Imagine being locked out of your own Windows computer, staring at an error message that says “Something happened and your PIN not available.” This frustrating issue leaves you unable to access your files, apps, and important work. The good news is that this common Windows 10/11 problem can be fixed with several proven methods that I’ll show you step by step.
Key Takeaways
- This error usually happens due to corrupted system files, Windows updates, or profile issues
- You can fix it using methods ranging from simple restarts to advanced system repairs
- Most solutions don’t require technical expertise and can be done in under 30 minutes
- Your data is safe during these fixes – no need to worry about losing files
- Prevention tips can stop this from happening again in the future
What Causes the “Something Happened PIN Not Available” Error?
Before we dive into the fixes, let’s understand what happened to your pin. Windows Hello PIN is a convenient way to sign in to your computer, but sometimes things go wrong. The main causes include:
- Corrupted system files: Windows updates or sudden shutdowns can damage important files
- Windows update issues: Sometimes updates change how PIN authentication works
- Profile corruption: Your user profile might have gotten damaged
- TPM (Trusted Platform Module) problems: Security chip issues can affect PIN functionality
- NGC folder corruption: This folder stores PIN data and can get corrupted
When you see the microsoft pin not available error, it means Windows can’t access or verify your PIN information. This is why you’re stuck on the login screen with only the “Set up my PIN” option that doesn’t work.
How to Fix “Something Happened PIN Not Available” in Windows 10?
If you’re experiencing the something happened pin not available windows 10 error, don’t worry. I’ll show you five proven methods to fix this issue, starting with the easiest ones.
Method 1: Quick Fix Using Hard Shutdown?
This method works by forcing Windows into recovery mode, where you can access advanced repair options. It’s perfect when my pin is not available and I can’t get past the login screen.
Step-by-step guide:
- Turn off your computer completely
- Press the power button to turn it on
- As soon as you see the Windows logo or spinning dots, press and hold the power button for 5-10 seconds
- Your computer will shut down forcefully
- Repeat this process twice (turn on, force shutdown during boot)
- On the third startup, Windows should automatically enter the Recovery Environment
Once in Recovery Environment:
- Select “Troubleshoot”
- Choose “Advanced options”
- Click “Startup Repair” first to see if Windows can fix itself
- If that doesn’t work, go back and try “System Restore” if you have restore points
- As a last resort, you can try “Reset this PC” (choose “Keep my files” to save your data)
This method often fixes the pin not working issue because it allows Windows to repair corrupted system files that are preventing PIN authentication.
Method 2: Delete the NGC Folder to Reset PIN?
The NGC folder is where Windows stores your PIN information. When this folder gets corrupted, you’ll see the something happened pin not available error. Deleting it forces Windows to create a fresh PIN database.
Important: You’ll need access to another administrator account or the Recovery Environment to do this. If you’re completely locked out, use Method 1 first to get into Recovery Environment, then open Command Prompt from there.
Step-by-step guide:
- Open File Explorer
- Navigate to: C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft\NGC
- Delete all files and folders inside the NGC folder
- If you can’t delete them, you might need to take ownership of the folder first
- Restart your computer
- When prompted, set up a new PIN
Alternative using Command Prompt:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator
- Type: icacls C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Ngc /T /Q /C /RESET
- Press Enter
- Restart your computer and set up a new PIN
This method is very effective for fixing the something happened pin not available error because it removes the corrupted PIN data completely.
Method 3: Switch to Local Account and Back?
Sometimes the issue is with your Microsoft account connection. Switching to a local account and back can refresh the authentication system and fix the pin not available windows 11 error.
Step-by-step guide:
- If you can access Windows, go to Settings > Accounts
- Click “Your info”
- Select “Sign in with a local account instead”
- Follow the prompts to create a local account password
- Sign out and sign back in with your local account
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options
- Add a new PIN for your local account
- Once the PIN works, go back to Settings > Accounts > Your info
- Select “Sign in with a Microsoft account instead”
- Sign in with your Microsoft account
This method works because it creates a fresh authentication link between your Microsoft account and Windows, often resolving the microsoft pin not available issue.
Method 4: Use Command Prompt to Fix PIN Issues?
For more technical users, the Command Prompt can be a powerful tool to fix the something happened and your pin isn’t available windows 10 error.
Step-by-step guide:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator
- Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
- sfc /scannow
- dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
- Wait for the scans to complete (this might take 15-30 minutes)
- Restart your computer
- Try to set up your PIN again
If that doesn’t work:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator again
- Type: net user administrator /active:yes
- Press Enter
- Restart your computer
- Sign in with the Administrator account (no password needed)
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options
- Remove your PIN and then add it again
- Restart and sign in with your regular account
This method fixes underlying system corruption that might be causing the something happened pin not available windows 10 error.
Method 5: System Restore or Reset?
If none of the above methods work, you might need to use system restore or reset your PC. Don’t worry – you won’t lose your files if you follow these steps carefully.
