Windows Hello PIN Not Available? Here's How to Fix It

Seeing the message “This option is currently unavailable” when trying to use your Windows Hello PIN can be frustrating, especially when you normally use it to sign in quickly. The problem can appear after a Windows update, changes to account settings, or issues with the security features that Windows Hello relies on.

If you're dealing with pin windows hello this option is currently unavailable, there are several things you can check before changing or resetting your Windows sign-in settings. In many cases, the issue is related to the Windows Hello PIN configuration rather than your actual Microsoft account or personal files.

If you are facing other Windows system errors at the same time, checking our guide on fixing the Entry Point Not Found error in Windows 10 may help you identify and resolve related problems. 

Why Is Windows Hello PIN Not Available?

Windows Hello uses security features on your computer to provide PIN, fingerprint and facial sign-in options. If one of these features is not working correctly, Windows may prevent you from using your PIN and display an unavailable message.

A Windows Hello PIN problem can occur for several reasons, including a recent Windows update, corrupted PIN information, account synchronisation issues or changes to Windows security settings. Problems with the Trusted Platform Module (TPM), which helps protect authentication information, can also affect Windows Hello.

Common Reasons for the Problem

You may encounter a Windows Hello PIN not working issue because:

• Windows has recently installed an update.

• Your Microsoft account is experiencing a sign-in or synchronisation issue.

• Windows Hello PIN data has become corrupted.

• The TPM or another security component is not working correctly.

• Windows Hello settings have changed.

• Your device has experienced a system or security configuration change.

Before making major changes, try restarting your computer and checking that you have an active internet connection. If the PIN still cannot be used, the next step is to check your Windows Hello PIN settings and see whether Windows gives you an option to reset or configure the PIN again.

If you can still sign in using your password, use that option first. It gives you access to Windows while you troubleshoot the PIN issue without risking access to your account.

Check Windows Hello PIN Settings

If your Windows Hello PIN is unavailable, start by checking the sign-in settings on your computer. Windows may temporarily disable the PIN option because of an account issue, a recent system change or a problem with the Windows Hello configuration.

Check Your Sign-In Options

If you can sign in using your password, open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. Look for PIN (Windows Hello) and check whether the option is available.

If you see Set up, Windows may require you to create a PIN again. If you see I forgot my PIN, you can use that option to verify your Microsoft account and create a new PIN.

If the Windows Hello PIN option is greyed out or still shows that it is currently unavailable, don't repeatedly enter the old PIN. Instead, continue with the other checks below.

Check Your Microsoft Account

Windows Hello can also be affected by problems with your Microsoft account. Make sure you are signed into the correct account and that your PC has a working internet connection.

Open Settings > Accounts and check your account information. If Windows is asking you to verify your account or sign in again, complete the verification before trying the PIN.

You can then return to the Windows Hello PIN settings and check whether the option has become available.

Try Another Sign-In Method

If the PIN still isn't working, use your Windows password to sign in where possible. This lets you access your desktop while troubleshooting the Windows Hello PIN sign in problem.

After signing in, restart the computer and check the PIN settings again. A simple restart can sometimes resolve a temporary Windows sign-in issue, particularly if the problem appeared after an update or system change.

You can also check our guide on fixing lock screen timeout if Windows is locking too quickly. 

Reset or Recreate Your Windows Hello PIN

If checking your account and sign-in settings has not fixed the problem, you can try resetting the Windows Hello PIN. This is often useful when the existing PIN information has become corrupted or Windows no longer recognises the current PIN correctly.

Reset Windows Hello PIN

If you see I forgot my PIN under Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN (Windows Hello), select it to begin the reset process.

Windows may ask you to verify your Microsoft account before allowing you to create a new PIN. Follow the verification instructions and then enter a new PIN when prompted.

Choose a PIN that you can remember but avoid using an obvious combination. Once the new PIN has been created, lock your computer and test the new Windows Hello PIN sign in option.

If I forgot my PIN is unavailable or the reset process fails, restart your computer and check the Windows Hello settings again. You can also continue using your password while troubleshooting the issue.

Remove and Add the PIN Again

If Windows allows you to remove the existing PIN, you can try setting it up again. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, select PIN (Windows Hello) and choose the available option to remove the PIN.

After removing it, restart your computer and return to the same Windows Hello PIN settings. Select Set up and follow the instructions to create a new PIN.

