Windows 11 24H2 safe mode error or is it just me? "The PIN is not available"

[-]

chicosun@reddit

As for today, this is the only workaround I found out.

Create a local admin user with no password (Account, other users, add other user, click on I don't have the log in data or whatever message it shows, then click on don't use a ms account)
Close session and log in into your local admin user
Run whatever program you be using, AMD CleanUp utility, DDU... Accept and reboot into safe mode
You'll log into safe mode without any trouble, do your stuff and reboot
Log in into your main acc and remove or do whatever you want with your local user

Seems like w11 needs net to be sure you are logging, you can't bypass it and it's annoying af

[-]

thatt-guy@reddit

Also, you may just activate the local admin account, set a password for the bitch, and then do the thing (at least it was my way):

net user administrator /active:yes
net user administrator myrel1ablep@ssw0rd

Ofc, you gotta launch command prompt (CMD) as an administrator to be able to execute these commands.

And yeah, when you're done, just disable the account and sleep well:

net user administrator /active:no

[-]

Still not fixed in April 2025. Got a new GPU and went to use DDU...got stuck in a loop of "pin unavailable, reset pin." To which you reset the pin, come back to the login screen only to be told the pin is unavailable still lol. Good job windows. Better hope steam OS doesn't release soon and steal half of their client

[-]

naldree@reddit

Came looking for solution after fresh install 24H2 and trying to access safe mode to use DDU, and I guess I’m not the only one having this problem. I even did a second reinstall, and problem still persist. Looks like something wrong with this version of Windows, probably will need to be patched.

[-]

Anaksy@reddit

You are not alone my friend. I have the same issue. After a clean install of 24H2 I can't access safe mode. It is always showing this "PIN" issue.

[-]

mrmoooniv@reddit

75 days ago, they still have not even resolved the issue.

[-]

Nighttide1032@reddit

Still not resolved in January 2025

[-]

shrockitlikeitshot@reddit

I found this solution:

Hold shift and click restart, it'll reboot in troubleshooting mode, select troubleshoot and select command prompt

Type this command:

bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot

This removes safe mode boot, restart and it'll boot normally

If {default} doesn't work try {current}

[-]

Yuryo@reddit

Thank you kind stranger.

[-]

Cornfield8907@reddit

You just saved my life, thank you so much

[-]

Nani171996@reddit

You’re a Genius bro thank you so much!

[-]

Brief_Protection255@reddit

AMIGO TE AMO, GRACIAS

[-]

1corn@reddit

Thanks for sharing, but doesn't work for me, unfortunately. It just says "Element not found."

[-]

FirefighterFew9155@reddit

same here

[-]

1corn@reddit

Can't check right now, but there's another comment here about allowing normal password instead of PIN in the account settings. That worked for me. Good luck!

[-]

FirefighterFew9155@reddit

yea found it aswell, riddicilous that its still not fixed yet

[-]

YokinuTheShiba@reddit

Thank you so much. You saved my life

[-]

Ghosty_lll@reddit

Thank you so much !!

[-]

kfr91@reddit

Work for me 2. Lenovo legion go issue was with AMD drivers and safe modę

[-]

myownmitosis@reddit

You’re a lifesaver!! I couldn’t get into W11 after going into Safe Mode w/o Networking. Even after going into troubleshooting and selecting startup as SM w/ Networking in Repair Options, it was giving me PIN issues. This CMD line saved me from having to reinstall! Once I was in, I went back into MS Config and selected normal startup. Thanks again!!

[-]

JuicyJ1738IsBack@reddit

THANK YOU THIS WORKED, I THOUGHT ID HAVE TO REINSTALL THANK YOU SO MUCH

[-]

FernandoPwnJr@reddit

Yo this worked for me! Thanks so much man. Honestly that safe mode reboot really screwed me over for hours

[-]

Fanaticism3287@reddit

Still not resolved January 26th and it’s absolutely absurd

[-]

ScedR@reddit

Still not resolved March 7th.

[-]

MyGreyScreen@reddit

Not resolved march 21st

[-]

ZestyclosePlum3434@reddit

same

[-]

Gotti923@reddit

same

[-]

ChevyImpaler67@reddit

My situation's even worse. I didn't turn off Bitlocker.... Was lucky to log in to Ms account right before this shat happened and the Bitlocker keys were saved there

[-]

Nosnibor1020@reddit

March 2025

[-]

Educational_Rub_5885@reddit

Is it still not resolved?

