Budget Windows laptops may not come with Windows Hello-powered fingerprint scanner or facial recognition. Microsoft recommends using a four-digit PIN to prevent unauthorized access to your laptop or PC. However, if it’s your personal laptop without any important files, you can remove the PIN to eliminate the hassle of entering the same every time you use it.
Are you the sole user of your Windows laptop or PC? If it doesn’t contain private or confidential files, make sure to disable PIN for your convenience. There are several ways to remove PIN from Windows 11. Let’s quickly go through them.
What Happens When You Remove PIN on Windows
Before you go ahead and disable PIN login on Windows, make sure to read the consequences of your steps.
- When you remove the PIN, anyone can use your Windows laptop or PC and access files on it.
- You also lose the convenience while making an app or game payment or signing into apps and services. You must always type in your Microsoft account to complete a purchase.
- If you use face or fingerprint authentication on your laptop, they will stop working if you remove your PIN.
- If you use a password manager or other such apps, you need to enter the full password instead of signing in with a Windows Hello method.
1. Remove PIN Login on Windows
One of the easiest ways to remove PIN login is from the system settings menu. Here’s what you need to do.
Step 1: Press the Windows + I keys to open Settings.
Step 2: Select Accounts from the sidebar and open the Sign-in options.
Step 3: Expand the PIN (Windows Hello) menu. Select Remove beside ‘Remove this sign-in option’.
Step 4: Read the consequences of removing PIN on your Windows machine and confirm the same.
Step 5: Authenticate with your Microsoft account password, and the system removes the PIN from your laptop.
2. Remove PIN Login Using I Forgot My PIN Option
If the trick above doesn’t work, there is another way to disable PIN login on Windows too. Follow the steps below.
Step 1: Launch Windows Settings and navigate to the Accounts > Sign-in options menu.
Step 2: Expand the PIN menu and select ‘I forgot my PIN’.
Step 3: It opens a new window; click Continue.
Step 4: Windows Security pop-up asks you to create a new PIN. Cancel the pop-up menu.
Step 5: A Microsoft account window shows up to display that your account requires a Windows Hello PIN. Close it.
Your Windows PC or laptop is ready to use without PIN protection.
3. Switch to a Local Account
Windows system uses your Microsoft account to let you access the company apps and services like Office apps, Microsoft Store, OneDrive, Xbox, and more.
However, if you mainly use specific apps and services in a web browser like Google Chrome, you can do away without needing a Microsoft account. You can also create and switch to a local account that doesn’t require a PIN to use the computer. Follow along to make changes.
Step 1: Open Windows Settings by pressing the Windows + I keys.
Step 2: Select Accounts and open the ‘Your info’ menu.
Step 3: Select ‘Sign in with a local account instead’.
Step 4: Confirm your decision from the following menu.
Step 5: Enter the computer password and click OK.
Step 6: The system asks you to enter a username, password, and password hint. Enter relevant details and click Next.
Step 7: Select ‘Sign out and finish’ and you are good to go.
The system logs you out from a Microsoft account. From now on, whenever you try to use the computer, the system logs you in without asking for a password or PIN.
How to Fix Greyed-Out Remove PIN Option in Windows 11
Many have complained about the ‘Remove PIN’ option being disabled on their PC. If you are among them, use the steps below to fix the problems. The problem can be due to improved security options on your machine.
Step 1: Go to Windows Settings (use the Windows + I keys).
Step 2: Select Accounts > Sign-in options.
Step 3: Disable the toggle next to the ‘For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft account on this device (Recommended)’ menu.
Restart the Settings app and try the first trick again to remove the PIN on Windows.
Use Windows Without Any Hassle
The next time you purchase a Windows laptop, make sure to get one with a fingerprint scanner or facial recognition. That way, you can secure your Windows laptop without dealing with PIN.
