, or fingerprint. Users can change their sign-in options by removing the Hello PIN and tailoring their devices to fit their needs and preferences.

Shayne Sherman
Meet the author

Shayne is an expert on all things Microsoft Windows and computer security. As a Windows user of over 30 years, he has been featured on Business Insider, Yahoo, Tech Republic, Hacker Noon, Techopedia, and many other publications. Aside from entertaining at his home theater, he enjoys spending time with his family, including his English bulldog, Fergie.