[-]

Nighttide1032@reddit

Nope. I use DDU each time a new display driver comes out, and along with regular Windows updates, nothing has changed. I even did a clean OS install a couple weeks ago when I dropped in a new card, and still no change

[-]

Educational_Rub_5885@reddit

Ahhh weird. Safe mode works for me? Maybe because i don’t have a password pin or bitlocker enabled?

[-]

Nighttide1032@reddit

Correct about the password pin, that’s the variable

[-]

Educational_Rub_5885@reddit

Ah well hopefully windows fixes this soon it’s been reported 5 months ago even longer. Kinda stupid how windows hasn’t done anything about it yet

[-]

Working-Rub-7055@reddit

Not even the command he posted works for me, value does not exist. For me the issue also could be that I get no network while trying to enter safe mode with networking. Someone said a phone with usb tethering will install drivers when connected, but nothing for me. Tried the phone with usb tethering and same thing, unidentified network, pin does not work, password does not work. How is an online account safer if I cant even get into my own PC in safe mode :D I can get into windows fine, I will leave it for now, but this feels strange. In the days of local accounts it was a lot more easy. Maybe it also has to do something with bitlocker. The C drive is locked and it could be the command lines do not work because of it? Every time I reboot to safe mode I have to enter the dang drive numbers.

[-]

Nighttide1032@reddit

Definitely not. For the record though, making a local account is how I got into safe mode; since I was still able to get into Windows, I went to Settings > Accounts > Other Accounts and created a new local user, set them to admin, logged into it once, and then rebooted to safe mode and used it to do the DDU stuff I needed to. Worked just fine

[-]

Bored811@reddit

It works thanks for this.

[-]

Working-Rub-7055@reddit

I had the same issue today again, and I found a video. Basically I got locked in a safe mode loop. The way I could access safe mode was to hold shift, reboot into the special menu, go to command line and type what he says: 2 Ways to FIX "Something happened and your PIN isn't available" on Windows 11/10

This did not allow me to use the pin, but I was able to use the windows account pw. I did connect my phone as modem, but no idea if that is important.

I hate this issue for one reason, every MS help topic says to create a local account, but windows 11 does not offer an option for the local account during the installation and there is no local account option in the windows, unless you know how to do it. It does not make any sense.

But the video link works, you can access safe mode afterwards.

[-]

Working-Rub-7055@reddit

On windows 11 I think it is other users, so that might work. Thanks for the tip. There is also an option to actually create a local account if you create USB drive with Rufus, but I feel like I should not be doing this, the system should work as intended, I do not have to invent clever ways to make things work, they should actually work :D Today I had the same issue again, all the TPM features turned off, but once I went into BIOS they were turned on. After rebooting everything works as intended, but there is definitely something wrong or someone is constantly hacking me, which is also possible since I had other weird things happening, including on my phone.

[-]

North_Extreme3368@reddit

Nor in February 2025. Just did a clean windows 24h2 install and ddu'd just to reinstall my gpu drivers and on entering safe mode am stuck on the sign in page. Can't set up my pin

[-]

mrmoooniv@reddit

Even after they released the new updates?

[-]

Nighttide1032@reddit

Yep. Just encountered the issue myself after doing a fresh W11 media creation to usb > fresh install on my computer. Had to do a search for a fix and came across this post. Went the route that IntelArcTesting did and just created a local admin account so I could use DDU

[-]

mrmoooniv@reddit

Here’s the strange thing, never hand any issue prior. Same build with my i7 10700KF, 32GB ram Asus z470-F

Upgraded to an i7 13700K 32GB DDR5, Asus Z790-F, and boom. This issue started, only reason I wanted to even use DDU was windows installed the driver at the get go of windows 11 finishing installing.

[-]

Nighttide1032@reddit

That is strange. I wonder if it’s not shaking hands properly with tpm anymore?

[-]

mrmoooniv@reddit

Now,

Do you have anything windows hello related too? Because I have a finger print USB for login I use.

