On Windows 10, when setting up a new computer or creating a new user account, you must configure a PIN alongside a password. Although using a PIN has benefits like simplicity and better security since it’s only locally relevant, it’s not a feature everyone wants.

If you sign in with a PIN but want to use a password or another mechanism for authentication (such as a fingerprint ), you can remove the PIN using the Settings app on Windows 10.

This guide will teach you the steps to remove a PIN password from your Windows 10 account.

Remove PIN on Windows 10

To remove an account PIN on Windows 10, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings on Windows 10.
  2. Click on Accounts .
  3. Click on Sign-in options .
  4. Turn off the “Require Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts” toggle switch. Quick note: You must turn off this feature. Otherwise, the option to remove the PIN will be grayed out.
  5. Under the “Manage how your sign in to your device” section, select the “Windows Hello PIN” option.
  6. Click the Remove button to remove the PIN on Windows 10.
  7. Click the Remove button again.
  8. Confirm the current password.
  9. Click the OK button.

Once you complete the steps, you will no longer be able to sign in with a PIN, and you’ll need to use your account password to access the desktop. If you instead want to bypass the Sign-in screen, you can use these steps to remove your account password on Windows 10 .

On Windows 10, Windows Hello fingerprint is just another biometric authentication method to sign in to your account.

The set up is a very straightforward process , but if you’re having problems signing in, and you usually end up typing a password instead, the problem isn’t the fingerprint reader, it’s probably an issue with your configuration. If this is the case, reconfiguring your fingerprints can resolve most issues.

In this guide , you’ll learn the steps to fix sign-in problems using a fingerprint reader on Windows 10 .

Fix fingerprint authentication on Windows 10

The best way to get your fingerprint reader to work correctly with Windows Hello is to reconfigure the feature until your fingerprints have been captured properly.

To fix Windows Hello Fingerprint feature, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings on Windows 10.
  2. Click on Accounts .
  3. Click on Sign-in options.
  4. Under the “Windows Hello” section, click the Remove button. Remove fingerprint from Windows Hello
  5. Click the Set up button.
  6. Click the Get started button. Windows Hello fingerprint wizard
  7. Confirm your password.
  8. Continue with the on-screen directions to capture your fingerprint from various angles.

Once you complete the steps, lock your device ( Windows key + L ), and use the fingerprint reader to sign in. If you’re still having problems, repeat the steps mentioned above until you find a configuration that works.