If the PIN cannot be removed or the same Windows Hello PIN problem returns immediately, there may be an issue with Windows Hello security data or another Windows component. In that situation, avoid deleting system folders manually and move on to the additional troubleshooting methods in the next section.

Fix Windows Hello PIN Problems

Restart Windows and Install Updates

Sometimes the Windows Hello PIN problem is caused by a temporary Windows error or an incomplete update. Start by restarting your computer and checking whether the PIN becomes available again after Windows loads.

Go to Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates. Install any available updates and restart your PC when prompted. If the PIN stopped working immediately after an update, Windows may need another restart to complete the changes properly.

After restarting, open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and check PIN (Windows Hello) again. If the option is available, try signing in with your PIN before making further changes.

Check TPM and Windows Security

Windows Hello uses your device's security hardware, including the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) on supported computers, to help protect your sign-in credentials. If TPM is not working correctly, Windows Hello may become unavailable.

You can check the TPM status by pressing Windows + R, typing tpm.msc, and pressing Enter. Look for a message showing that the TPM is ready for use. If Windows reports that the TPM cannot be found or has an error, avoid clearing or resetting the TPM without knowing the consequences, as this can affect security features and stored credentials.

It is also worth checking Windows Security for any security warnings. Resolve any obvious issues, restart the computer and then check your Windows Hello PIN settings again.

Check the Ngc Folder / PIN Data

Windows stores information used by Windows Hello in a protected system location commonly referred to as the Ngc folder. If this PIN data becomes corrupted, Windows Hello PIN not working issues can continue even when your Microsoft account and other settings appear normal.

In this situation, you may see the PIN option as unavailable or receive the message “This option is currently unavailable” when trying to sign in.

Avoid deleting the Ngc folder or changing its permissions unless you are comfortable with advanced Windows administration. Incorrect changes to protected system files can create additional sign-in problems. If resetting the PIN has already failed and the Ngc data appears to be the cause, getting help from a Windows technician is a safer option.

Once the underlying issue is resolved, return to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and try to create or reset your Windows Hello PIN again.

What to Do If Windows Hello PIN Still Isn't Available

If you have tried the previous fixes and the Windows Hello PIN not working issue continues, there are a few other options worth trying before making major changes to Windows.

Try Password Sign-In

If Windows Hello PIN is still unavailable, select Sign-in options on the Windows login screen and choose your password instead. This lets you access your computer without relying on the PIN.

Once signed in, check Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and see whether Windows Hello PIN is available again. You can then try to reset Windows Hello PIN or create a new one.

Check Your Microsoft Account

Make sure your Microsoft account is connected correctly and that Windows is not asking you to verify your identity. Complete any account verification prompts, make sure you have an active internet connection, and restart your PC before checking the PIN settings again.

Try System Restore

If the problem started after a recent Windows update, software change or system configuration change, System Restore may help return Windows to an earlier working state. This is particularly useful when the PIN worked normally before the change.

If other desktop issues appeared after an update, see our guide on desktop icons disappearing in Windows 10. 

Final Thoughts

A Windows Hello PIN issue does not usually mean your files are lost. In many cases, checking your account, updating Windows and recreating the PIN is enough to restore normal Windows Hello PIN sign in. If those options fail, use another sign-in method and get the underlying Windows configuration checked.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why does Windows say my Windows Hello PIN is currently unavailable?

This can happen because of a Microsoft account issue, Windows update, corrupted PIN data, TPM problems or changes to Windows security settings. Checking your account and Windows Hello PIN settings is a good place to start.

2. How do I fix Windows Hello PIN not working?

Restart Windows, install available updates and check Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. If the PIN remains unavailable, use I forgot my PIN to reset it or remove and recreate the PIN if Windows allows you to do so.

3. How do I reset Windows Hello PIN?

On the Windows sign-in screen, select I forgot my PIN under the PIN entry box and follow the verification prompts. You can also reset it from Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options after signing in with another method.

4. Why can't I change my Windows Hello PIN?

The option may be unavailable because of account verification problems, Windows security settings, TPM issues or corrupted Windows Hello data. Checking for Windows updates and confirming that your Microsoft account is working correctly may help.

5. Can I sign in to Windows without a Hello PIN?

Yes. If your PIN is unavailable, select Sign-in options on the Windows login screen and use your password or another available sign-in method instead.

6. Does resetting my Windows Hello PIN delete my files?

No. Resetting your Windows Hello PIN does not normally delete your personal files. It changes the PIN used to sign in to your Windows account, while your documents, photos and other files remain on the device.