[-]

Nighttide1032@reddit

I just use a pin, but I already tried disabling the Windows Hello requirement as recommended by another; still didn't make a difference in safe mode

[-]

mrmoooniv@reddit

Yep same. Will experiment later, and see if I magically find a method that’s successful.

[-]

Deathly_Vader@reddit

Men I swear windows 11 sucks so hard . Same issue nothing on safe mode and now nothing on even normal windows

[-]

boy9000@reddit

It’s driving me crazy

[-]

idyIIs-end@reddit

Still not solved Jan 30th... I disabled only allow windows hello password so I can enter my Microsoft password but it doesn't work when it was 100% the correct one, even so that I tried resetting my password and it still said it didn't work. Come on Microsoft, trying to use DDU to reinstall GPU drivers but looks like I'll have to just reinstall windows 11 for the second time.

[-]

Cablato@reddit

I have exactly the same problem (13 march 2025)

[-]

pirlo212020@reddit

Igual yo

[-]

Captain_Relevanz@reddit

bruh that sucks because i got a new GPU and i need to remove the old tribers because they keep messing things up.

[-]

energyN7N7@reddit

Still an issue in 25.2.2025

Rolling back to windows 10 fyck windows 11

[-]

Flameancer@reddit

Lol glad I'm not the only one even in the same month just for DDU that's funny. I'm not rolling back but that's the shit people be talking about with windows 11.

[-]

Eric_K05@reddit

Fuck the pin tbh, what worked for me, I removed my pin, I also changed my password cause I fucking forgot it cause I never use it and always use my pin, but yea, fuck the pin, so I finally after like 2 hours trouble shooting in command prompt with my shitty pin still not working at the end, I used my password and it worked, got me into safe mode and fucking finallyyyyyy managed to use DDU, gl to all of yall, hopefully this option works.

[-]

SpiceXOXO@reddit

So password worked instead of pin?

[-]

Eric_K05@reddit

Yea, I removed pin, and changed my password, and then the password option worked for me. Got DDU up and running, installed new gpu and new drivers, pc working perfectly.

[-]

energyN7N7@reddit

Win 10 FTW fuck 11

[-]

naldree@reddit

I recently attempted to perform a DDU in safe mode, but the issue persists. Even after all the updates to Windows 11 since I initially posted this, none of them have acknowledged or addressed this problem. This baffles me.…

[-]

Nosnibor1020@reddit

I'm having this issue right now.

[-]

Working-Rub-7055@reddit

You can actually get the password option to sign in, but you have to use safe mode with networking I think. Turn off option for improved security use only PIN setting in the accounts section of options in windows 11. However, it is still broken, the MS password works in windows 11 and I can log in the webpage, but as soon as I type it in the login it does not work and pin cannot be used, so safe mode is broken for this version of windows. Even the repair command lines do not work. I guess I will leave it for now as it is and install drivers normally, but this is a big issue.

[-]

Ambitious_Host_8370@reddit

i have the same problem installed DDU to clean the old drivers for my new gpu when i was in safe it said pin not avalable i had to do a fresh windows instalation 2x i am scares of going in safe mode again

[-]

EclipseThaMoon@reddit

Brothers…still no fix

[-]

chicosun@reddit

I had to reinstall windows 11 because some dumbass company can't fucking test their own software

[-]

iArucard@reddit

Same on 24h2 fresh installation I am using Amd clean up utility restart to safe mode , it ask me to set up a pin? during fresh installation , they already asked for the pin set up , and why in safe mode ask me to set up again? im stuck there

[-]

ThePointForward@reddit

Hijacking top comment for people coming from Google like myself:

Settings > Accounts > Sign in options > scroll down to additional settings and turn off "for improved security only allow windows hello sign in".

[-]

xavdeman@reddit

I can't get to the Settings app as Windows 11 is stuck in safe mode and it keeps asking me to set a PIN which fails.

[-]

GrassOk1220@reddit

Press shift and select restart then go to advanced settings then go to cmd then type bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot then exit from cd then continue to windows 11 u can login now

[-]

gtoxyl@reddit

Hello brother, I tried to do the same thing u said but I didn't find the cmd

This is all it shows

[-]

yaricks@reddit

Adding onto this:

I struggled forever to get this to work adding {default} did not work for me.

