Fix Windows 11 PIN Not Available Error (2026 Guide) [UPDATED]

There is nothing more frustrating than waking up, sipping your coffee, and being greeted by a blue screen that says: "Something went wrong and your PIN isn't available." As someone who spends a lot of time in Android and Web Development, I’ve seen this happen most often after a major Windows security update or a BIOS change. Essentially, the "handshake" between your hardware (the TPM chip) and your Windows Hello credentials has broken.

If you are stuck at the login screen with no way to enter your desktop, don't panic. You don't need to format your PC. In this guide, I’ll show you the exact technical steps to reset your identity cache and get back to work.

Why is your Windows 11 PIN "Not Available"?

Before we jump into the fix, here is the technical "why." Your PIN isn't actually your password; it’s a locally stored token linked to your hardware’s Trusted Platform Module (TPM). The error usually triggers because:

1. A Windows Update corrupted the Ngc folder where credentials are stored.
2. TPM was cleared or disabled in your BIOS/UEFI settings.
3. System File Corruption occurred during an unexpected shutdown.

How to fix the Windows 11 "PIN isn't available" error? To fix this error, you must clear the corrupted NGC folder by booting into Safe Mode and navigating to C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft. Delete the Ngc folder to reset your identity cache. If you cannot access Safe Mode, use the "I forgot my PIN" option or use the Registry Editor via the Recovery Environment to re-enable password sign-in.

Method 1: The "I Forgot My PIN" Shortcut (Easiest)

If your device is connected to the internet and you are using a Microsoft Account (not a local-only account), this is the fastest way back in.

1. On the login screen, look for the text "I forgot my PIN" below the error message.
2. Click it. Windows will open a miniature browser window asking for your Microsoft Account password.
3. Once verified, you may need to perform a Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) via your phone or email.
4. Windows will then allow you to "Set up a new PIN."

⚠️ Warning: If you recently changed your Microsoft Account recovery email or phone number, Microsoft might place a 30-day security hold on your account, which could block this specific method. If that happens, move to Method 2.

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Method 2: Deleting the NGC Folder (The Specialist Fix)

If the "I forgot my PIN" button is missing or throwing an error, we need to go "under the hood." We are going to delete the corrupted folder where Windows stores your PIN data. This forces Windows to create a fresh, clean identity file.

Step 1: Boot into Safe Mode

1. On the login screen, hold the Shift Key and click the Power Icon > Restart.
2. Your PC will reboot into the Recovery Environment (WinRE).
3. Navigate to: Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
4. Once the list appears, press 4 or F4 to Enable Safe Mode.

Step 2: Clear the Ngc Cache

1. Once in Safe Mode, open File Explorer and go to the View tab. Ensure "Hidden items" is checked.
2. Navigate to this exact path: C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft
3. Find the folder named Ngc.
4. Delete it. (If it asks for permissions, right-click the folder > Properties > Security > Advanced, and change the "Owner" to your current username).
5. Restart your PC normally.

When you reach the login screen now, you will be able to log in with your account password (if available) or be prompted to set up a new PIN immediately.

Method 3: Bypassing the PIN via Registry Editor (No Password Option)

Sometimes, Windows 11 is set to "Passwordless Sign-in," meaning if the PIN fails, you don't even see a "Password" option. As a developer, I find this "feature" quite annoying when things break. Here is how to re-enable the password field using the Command Prompt.

1. Enter WinRE (Shift + Restart).
2. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
3. Type regedit and press Enter.
4. In the Registry Editor, click on HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
5. Go to File > Load Hive. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\config\SOFTWARE. Name it "Temporary."
6. Now navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Temporary\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\PasswordLess\Device
7. Find DevicePasswordLessBuildVersion and change the value from 2 to 0.
8. Unload the hive (File > Unload Hive), exit, and restart.

You will now see a "Sign-in options" button on your lock screen, allowing you to use your Password instead of the broken PIN.

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Method 4: Uninstalling the Latest Quality Update

If this error started immediately after a Windows Update, the update itself might be the culprit.

1. In the WinRE (Shift + Restart) menu, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options.
2. Select Uninstall Updates.
3. Choose Uninstall latest quality update.
4. Restart your PC.

Final Thoughts

The "PIN isn't available" error is a classic example of how modern security (TPM 2.0) can sometimes lock out the actual owner of the device. My professional advice? Once you get back in, always have a secondary admin account on your PC. It’s a 2-minute task that can save you hours of troubleshooting in the future.

If you’re still stuck or seeing a specific error code like 0xc000006d, drop a comment below. I personally read and respond to all technical queries here at Digitnaut.