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Help logging in to my computer

Trenda Warren 0 Reputation points
2026-03-11T16:42:26.74+00:00

Computer or Microsoft account login problems….doesn’t recognize my face nor my PIN for logging in. I can login to my Microsoft account through my phone but not my computer!!

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Accounts, profiles, and login
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  1. Gunasekar N 60,795 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-03-12T04:06:40.8566667+00:00

    Hello, thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A.

    If your facial recognition or PIN is no longer recognized, try resetting it.

    That is, on the Windows Hello Sign-in screen, select 'I forgot my PIN' and follow the prompts to reset your PIN. Once done, sign in with your new PIN.

    Reference-

    Change or reset your PIN in Windows

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  2. Q&A Assist
    2026-03-11T16:42:39.4+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    Follow these steps on the computer to get back in using Windows Hello (face) or PIN:

    1. Sign in with another method
    • On the Windows sign-in screen, choose Sign-in options.
    • Select Password (or another available method) and sign in with the Microsoft account password, since that still works on the phone.
    • If no other sign-in method works and the PIN is completely blocking access, the only supported resolution in a similar case was to back up data (if possible) and perform a clean reinstall of Windows.
    1. Fix Windows Hello Face not recognizing Once signed in:
    1. Clean and check the camera and environment
    • Make sure the camera is clean and not covered.
    • Improve lighting (avoid very bright light from one side or a dark room).
    • Remove hats or accessories that cast shadows on the face.
    • If glasses, makeup, or facial hair changed significantly since setup, plan to rescan the face.
    1. Improve or re-set up facial recognition
    • Go to Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Windows Hello Face.
    • Select Improve recognition to add another face template (for example, with and without glasses).
    • If still unreliable, remove Windows Hello Face and set it up again from the same page.
    1. If the device says it can’t find a compatible camera
    • Some devices (for example, Surface Laptop 13-inch 1st Edition and all Surface Laptop Go models) do not support Windows Hello Face; use fingerprint or PIN instead.
    • If the device should support Face, make sure Windows and firmware are fully updated using the vendor’s update tools.
    1. Fix PIN problems If the PIN is not accepted but a password still works:
    • Sign in with the password.
    • Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
    • Remove the existing PIN, then add a new PIN.

    If the system shows errors like “Something went wrong” every time the PIN is set up and no other sign-in method works, the only confirmed resolution in a similar case was to reformat and clean-install Windows.

    1. General Windows Hello reliability tips
    • Always ensure the camera is clean and unobstructed.
    • Avoid harsh side lighting; use even front lighting.
    • Re-scan the face if starting or stopping use of glasses, or after major facial hair changes.
    • Use Improve recognition instead of only deleting and re-adding, because it adds extra templates and can improve recognition.

    If, after checking lighting, camera, and re-enrolling the face, Windows Hello still fails consistently, there may be a hardware issue with the camera and the device manufacturer or a repair service should be contacted.


    References:

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