To solve it, I ran `bcdedit` first which gives an output of most likely two or more results. You will see that one of these outputs will have a line that says `Safeboot Network` or similar. At the top of this block of info there will be an identifier consisting of a ton of letters and numbers. You can highlight this, and right click to copy it. Then, type out most of the command but right click again to paste in the identifier instead of {default}. Mine looked like this:

bcdedit /deletevalue {4f8faf-af50j-1155-en41n-14ncj591} safeboot

So, highlight the identifier, rightclick to copy, then rightclick again to paste.

This finally got me out of safeboot. Good lord I hate Microsoft for this bug.

[-]

Reasonable-Sun-5814@reddit

A mí tampoco me lo toma, me dice que no se ha encontrado el elemento. No encuentro ninguna línea con el nombre Safeboot Network ni nada parecido. Sí hay un identificador de esa longitud pero tiene de nombre 'resumeobject'

[-]

GreeneryRain@reddit

Same issue for me

[-]

Complete-Escape-3550@reddit

You're the man!!!!!!!

[-]

Mammoth_Row6335@reddit

THANK YOU SO MUCH

[-]

Impressive-Goal-3967@reddit

Everyone else saying to reinstall windows and then you fly in like a hero with this. Thank you.

[-]

IngenuityOne6256@reddit

You're the best person on the planet. I could kiss you on the mouth rn lmao

[-]

wuwito@reddit

this doesnt work for me is there a space between everything?

[-]

dedjedi@reddit

+rep

[-]

shroombablol@reddit

you sir are a hero. thank you so much!

[-]

North_Extreme3368@reddit

You saved my life man! It worked. Thanks!

[-]

AyoMatt_@reddit

BRO!!!!! This worked perfectly i appreciate you my man!

[-]

IntelArcTesting@reddit

I swear there is no way to get into safe mode for windows 11 unless you use a local account or password free built in admin account

[-]

GrassOk1220@reddit

Yes correct but i tried password free method didn’t worked ( tried many times) then only i went to create local account get into safe mode . Idk when will microsoft will fix this bug even after 24h2 launched 1 month ago .

[-]

Knaledge@reddit

When you have a moment, would you mind posting more direct instructions here? I used msconfig to toggle into safe mode on reboot - and now (due to this error about “pin”) I am stuck in safe mode. You mention “shift” but it’s unclear what you’re suggesting to do.

[-]

GrassOk1220@reddit

Actually many people including me got stucked using msconfig to toggle safe mode and restart then login screen show pin isn’t available so that only i told solution above here. If u stuck (pin’ isnt available) means use this method: on login screen while holding shift button then press restart on the screen , then it will show various options select advanced settings , then it will shows various option there u select command prompt then type bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot ok then exit from cmd it will come out from safeboot , then u can normaly login windows 11 without issue

[-]

Moparman1303@reddit

Question. I want to run DDU and in the past would use reg edit to go to safe mode and uninstalling drivers and turn come out of safe mode and install new drivers. Well this time I got stuck at start up pin doesn't work. Your instructions saved me. So how do I get into safe mode without pin issue?

[-]

GrassOk1220@reddit

In this thread someone told solution for ddu users without going safemode try it if possible otherwise another solution is there to access safe mode in below steps Guys since the error is not solved there is a walkaround for safe mode 1)Go to Settings in Windows 2)Go to Account section 3)There will be a option ( i am not sure it will work or not for me it worked)- create a local account 4)Create a Pin (remember it for normal login i kept 4141 & for this also i kept 4141 like this keep same pin ) and After creating it will show successful created 5)Now go to safe mode type your pin , it will enter

Guys if u still got stuck in the above processes in safe mode below solution would be helpful

Press shift and select restart then go to advanced settings then go to cmd then type bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot then exit from cd then continue to windows 11 u can login now

[-]

Knaledge@reddit

when I do the bcdedit command, it says it cannot be executed (it seems to be a permission issue). I will get the exact error message in a moment.

[-]

GrassOk1220@reddit

net user administrator /active:yes Then use this if it works on cmd

[-]

Knaledge@reddit

I ran the ‘net user’ command successfully - thank you! Still, I run…

  bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot

— and it says “The specified entry identifier is not valid. The parameter is incorrect.”

I use “current” instead of “default” and it returns “An error occurred while attempting to delete the specified data element. Element not found.”

