Something Happened And Your Pin Isn’t Available

If you’re getting the error message “Something happened and your PIN isn’t available” in Windows 11 when trying to login you’re likely frustrated and unsure how to proceed. This error prevents access to your device, leaving you locked out of your own computer. The quickest fix is often to remove your existing PIN and set up a new one.

If you face this issue, don’t panic. Microsoft has built-in solutions to help you regain access to your account. Depending on your specific situation, you might need to use alternate sign-in methods or access recovery options.

For those who frequently use their PIN to log in, this problem can disrupt daily routines. Understanding the causes and solutions can help you resolve the issue quickly and prevent future occurrences.

Troubleshooting Windows PIN Errors

PIN Problems in Windows

Windows users occasionally encounter a frustrating error message: “Something happened and your PIN isn’t available.” This can prevent you from logging in and accessing your device. But don’t worry! There are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve this issue.

Common Causes

This error can stem from a variety of issues, including:

• Windows updates: Updates can sometimes interfere with system files related to PIN authentication.
• Corrupted PIN data: The files storing your PIN information may have become corrupted.
• Hardware issues: Problems with your computer’s security hardware, such as the Trusted Platform Module (TPM), can also cause this error.

Troubleshooting Steps

Here’s a breakdown of the most effective solutions:

1. Restart Your Device

It might seem simple, but a quick restart often resolves temporary glitches.

2. Use Your Password

If restarting doesn’t work, try logging in with your regular account password instead of your PIN.

3. Check for Windows Updates

Ensure your system is up-to-date, as newer updates may contain fixes for PIN-related issues.

4. Run the Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter for sign-in problems. To access it:

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
2. Under PIN, select I forgot my PIN.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

5. Reset Your PIN

If the troubleshooter doesn’t help, try resetting your PIN. This will require you to enter your account password.

6. Remove and Re-add Your PIN

Sometimes, completely removing your PIN and setting it up again can resolve persistent issues.

7. Check Your TPM

If you suspect a hardware problem, you may need to check your TPM settings in the BIOS. This process varies depending on your computer’s manufacturer.

How do I fix this? It says "Something happened and your PIN isn't available. Click to set up Pin again.
byu/famousfortech inWindowsHelp

Solution From Reddit

Windows 11: Something happened and your pin isn’t available click to set up your pin again

Source: Reddit

This is reproducibly caused by enabling Diagnostic Startup in MSConfig. Diagnostic Startup is similar to Safe Mode, but instead of like Safe Mode where it’s in the boot configuration data to use a special registry configuration for drivers and services, it tampers the main registry.

MSConfig can’t be opened from the Recovery Environment and wouldn’t apply there, and reverting all the changes manually from there would be lengthy.

Replace utilman.exe with cmd.exe and use Command Prompt on the lockscreen to open MSConfig without logging in, and change back to Normal Startup.

Press Shift while clicking Restart > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.

diskpart
list volume
exit 

Look for the letter of the Windows partition, which may be any letter from there. Replace C with the correct letter if different.

cd /d C:\Windows\System32
copy cmd.exe utilman.exe 

Close Command Prompt, and choose Continue. On the lock screen, click the Accessibility icon (between the Network and Power icons) and input msconfig in the Command Prompt. Switch it to Normal Startup and click OK, then restart and login.

Edit: After logging in, use sfc /scannow to restore the original utilman.exe file.

---

Additional Tips

If you’re using a work or school device, contact your IT administrator for assistance. Make sure you have a stable internet connection, especially when resetting your PIN. If none of these steps work, you may need to perform a system restore or reinstall Windows.

Key Takeaways

• Remove and set up a new PIN to fix most “PIN isn’t available” errors
• Use alternate sign-in methods if PIN removal doesn’t work
• Access Windows Recovery options for advanced troubleshooting steps

Understanding PIN Issues in Windows

Encountering the “Something happened and your PIN isn’t available” error in Windows can be a frustrating roadblock, preventing access to your device. This guide provides clear and simple solutions to troubleshoot and resolve this common issue, from basic restarts to more advanced techniques.

PIN authentication in Windows provides a convenient and secure way to access your device. It can sometimes encounter problems that prevent users from signing in.

The Role of PIN in Windows Security

PINs offer a quick way to unlock Windows devices. They work with Windows Hello, Microsoft’s biometric authentication system. PINs are tied to specific devices, making them more secure than passwords in some ways.

Windows 10 and 11 both support PIN sign-in. This feature enhances security by reducing reliance on traditional passwords. PINs are stored locally and encrypted by the Trusted Platform Module (TPM).

Users can set up a PIN through Windows settings. It’s an alternative to using a Microsoft account password or local account password.

Common Error Messages and Codes

PIN-related issues can prevent normal sign-in. A frequent error is “Something happened and your PIN isn’t available.” This often appears after system updates or changes.

Error code 0xc000006d may indicate PIN problems. It suggests authentication failures related to the PIN system.

When errors occur, Windows typically prompts users to set up their PIN again. Sometimes, this process fails, leading to a loop of error messages.

Fixing PIN issues may involve resetting the PIN, updating Windows, or troubleshooting the Windows Hello system. In some cases, users may need to use alternative sign-in methods temporarily.

Resolving PIN Problems and Account Recovery

PIN issues can be frustrating, but several options exist to regain access to your Windows account. These methods range from basic troubleshooting to more advanced system recovery techniques.

Troubleshooting Steps for PIN Recovery

If you encounter the “Something happened and your PIN isn’t available” error, try these steps:

1. Restart your computer
2. Use Safe Mode to sign in
3. Delete the NGC folder

To remove the NGC folder:

• Open File Explorer
• Enable hidden items
• Navigate to C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft
• Delete the NGC folder

If these steps don’t work, you may need to reset your PIN. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, select Windows Hello PIN, and click “I forgot my PIN” to set a new one.

Account Access and Recovery Options

When PIN recovery fails, try these account access methods:

1. Use your Microsoft account password
2. Reset your password online
3. Log in with a local administrator account

To create a new administrator account:

1. Boot into Safe Mode
2. Open Command Prompt as admin
3. Type: net user NewAdminName NewPassword /add
4. Type: net localgroup administrators NewAdminName /add

If you can’t access Safe Mode, try Startup Repair or System Restore from the Windows Recovery Environment.

System Recovery and Update Management

For persistent issues, consider these system-wide fixes:

1. Uninstall recent Windows updates
2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
3. Perform a system restore
4. Reset your PC

To reset your PC:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery
2. Choose “Reset this PC”
3. Select “Keep my files” or “Remove everything”

If TPM-related errors occur, ensure TPM is enabled in BIOS settings. For error 0xc000006d, check for system file corruption using the System File Checker tool in Command Prompt.