User Account - Create a PIN in Windows 8

How to Create, Change, or Remove a PIN for Your Account in Windows 8 and 8.1

information   Information
This tutorial will show you how to create, change, or remove a 4 digit PIN for your user account to use to sign in and unlock Windows 8 with. You can use both the PIN and/or password.

Domain users will not be able sign-in with a PIN by default in Windows 8 unless enabled.

Tip   Tip
Change your password or pin often to minimize the risk of losing any sensitive data.


EXAMPLE: Sign in with PIN
22897d1370932076-signing-windows-8-sign-in_windows_8_pin.jpg


Here's How:

1. Open PC settings, and do step 2 or 3 below for what Windows 8 you have.

2. In Windows 8 or Windows RT, click/tap on Users on the left side, and go to step 4 below. (see screenshot below)
users.jpg

3. In Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1, click/tap on Accounts on the left side. (see screenshot below)
Windows_8.1_PIN-1.jpg
A) Click/tap on Sign-in options on the left side, and go to step 4 below. (see screenshot below)​
Windows_8.1_PIN-2.jpg

4. Do step 5, 6, or 7 below for what you would like to do.

5. To Create a PIN for your User Account
A) Click/tap on Create a PIN (Windows 8) or Add (Windows 8.1). (see screenshot below step 2 or 3)​
NOTE: You must already have created a password for your user account first to be able to create a pin.
B) Enter your current password to verify your account info, and click/tap on OK or press Enter. (see screenshot below)​
Confirmation.jpg
C) Enter in your 4-digit PIN that you want, click/tap on Finish, and go to step 8 below. (see screenshot below)​
Enter Pin.jpg

Note   Note
If you get an "Error Capturing Pin" message, then you will need to set the Credential Manager service to be Automatic and started (running). Afterwards, start the tutorial over to try creating your PIN again.

How to Start, Stop, and Disable Services in Windows 8



6. To Change your PIN
A) On the right side under Sign-in options (Windows 8) or PIN (Windows 8.1), click/tap on Change PIN or Change. (see screenshot below)​
Change_PIN.jpg
B) Enter your current password to verify your account info, and click/tap on OK or press Enter. (see screenshot below)​
Change_PIN-1.jpg
C) Enter your new 4-digit PIN that you want, click/tap on Finish, and go to step 8 below. (see screenshot below)​
Change_PIN-2.jpg

7. To Remove your PIN
A) On the right side under Sign-in options to the right of Change PIN (Windows 8) or PIN (Windows 8.1), click/tap on Remove. (see screenshots below)​
Remove_PIN.jpg
Windows_8.1_PIN-3.jpg


8. If you like, you can now close PC settings.


That's it,
Josh


 

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Last edited by a moderator:
I cannot remove my PIN. I hit the remove button and it goes dark for a little bit and then freezes. If I touch anything it will eventually crash the PC settings app. I really want to get rid of it.
 
Hello Winz, and welcome to Eight Forums.

For now, let's see if running a sfc /scannow command may be able to help if there's a corrupted or modified system file at fault.
 
The scan said that it didn't find anything wrong, however, when I went to remove the pin it worked immediately, so something happened whatever it did, so thanks man. I also appreciate all of your posts being well written. And of course for the fast reply.
 
You're most welcome. I'm glad it was able to sort it for you. :)
 
LOL, no worries Josh. I'm always happy to help update them. :)
 
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