[-]

GrassOk1220@reddit

I also got this same issue while first time then i formatted pc and installed windows again 🥲 because idk how to fix this issue if u found any solution share here .

[-]

Knaledge@reddit

But what did you intend when you shared the bcdedit command? It seemed as if you were communicating that that would get me out of safe mode.

Are you aware of how to address the “bcdedit” command error I am getting?

[-]

GrassOk1220@reddit

This error would arise on system Windows is corrupted.Actually this bcdedit remove safe mode means it will remove the safe mode from current windows path . If your system is corrupted means like me , then cmd cannot find c partition in drive to fix this either we need to manually select path but i ended up formatting pc because my windows is crashed while updating to 24h2 and it reverted to 23h2 my entire system files got corrupted. If your windows is corrupted means try to reinstall windows. I also tried to repair the windows using sfc, dism ended up getting error then after only option is i got to reinstall windows from scratch with keeping personal files .

[-]

GrassOk1220@reddit

I added a workaround solution for safe mode if u really need safe mode check out my latest comment in this section ( microsoft still doesn’t fixed this bug so this would be a solution till they fixed )and thanks man 😇

[-]

blahsaysmaria@reddit

Oh this worked perfectly! Thank you!

[-]

huntingfortrump@reddit

Omfg you are the man I love you

[-]

Opposite_Duty_3858@reddit

dieu existe et il se nomme GrassOk1220 \^\^

[-]

pejjrow@reddit

Just want to say you have saved my life big time here mate! Was shitting myself that my pc was broken. The people’s hero!!

[-]

Zombiesdying@reddit

You’re the goat dude. Been locked out for like an hour trying to figure this out and your comment saved me

[-]

SirJebus@reddit

Can't believe I read 10 useless threads on the Microsoft forum and the answer was this easy all along. Bless your soul.

[-]

Bossof23@reddit

Hey, I want to confirm is this the way to enter safe mode if you got "PIN" problem or is it just to exit to normal mode from stuck on safe mode?

[-]

GrassOk1220@reddit

To exit to normal mode from safe mode

[-]

Intertar@reddit

fucking hell you are a lifesaver!!

[-]

Rahul98113@reddit

Thanks man great help

[-]

rodynno@reddit

Thank you so fucking much!!

[-]

Sensitive_Fix8407@reddit

Thank you!

[-]

Endemo2806@reddit

Man you're an Ace. That worked. Many th

[-]

dirtyrebooter@reddit

You are a lifesaver. This command worked for me.

[-]

ganzel420@reddit

Thank you! This worked for me.

[-]

cold_cactus1509@reddit

Necroing for people like myself. I solved this after about 6 hours of troubleshooting. Not one solution worked, but I was able to solve it through a combination of solutions in this thread.

Problem 1: pin doesn't work in safe mode or safe mode with networking. No option to use a password (nice Microsoft)

Cannot disable pin in sign in settings. "Forgot my pin" and canceling method doesn't work. Still grayed out.

Partial solution: Follow u/ThePointForward comment, able to finally see the password settings option. Previously it just wasn't even there.

Pin still "unavailable" in both safe mode and safe mode with networking

Partial solution 2: trouble shoot corrupted user profile. No obvious signs other than this issue. Created local admin account (also annoying, apparently even the windows 11 interfaces have changed in the last 6 months. More time googling desperately to even find this)

Local admin account DOES SIGN INTO SAFEMODE. You could stop here. I was not satisfied that the fucking default Microsoft account login still didn't work. Continue troubleshooting

Partial solution 3: u/WinterIsComin (unsure how to quote. Direct copy paste follows, this didn't make my pin work like he suggested. BUT I was able to get the PASSWORD to work, albeit slightly differently from their method I will describe below the ==== lines):

=================================== "Here’s how you fix the pin not working for safe mode!! (What worked for me anyway)

Remove the pin requirement as described in comment I’m replying to. Also disable bitlocker if you use it.

Boot to bios and disable ‘security’ / ‘secure boot’ TPM setting.

Reboot, set up your PIN again in windows account settings.

Reboot to bios, re-enable secure boot setting.

Reboot into windows, then reboot into safe mode. PIN should now work when logging in."

====================================

I could not find a SINGLE trace of bitlocker anywhere on my computer. It is not under Privacy and Security or or Storage Devicds.

