How to Remove PIN in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 25, 2025

If you’ve set up a PIN to log in to your Windows 11 device but now want to remove it, you’re not alone. Many users prefer to switch to a password, fingerprint, or automatic login instead of using a PIN every time.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to remove a PIN in Windows 11 — step-by-step — along with tips, alternatives, and troubleshooting advice in case the “Remove” option is greyed out.

🔍 Quick Overview

Method Best For Difficulty
Using Settings App Standard way to remove PIN ⭐ Easy
Using Netplwiz Disable PIN & password login ⭐⭐ Medium
Using Registry Editor When Remove button is greyed out ⭐⭐⭐ Advanced
Using Group Policy Enterprise/Pro users ⭐⭐⭐ Advanced

✅ Works on: Windows 11 Home, Pro, and Education
✅ Requires: Microsoft or local admin account
✅ Estimated Time: 5–10 minutes

Why You Might Want to Remove Your PIN

A Windows Hello PIN is generally more secure and faster than a traditional password, but there are several reasons you might want to remove it:

  • You prefer password-only login.

  • You want auto-login without any password.

  • You’re selling or giving away your laptop.

  • You’re setting up a shared or kiosk PC.

  • Your PIN is not working or causing issues.

Removing the PIN doesn’t make your PC insecure if you use another strong authentication method.

🧭 Step 1: Understand What a Windows 11 PIN Is

Before you remove it, it helps to understand what the PIN actually does.

A Windows Hello PIN:

  • Is linked to your device, not your Microsoft account.

  • Works even offline.

  • Can unlock Windows, apps, and Microsoft services.

  • Can be reset easily if forgotten.

However, if you no longer need it, you can safely remove it — just make sure another sign-in option (like a password) is set up first.

⚙️ Step 2: Check Your Sign-In Options

Before removing your PIN, confirm that you have another login method (like a password or fingerprint).

🔹 How to Check:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Navigate to Accounts → Sign-in options.

  3. Under Ways to sign in, check that:

    • Password is available.

    • (Optional) Fingerprint or Face recognition is set up.

If no other sign-in option is available, you must add a password before removing the PIN.

🧩 Step 3: Remove PIN in Windows 11 via Settings (Recommended)

This is the official and easiest method.

🔹 Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Accounts → Sign-in options.

  3. Under Ways to sign in, click PIN (Windows Hello).

  4. Click Remove.

  5. A confirmation box appears — click Remove again.

  6. Enter your Microsoft account password (for security).

✅ Done! Your PIN has now been removed. You’ll now log in using your password.

🧭 Step 4: Can’t Click “Remove”? Fix Greyed-Out Button

If the Remove button is greyed out, it usually means your device requires Windows Hello PIN because of security settings or organizational policies.

Here’s how to fix it.

🧰 Option 1: Disable “Require Windows Hello Sign-In”

  1. Open Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options.

  2. Scroll down to Additional settings.

  3. Turn OFF the switch for

    “For improved security, only allow Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts on this device.”

  4. Restart your PC.

  5. Go back to PIN (Windows Hello) → click Remove.

This works for most home users.

🧰 Option 2: Use the Registry Editor (Advanced Users)

If the option is still locked, modify a registry key.

⚠️ Warning: Changing the registry can affect your system. Proceed carefully and back up the registry first.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R → type regedit → press Enter.

  2. Navigate to this path:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\PolicyManager\default\Settings\AllowSignInOptions

  3. On the right panel, double-click value.

  4. Set Value data to 0.

  5. Click OK and close the Registry Editor.

  6. Restart your computer.

  7. Go back to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options → PIN (Windows Hello) → Remove.

✅ You should now be able to remove the PIN successfully.

🧰 Option 3: Use Group Policy (Windows 11 Pro / Enterprise)

If you’re on Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, use Local Group Policy Editor.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → System → Logon

  3. Double-click Turn on convenience PIN sign-in.

  4. Set it to Disabled → click Apply → OK.

  5. Restart your computer.

  6. Now go to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options → Remove PIN.

🧩 Step 5: Remove PIN via Netplwiz (No Password Login)

If you want to bypass PIN and password login entirely, you can use the Netplwiz command.

🔹 Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type netplwiz, and press Enter.

  2. In the User Accounts window, select your account.

  3. Uncheck

    “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer.”

  4. Click Apply.

  5. Enter your current password when prompted.

  6. Restart your PC.

✅ Your PC will now log in automatically — no PIN or password required.

🧩 Step 6: Remove or Reset a Forgotten PIN

If you forgot your PIN and can’t log in, follow these steps.

🔹 Option 1: Reset PIN from Login Screen

  1. On the login screen, click I forgot my PIN.

  2. Enter your Microsoft account password.

  3. Follow the prompts to reset your PIN or remove it entirely.

🔹 Option 2: Use Safe Mode

  1. Hold Shift → click Restart from the Power menu.

  2. Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.

