How to Disable the Login PIN on Windows 11, Step-by-Step

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Plus, what to do if the “remove PIN” option is greyed out
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Tired of using a PIN (personal identification number) to sign into your Windows 11 account? It’s quite easy to disable—but, for anyone unfamiliar with Windows 11’s settings, it might seem tricky at first glance. That’s why we’re here to help! In the comprehensive guide below, we’ll show you how to remove the PIN requirement from Windows 11, even if the option to disable it is greyed out at first. We’ll also introduce you to other ways you can sign into your Windows 11 account, and how to re-enable your PIN if you change your mind!

Quick Steps to Remove a PIN from Windows 11

  1. Click the Start menu and select Settings.
  2. Go to Accounts > Sign-in options.
  3. Disable "For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device (Recommended)".
  4. Go back to Accounts > Sign-in options to refresh your settings.
  5. Click PIN (Windows Hello).
  6. Click Remove and follow the instructions to disable your PIN.
Section 1 of 5:

How to Remove Your PIN from Windows 11

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  1. Step 1 Open your computer’s Settings via the Windows Start button.
    From your desktop, look for the Windows icon on the bar at the bottom of the screen and click on it. Then, type “Settings” into the search field and select Settings from the results.
  2. Step 2 Select the Accounts tab.
    Find Accounts (about halfway down the list) and click on it to open your account settings.[1]
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  3. Step 3 Select Sign-in options.
    On the Accounts tab, scroll down and click Sign-in options. You’ll see a new menu with a list of different ways to sign into your account, as well as additional settings.[2]
  4. Step 4 Disable the security setting that only allows Windows Hello sign-in.
    If you try to remove the PIN right away, you’ll probably notice that the option to do it is greyed out. To fix this, scroll down to the Additional settings header and disable the setting that says "For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device (Recommended)."[3]
    • There’s a toggle next to the “For improved security…” message; simply switch it off to disable it.
    • By default, Windows 11 enables this setting to ensure that Windows Hello sign-in options (including a PIN) must be used to sign into an account. That’s why the setting has to be disabled in order to remove your PIN!
  5. Step 5 Click back to Accounts and reopen Sign-in options.
    Basically, you’ll need to refresh your settings after changing them. So, once you disable the Windows Hello security setting, click Accounts from the left-hand list of options once more. From there, navigate back to Sign-in options.
  6. Step 6 Select PIN (Windows Hello) and remove that sign-in option.
    Now, you’re ready to actually remove your PIN. Scroll back up to the PIN (Windows Hello) tab and click on it; it’ll expand, and you’ll see the options to change your PIN or remove it. Click Remove (to the right of “Remove this sign-in option”) and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.[4]
    • Windows 11 will probably ask you to enter your account password in order to remove your PIN. After all is said and done, click OK to officially disable the PIN sign-in option.
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Section 2 of 5:

What can I do if the “remove” option is still greyed out?

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  1. Step 1 Use the “Sign in with a local account instead” option in Accounts.
    Changing your Windows Hello settings should fix the problem—but, on the off-chance that it doesn’t, there are a couple of troubleshooting options to try! The first is signing into your local account, which you can easily do from the Accounts tab in your computer’s Settings. Just complete the following steps:[5]
    • Click over to the Accounts tab in your Settings and select Your info.
    • Select Sign in with a local account instead (under “Account settings”).
    • When Windows asks you if you’re sure you want to switch to a local account, click Next and then enter your PIN to proceed.
    • Enter your local account info (username and password) into the boxes as prompted.
    • Click Sign out and finish.
    • Reopen Settings → Accounts and select Sign-in options.
    • Select PIN (Windows Hello) and click the Remove option.
  2. Step 2 Change your security settings with an online browser.
    Another way to make sure you can actually remove your PIN (instead of having it be greyed out) is to access your account settings from a web browser and configure them there. To do so, complete the following steps:[6]
    • Open Settings → Accounts and select Your info.
    • Under “Related settings,” select Accounts (this option will have the subtitle “Manage my accounts”). A browser window will open with your Microsoft account settings and subscriptions.
    • Click on the Security tab (on the left side of the screen).
    • Select the blue Manage how I sign in button.
    • Under the “Additional security” header, turn the Passwordless account option OFF.
    • Restart your computer.
    • Finally, return to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options and remove your PIN under the PIN (Windows Hello) tab.
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Section 3 of 5:

Is it safe to remove your PIN?