Secure boot was already disabled in my bios. But "SECURE BOOT MODE" was enabled.

Disabled Secure Boot Mode.

Boot into safe mode. Pin still "unable to access"

Sign in options > Password > Enter Password the millionth time.

IT FUCKING WORKED. FINALLY able to sign in without the incessant "Password is Incorrect" error.

If you're pulling your hair out, losing your mind because you KNOW the password is correct, you can use it to sign in during a regular boot, try this.

I went down every registry rabbit hole I could find, CMD prompts, changing my Microsoft password etc. This is the only thing that worked. Hopefully someone out there sees this and it helps them too.

Windows 11 is the buggiest, hard to navigate, worse than windows 8 garbage I have ever used.

This is the first windows OS I have ever considered swapping to Linux over. What an absolute pile of garbage.

Do not, under any circumstances, reach out to Microsoft support chat. They will chatgpt the solutions in real time, obvious AI solutions and they will get really annoyed if you refuse letting them to remote into your computer. It took me an hour to talk to someone, and two additional hours later they got pissed off and repeatedly told me to reinstall windows. Which I ended up doing. It didn't help.

You're better off diving down 4 year old reddit threads with 3 up votes than you are contacting them. Multi billion dollar company by the way.

[-]

Snufflux@reddit

just finished going through the exact same process, luckily only took me about an hour to find this thread. how the hell is this the state of windows, i’m this close to switching to linux out of spite

[-]

cold_cactus1509@reddit

It's worse than windows 8. It's been fine until you have to troubleshoot anything and then it's a nightmare.

I don't understand who decided you had to use an online Microsoft account to get into safe mode. The mode designed for the most without networking.

Glad you got it figured out, I pulled my hair out for many hours getting there.

[-]

WinterIsComin@reddit

Here’s how you fix the pin not working for safe mode!! (What worked for me anyway)

Remove the pin requirement as described in comment I’m replying to. Also disable bitlocker if you use it.
Boot to bios and disable ‘security’ / ‘secure boot’ TPM setting.
Reboot, set up your PIN again in windows account settings.
Reboot to bios, re-enable secure boot setting.
Reboot into windows, then reboot into safe mode. PIN should now work when logging in.

[-]

FREEZTYLE_ON_U@reddit

Leg-en-dar-y.
Going through my first new build and was about to lose my shit. From starting out not knowing a damn thing about installing not just the physical GPU, but the drivers as well as DDU... to getting stuck at entering safe mode because 24h2 is still cucked today... I am eternally grateful of your comment saving me from the new found PTSD these last 3 hours have given me.

[-]

james702283@reddit

Thank you so much, tried for like an hour to get into my own pc after trying to “safe boot” and then found this and problem solved. Windows is such ass for this.

[-]

1v9machineL9@reddit

ty bro

[-]

Juice_VI@reddit

Absolute legend. This just worked for me to get into safe mode. Had to use my password at the safe mode login screen. Thanks!

[-]

grksiwhbd@reddit

It keeps re enabling it whenever I try it off. Not working for me sadly. Very annoying issue, I just want to change my gpu 😢

[-]

ThePointForward@reddit

Try creating new local (not connected to Microsoft) account with admin privileges, my reading of it is that it only applies to accounts with MS account connection

[-]

IntelArcTesting@reddit

I’m getting the same only way to get into safe mode is built in admin account but only if it doesn’t have password, as soon as I enabled password for it, it says it’s incorrect

[-]

torezolid@reddit

Problem is still present 25th of march, even with dual booting with linux, when you select to boot to windows the PIN issue awaits

[-]

Wagnard@reddit

For information for those who use DDU, You can use DDU in normal mode too. The procedure is just a little different.
For ti to be as effective as in SafeMode, you must do it twice.

Clean and restart.

then Another clean and restart. It should be as efficient as in safemode.

For the PIN issuem it is of course a microsoft issue as even without using DDU (manually go into safemode), it may ask for the PIN change

[-]

Successful_Ad4388@reddit

You saved a lot of people with this, including me! I didn't even have a reboot option in my PIN screen. Only with USB recover could I access the command prompt. What a bug that is! Do not choose SAFEMODE from MSCONFIG!