  3. Press 4 or F4 to boot into Safe Mode.

  4. Log in and remove your PIN from Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options.

🧩 Step 7: Remove PIN for a Local Account

If your Windows 11 device uses a local account instead of a Microsoft account:

  1. Open Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options.

  2. Under PIN (Windows Hello) → click Remove.

  3. Confirm with your local password.

💡 Tip: Make sure your local account has a password set — otherwise, Windows won’t let you remove the PIN.

🧩 Step 8: Remove Windows Hello PIN for All Users (Admin)

If you’re an admin and want to disable PINs for all users on the system:

  1. Open Registry Editor (regedit).

  2. Navigate to:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\PolicyManager\default\Settings\AllowSignInOptions

  3. Set value to 0.

  4. Restart your PC.

This prevents any user from setting up or using Windows Hello PIN.

🧩 Step 9: Optional — Remove Fingerprint and Face Recognition

If you’re cleaning up all Windows Hello options, you can remove fingerprint and facial recognition too.

🔹 Steps:

  1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options.

  2. Under Ways to sign in, expand:

    • Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello) → Remove.

    • Face recognition (Windows Hello) → Remove.

This restores a simple, password-only login experience.

⚠️ Step 10: What Happens After You Remove Your PIN

Once you remove your PIN:

  • You’ll log in using your Microsoft account password.

  • You’ll lose Windows Hello features (Face, Fingerprint).

  • Some security apps or Microsoft Store features might prompt to re-enable it.

You can always re-add a PIN later if you change your mind:

Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options → PIN (Windows Hello) → Set up.

🧠 Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Fixes

Problem Cause Fix
Remove button greyed out Windows Hello enforced Disable “require Windows Hello” in settings or registry
Can’t remove PIN on work laptop Organizational policy Contact your IT admin
Forgot PIN Linked to Microsoft account Click “I forgot my PIN” on login screen
Still asks for PIN after removal Cached credentials Restart and sign out/in again
Remove option missing entirely System glitch Run Windows Update or reset sign-in options

🧰 Optional: Turn Off Windows Hello Requirement via Registry (Alternative Path)

If you can’t find “AllowSignInOptions,” create it manually.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\PolicyManager\default\Settings

  3. Right-click Settings → New → Key → name it AllowSignInOptions.

  4. In the right panel → right-click → New → DWORD (32-bit) Value.

  5. Name it value → set data to 0.

  6. Restart your PC.

✅ The “Remove” button should now work.

🧩 Bonus Tip: Enable Auto Login After Removing PIN

If you want Windows 11 to skip both PIN and password entry:

  1. Open Run (Windows + R).

  2. Type netplwiz → press Enter.

  3. Uncheck “Users must enter a user name and password.”

  4. Enter your password when prompted.

  5. Restart your PC.

Now your Windows 11 will log in automatically on startup.

🧾 Recap Table — All Methods to Remove a PIN in Windows 11

Method Tool Best For
Settings Windows Hello PIN removal Beginners
Netplwiz Auto login (no password or PIN) Home users
Registry Editor Fix greyed-out button Advanced
Group Policy Pro or Enterprise Admin users
Safe Mode When locked out Recovery
Forgot PIN Option Login screen reset Microsoft accounts

💡 Expert Tips

  • Always set a password before removing your PIN.

  • Restart your PC after each change to ensure it applies.

  • If using a work or school account, some restrictions may apply.

  • Create a backup before editing the registry.

  • You can add a new PIN anytime if needed.

🧩 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is the “Remove PIN” button greyed out?

Because your device requires Windows Hello sign-in. Disable “Only allow Windows Hello sign-in” in Settings or Registry Editor.

2. Will removing my PIN delete my Microsoft account?

No. Removing your PIN only affects the sign-in method — your account stays safe.

3. Can I remove my PIN without a password?

No. You must have at least one alternative sign-in method (password or fingerprint).

4. What if I forgot my PIN and can’t log in?

Click “I forgot my PIN” on the login screen and follow the prompts to reset or remove it.

5. Can I still use Windows Hello after removing the PIN?

No. Windows Hello features (like face or fingerprint) rely on having a PIN set up.

🧭 Conclusion

Removing your PIN in Windows 11 is easy — as long as you know where to look.
You can do it through Settings, Netplwiz, or Registry Editor, depending on your system setup.

To recap:

  • ✅ Use Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options → Remove PIN (main method).

  • ⚙️ If greyed out, disable Windows Hello requirement.

  • 💻 For advanced users, tweak the registry or group policy.

  • 🔒 Always ensure another sign-in method is active before removal.

With your PIN removed, you’ll enjoy a cleaner, simpler login experience — or even full auto-login if you choose.

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