You can disable PIN on Windows 11 through Settings, but the method depends on whether you want to remove it entirely or just stop using it at startup

Windows 11 lets you sign in with a PIN, a password, or biometric methods like facial recognition or fingerprint. If you want to stop using PIN as a login method, you have two main paths: remove the PIN completely so it no longer exists on your account, or keep the PIN but switch to a different sign-in method for startup. The fastest route is Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, where you can delete the PIN in about two minutes.

Removing a PIN is permanent — you cannot recover it once deleted. If you think you might need it later, consider switching to password or Windows Hello instead. If you share your computer, removing PIN affects only your own account, not other users.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, go to Accounts > Sign-in options, find PIN (Windows Hello), and select Remove to delete it permanently.
  • You must enter your current PIN or password to confirm the removal, so have that information ready.
  • Removing PIN does not affect other sign-in methods like password or Windows Hello biometric options.
  • If you want to keep the PIN but use a different method at startup, you can change your default sign-in option instead of removing it.
  • Other user accounts on the same computer are not affected when you remove your PIN.

How to Remove PIN Completely

Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, or click the Start button, then Settings. Navigate to Accounts on the left side, then select Sign-in options. Scroll down until you see PIN (Windows Hello) — it will show a description like "Use a PIN to sign in to your device."

Click on PIN (Windows Hello) to expand that section. You will see a Remove button. Click it, and Windows will ask you to confirm by entering your current PIN or your account password. Type whichever one you use, then click OK. The PIN is now deleted and no longer appears in your sign-in options.

If you see a message saying "You don't have a PIN set up," you never created one in the first place, and there is nothing to remove.

How to Change Your Default Sign-in Method Without Removing PIN

If you want to keep the PIN on your account but stop using it when you start your computer, you can set a different default sign-in method. Open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options again. Look for the section labeled "Default sign-in method" near the top of the page.

Click the dropdown menu under "Default sign-in method" and choose Password, Windows Hello Face, Windows Hello Fingerprint, or Security Key, depending on what you have set up. Windows will use your chosen method the next time you restart. The PIN remains on your account and you can still use it if you want — it just will not be the first option shown at startup.

What Happens When You Remove PIN

Once you remove a PIN, it is gone permanently. You cannot undo the removal through Settings. If you need a PIN again later, you will have to create a new one from scratch by going back to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and selecting Add under PIN (Windows Hello).

Removing your PIN does not change your password, Windows Hello settings, or any other account information. You can still sign in using whatever other methods you have set up. If PIN was your only sign-in method, you must have a password on your account before you can remove the PIN — Windows will not let you lock yourself out.

Troubleshooting PIN Removal Issues

If the Remove button is grayed out or not clickable, you may not have administrator rights on your account. Ask the person who manages your computer to remove it, or contact your organization's IT department if this is a work computer.

If you forgot your PIN and cannot enter it to confirm removal, you can still remove it using your account password instead. When the confirmation dialog appears, select "I don't have my PIN" or a similar option, then enter your password. If you do not remember your password either, you will need to reset your account through the Windows login screen before you can proceed.

On some work or school computers, PIN removal may be blocked by group policy settings set by your IT administrator. If you see a message saying the setting is managed by your organization, contact your IT support team — they control whether PIN can be removed.

PIN Versus Password: What Is the Difference

A PIN is a four-digit or longer numeric code that only works on your specific device. A password is a text-based code that can contain letters, numbers, and symbols, and works across Microsoft services. PINs are faster to type but less secure because they are shorter and numeric-only. Passwords are stronger but take longer to enter.

Windows Hello — the biometric option using your face or fingerprint — is the fastest and most secure method if your device has the required hardware. You can have all three methods set up at the same time and choose which one to use at startup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove someone else's PIN on a shared computer?

No. Each person can only remove their own PIN from their own account. If you are the administrator, you can reset another person's password, but PIN removal must be done by the account owner. If someone forgot their PIN, they can remove it using their password instead.

What if I remove my PIN and then forget my password?

You will not be able to sign in. You will need to use the password reset option on the Windows login screen, which typically sends a code to your email or phone. Set up a recovery email or phone number in Settings > Accounts > Security before you remove your PIN, so you have a way back in.

Does removing PIN affect my Microsoft account or cloud settings?

No. Your PIN is only stored on your device. Removing it does not change your Microsoft account, OneDrive, or any cloud-connected settings. You can still sign in to Microsoft services using your password.

Can I remove PIN from Windows 11 Home edition?

Yes. PIN removal works the same way on Windows 11 Home, Pro, and Enterprise editions. The Settings path is identical across all versions.

What if I want to remove PIN but keep Windows Hello face recognition?

You can do both separately. Remove PIN through Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, and Windows Hello will remain active. You can then set Windows Hello Face as your default sign-in method so your face is the first option at startup.