System Restore:
- Access Recovery Environment (using Method 1)
- Select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “System Restore”
- Choose a restore point from before the problem started
- Follow the prompts to restore your system
- This will uninstall recent updates and programs but keep your files intact
Reset This PC:
- Access Recovery Environment
- Select “Troubleshoot” > “Reset this PC”
- Choose “Keep my files” – this is very important!
- Follow the prompts to reset Windows
- Your files will be safe, but you’ll need to reinstall programs
This is the last resort for fixing the something happened and your pin isn’t available windows 10 error, but it’s very effective when other methods fail.
What About Windows 11 Users?
The pin isn’t available windows 11 error is very similar to the Windows 10 version. All the methods above work for Windows 11 as well. However, there are a few Windows 11-specific considerations:
- Windows 11 has stricter security requirements, so TPM issues are more common
- The “windows 11 something happened and your pin isn’t available click to set up your pin again” error might appear more frequently after major updates
- Windows 11 users should check for specific driver updates for their hardware
Windows 11 Quick Fix:
- Check for Windows 11 updates first
- Update all your drivers, especially TPM and security-related drivers
- Try the NGC folder method (Method 2) as it’s most effective for Windows 11
The something happened pin not available windows 11 fix is essentially the same as for Windows 10, so follow all the methods above.
How to Prevent This Issue from Happening Again?
Now that you’ve fixed the pin not available windows 11 error, let’s make sure it doesn’t happen again. Prevention is always better than cure!
Regular Maintenance Tips:
- Keep Windows updated, but pause updates if you’re in the middle of important work
- Create regular system restore points manually
- Don’t force shutdown your computer unless absolutely necessary
- Keep your antivirus software updated
Best Practices:
- Always have a backup of your important files (use cloud storage or external drives)
- Write down your Microsoft account password in a safe place
- Consider using both PIN and password for login flexibility
- Don’t install suspicious software that might corrupt system files
Following these tips will help you avoid the something happened pin not available windows 11 fix process in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my PIN not working on my PC?
Your PIN might not work due to corrupted system files, recent Windows updates, or problems with the NGC folder where PIN data is stored. This is a common issue that usually happens after system updates or unexpected shutdowns. The good news is that it’s fixable using the methods described above, and your data remains safe throughout the process.
How do I fix “Something happened and your PIN isn’t available”?
You can fix this error using several methods: try the hard shutdown method first to access Recovery Environment, delete the NGC folder, switch to a local account and back, use Command Prompt to repair system files, or use System Restore. Start with the easiest method (hard shutdown) and work your way up to more advanced solutions if needed.
Can I reset my Windows PIN without logging in?
Yes, you can reset your Windows PIN without logging in by accessing the Recovery Environment. Use the hard shutdown method (turn on, force shutdown during boot, repeat twice) to enter recovery mode, then use Command Prompt or System Restore to fix the issue. This allows you to bypass the login screen and repair the PIN system.
What causes Windows PIN issues?
Windows PIN issues are typically caused by corrupted system files, failed Windows updates, damaged user profiles, TPM (Trusted Platform Module) problems, or corrupted NGC folder data. These issues can occur after system updates, sudden power losses, or when security software interferes with Windows authentication processes.
How do I bypass Windows PIN login?
You can bypass Windows PIN login by accessing Recovery Environment using the hard shutdown method, then using System Restore to go back to a point before the issue occurred. Alternatively, you can use Command Prompt to enable the built-in Administrator account, which often doesn’t require a PIN, then repair your user account from there.
Will I lose my data if I reset my PC to fix PIN issues?
No, you won’t lose your data if you choose the “Keep my files” option when resetting your PC. This option preserves all your personal files, documents, pictures, and videos while reinstalling Windows. However, you’ll need to reinstall your applications and set up your accounts again. Always back up important files before performing major system repairs.
Why does my PIN keep disappearing in Windows 10/11?
Your PIN keeps disappearing due to ongoing corruption in the NGC folder or authentication system. This can happen if there are underlying system issues, failing hardware components, or conflicts with security software. The permanent fix involves identifying and resolving the root cause using the methods described above, particularly the NGC folder deletion or system repair options.
Conclusion
Dealing with the “Something happened PIN not available Windows 10” error can be frustrating, but now you have five proven methods to fix it. Start with the simple hard shutdown method and work your way through the solutions until you find the one that works for your situation.
Remember that your data is safe throughout these processes, and most fixes take less than 30 minutes to complete. If one method doesn’t work, don’t get discouraged – try the next one. The NGC folder method (Method 2) is often the most effective for persistent cases.
For ongoing Windows login issues, you might also want to check out our guide on Windows 11 log on without password for alternative login methods, or learn how to fix referenced account locked out errors if you encounter account access problems.
Have you tried any of these methods? Let us know which one worked for you in the comments below!For more Windows troubleshooting guides and security tips, visit Microsoft Support or check out our comprehensive Windows security articles on whoismcafee.com.
