How to Set Up and Use the Windows Hello PIN Login in Windows 11 and Windows 10

Table of Contents:

1. What is a Login PIN and what are the benefits?
2. Setup during the first turn on
3. Setup after first turn on

What is a Login PIN and what are the benefits?

A Windows Hello Login Personal Identification Number (PIN) is an easy-to-remember secret login code. It is usually four or more digits, but some companies allow their employees to use PINs with a combination of numbers, letters, and special characters.

The PIN only works on one device. If someone sees your PIN as you unlock your laptop or desktop, they can only access that one device. The PIN does not unlock your Microsoft account on any other laptop or desktop.

Creating a PIN allows you to record your biometric data, which can be used to log in quickly and securely. The device's Trusted Platform Module (TPM) hardware backs up the PIN, which gives it an extra layer of protection against theft or unauthorized changes.

If you have come to this article due to PIN login issues, you may want to go to the following links for more help:

• Unable to add or use PIN Sign-in Option in Windows 10
• Windows 10 Support
• Microsoft Support - Learn about Windows Hello and set it up 

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Setup during the first turn on

When you install Windows 11 or Windows 10 on a laptop or desktop, it asks you set up a PIN before you start using the device. (It can ask you the first time you turn the device on, if Windows came pre-installed.)

This is part of the account setup, and the laptop or desktop should stay connected to the Internet until everything is finalized. While the PIN works even when the device is offline, setting up your Windows account after a fresh installation requires an Internet connection.

The first start-up causes the Out of Box Experience (OOBE) to run. This takes you through the features and settings of your new Dell Windows 11 or Windows 10 laptop or desktop.

When you reach the Sign-in with Microsoft page, use the following steps to create your PIN:

1. Enter the account email or create an account for the person who is using the laptop or desktop and click Next.

2. Enter the account password and click Next. You may be asked to enter a security code to verify your identity.

3. On the page Set-up a PIN, select Set a Pin

4. In the new window that appears, type in a New PIN and then confirm the PIN that you entered.

   • There is a check box for including letters and special characters in the PIN. Using this option is down to either your personal preference, or your company's security policy.

5. Click OK to continue setting up your device.

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Setup after first turn on

To create a PIN on a Dell laptop or desktop with Windows 11 or Windows 10 that has already been set up, follow these steps:

1. Click the Windows Icon to open the Start menu.

2. Type the text Sign-in options.

3. Click the Key Icon in the search returns.

4. In the settings window that opens up, navigate down the right-hand side of the page and locate the PIN settings.

5. Under PIN, click the Add button.

6. Verify that you know the current account password.

7. Type in a New PIN in the window that appears and then confirm the PIN that you entered.

   • There is a check box for including letters and special characters in the PIN. Using this option is down to either your personal preference or your company's security policy.

8. Click OK and log out or restart the device to start using the PIN you have created.

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