Unable to add or use PIN sign-in option in Windows 11

Signing in to your device with a four-digit PIN is the easiest way to unlock your Windows device, rather than entering a password. However, some Windows 11/10 users face a problem as they cannot use this login feature. This post will show you a quick solution if you cannot add or use the PIN sign-in option in Windows 10.

When trying to change or add a PIN login in Windows 11/10, you may encounter issues such as:

• Error Message Something went wrong (code: 0x8009002d), Restart your device to see if that fixes the problem when trying to sign-in using Pin.
• Error Message Something went wrong. Try again later when trying to add/modify PIN.
• Unable to configure Windows Hello because of PIN-related issues.
• Clicking on the Add PIN option does nothing.
• PIN incorrect error even when the correct PIN was entered.
• The Add PIN option is not available under the Sign-In options.

Usually, this happens because the NGC folder (see path below) becomes corrupted.

C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft\NGC

Unable to add or use PIN sign-in option

If you’re faced with this issue, emptying the NGC folder and resetting the ACLs (Access Control Lists) on the NGC folder should fix these issues. You can perform this task by simply running a batch file.

Note: Do remember to create a system restore point first.

Here’s how:

You must be signed in as an administrator to perform this task.

Note: This action will remove the PIN from all user accounts on the computer.

• Press the Windows key + R to invoke the Run dialog.
• In the Run dialog box, type notepad and press Enter to open Notepad.
• Copy and paste the syntax below into the text editor.

@echo off
powershell -windowstyle hidden -command "Start-Process cmd -ArgumentList '/s,/c,takeown /f C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft\NGC /r /d y & icacls C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft\NGC /grant administrators:F /t & RD /S /Q C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Ngc & MD C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Ngc & icacls C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Ngc /T /Q /C /RESET' -Verb runAs"

• Save the file with a name and append the bat file extension e.g. Reset_NGC_Folder.bat and on the Save as type box select All Files.
• Right-click on the file and run the batch file with admin privileges using the Run as Administrator from the context menu.
• Once the command executes, restart your PC.

Users can now add a PIN to their account and sign in to Windows 11/10 using the PIN.

Related post: Something happened, and your PIN isn’t available.

How do I enable Windows login PIN?

You can enable it from your Account page under the Sign-in section. If you do this for the first time, you must create one and confirm your identity using your Microsoft account.

Related read: PIN does not work and will not let me sign in to Windows

Can I login Windows without PIN?

You can log in to your PC using your local or Microsoft Account password. You can also reset your PIN using the account credentials from the lock screen, e.g., the “I forgot my PIN” option.