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  1. It’s safe to remove your PIN if you have another sign-in option enabled.
    Windows 11 offers several different methods for signing into your account—so, as long as you have another method (or two) enabled, it’s safe to disable your PIN. However, it isn’t safe to remove your PIN if there are no other sign-in options set up, because anybody can then access your account without needing to sign in.
    • If you don’t want any sign-in options enabled (because it’s your home computer, or you just don’t like the hassle), that’s your choice—just be aware of the risks.
    • For instance, it’s probably not safe to keep sensitive personal and financial information on a computer with no sign-in requirements. Do so at your own risk!
Section 4 of 5:

Windows 11 Sign-In Options

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  1. Step 1 Windows Hello PIN
    This option involves using a 4-digit PIN (personal identification number) to sign into your account instead of a full password. It’s usually quicker and easier to use than a password, too.[7]
  2. Step 2 Windows Hello facial recognition
    Windows 11 computers can use their cameras and facial recognition software to sign you in, instead of having you enter a PIN or password. However, if facial recognition fails (because it’s dark, you’re looking at the computer at a bad angle, or some other reason), you’ll need a backup way to sign in—such as a PIN.[8]
  3. Step 3 Windows Hello fingerprint reader
    Not all computers come equipped with fingerprint recognition, but those that do can sign you in based on your unique fingerprint rather than a PIN or password. But, again, it’s always a good idea to have backup ways to sign in enabled as well.
  4. Step 4 Password
    This is the classic way to sign into your computer. Microsoft does have certain password complexity requirements (for security, to ensure passwords are as strong as possible); they must be at least 12 characters long, and use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.[9]
    • It’s also generally a good idea to create passwords that are different from any other passwords you might have, and easy to remember but tricky for anyone else to guess.
  5. Step 5 Security key
    Security keys are physical devices that can be used to sign into an account, app, or website (usually a USB drive or an NFC security key). Windows 11 allows the use of security keys, if you feel comfortable keeping track of one!
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Section 5 of 5:

Setting Up a New Windows 11 PIN Later

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  1. Open your computer’s settings and navigate to the Accounts tab.
    If you disable your Windows 11 PIN, only to decide later that you actually do want to use it, that’s no problem at all—you can simply repeat the process above to re-enable the Windows Hello PIN. Navigate to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options → PIN (Windows Hello) and you’ll see the option to add a PIN. Select it, and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your PIN.
    • When coming up with a strong PIN, keep the following tips in mind:[10]
      • Avoid obvious numbers and personal information (like birthdays).
      • Avoid using easy patterns (1234, 1111, 2468, and so on).
      • Choose numbers that are easy for you to remember, but unique and obscure to others.
      • Consider using a number that has meaning to you (like an important date, an old phone number, or a significant address).
      • Use different PINs for different accounts. Don’t repeat them!

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References

  1. ↑ https://youtu.be/DC6Bh_vfQh4?t=20
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/DC6Bh_vfQh4?t=20
  3. ↑ https://youtu.be/DC6Bh_vfQh4?t=30
  4. ↑ https://youtu.be/DC6Bh_vfQh4?t=40
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/GthzVqczZmw?t=28
  6. ↑ https://youtu.be/DC6Bh_vfQh4?t=85
  7. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/sign-in-options-in-windows-8ae09c04-c5da-41c9-972f-b126a13d18a8#windowsversion=windows_11
  8. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/sign-in-options-in-windows-8ae09c04-c5da-41c9-972f-b126a13d18a8#windowsversion=windows_11
  9. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/sign-in-options-in-windows-8ae09c04-c5da-41c9-972f-b126a13d18a8#windowsversion=windows_11
  1. ↑ https://www.rd.com/article/the-worlds-safest-best-pin/

About This Article

Stan Kats
Reviewed by:
Stan Kats
Professional Technologist
This article was reviewed by Stan Kats and by wikiHow staff writer, Glenn Carreau. Stan Kats is a Professional Technologist and the COO and Chief Technologist for The STG IT Consulting Group in West Hollywood, California. Stan provides comprehensive technology solutions to businesses through managed IT services, and for individuals through his consumer service business, Stan's Tech Garage. Stan holds a BA in International Relations from The University of Southern California. He began his career working in the Fortune 500 IT world. Stan founded his companies to offer an enterprise-level of expertise for small businesses and individuals. This article has been viewed 1,520 times.
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Updated: February 6, 2026
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