[-]

Rove022@reddit

Thank you for this Wagnard. All I wanted to do was use DDU which is usually a very quick process but has turned into a whole thing due to this PIN issue. Even after disabling PIN and using password, when booting into safe mode (including safe mode with networking) windows won't recognize my password.

Good to know I can just run x2 in normal mode.

[-]

ChemicalMemory@reddit

Thank god I read your comment, I was going insane because it also wasn’t recognizing mine. Windows 24H2 has been one gigantic dumpster fire.

[-]

howmanyavengers@reddit

Windows 11 as a whole has been a gigantic dumpster fire. They release new updates that break functionality every fucking time and i'm so fed up with it.

If it wasn't for Linux barely being usable for gaming (IMO, anyway), i'd switch.

[-]

mrmoooniv@reddit

Thank god, you saved me

[-]

YouOnly-LiveOnce@reddit

Lmao second time I've had to use this I saw some other fixes but this was easiest God forbid I try to enter safe mode with msconfig

[-]

angelpatriciov@reddit

This worked for me. Thank you!

[-]

LoneWanderer9700@reddit

Anything bad happen if I only ran ddu 1 time before swapping gpus? I went from a 3080 to a 3080 ti back to a 3080, running ddu once each time(in normal mode, because this pin problem wouldnt let login while in safe mode)

[-]

Wagnard@reddit

No, not really, just some files that could potentially not been deleted because they were in use. Like shadercache. Should not be critical

[-]

filitsino@reddit

What is this new version ?

[-]

Wagnard@reddit

18.0.8.4

[-]

jonbonesjonesjohnson@reddit

I recently encountered this on clean Windows 11 24h2 installs from USB. I know it's a Win11 bug and I had a hunch this is TPM-related issue. FWIW I have a x670e Taichi (Bios 3.16) + Ryzen 9 7950x + RX 7900 XTX setup. Secure boot disabled but fTPM on.

After nuking my install a couple of times and trying lots of stuff like TPM clearing, different drives etc, I found a less-worse workaround for making PIN work in safe mode with Microsoft Account:

Remove PIN and disable Bitlocker if enabled. (IMPORTANT)
Went to BIOS and disabled Security Processor (this disables TPM, careful: You'll lose existing PIN, Bitlocker will stop working, so follow step 1)
Set a PIN.
Went to BIOS and re-enabled Security Processor.
Now PIN works on both normal and safe-mode

My guess? This might´ve worked because using a PIN without a TPM falls back to a different, and possibly less secure PIN storage mechanism. If someone has a better theory please chime in.

[-]

mrmoooniv@reddit

Another work around,

Control, shift, restart. Navigate to advanced, find boot with safe mode. Restart PC, when prompted, it’ll ask which safemode boot do you want. Press 4, and boom enter your pin or password. You are in.

[-]

dirtydriver58@reddit

Didn't work

[-]

mrmoooniv@reddit

I guess it’s an anomaly 😂🤷‍♂️, some things work for different people. This is ridiculous, I don’t know why they just don’t fix it.

[-]

dirtydriver58@reddit

I had to follow this post from the LTT forums t even be able to boot into safe mode. It's ridiculous. This is a result of Microsoft getting rid of their QA department back in 2014. https://linustechtips.com/topic/1345153-unable-to-logon-to-windows-with-message-something-happened-and-your-pin-isnt-available-click-to-set-up-your-pin-again/

[-]

lightmyfire88@reddit

Bro, you just saved me from a lot of stress. Thank you!

[-]

jazzj98@reddit

Thank you!! This worked for me

[-]

Ewallye@reddit

This worked. AMD system disable TPM

[-]

RealLbZ@reddit

This completely resolved the issue. On an AMD platform, you only need to go to BIOS\TPM configuration and disable it. It's essentially the same, just a different method. I was considering reinstalling (I know I can start with my Microsoft password, but I am very thorough). You made my day.

Why isn't your comment at the top of this page?

THANKS YOU VERY MUCH.

[-]

spaff_987@reddit

I'm trying to remove the pin but the option is greyed out. I'm looking at "Remove this sign in option" under PIN (Windows Hello). Also noticed that under additional settings in sign in options the "only allow windows hello" switch stays turned on even after turning it off. Any idea what I can do here?

[-]

jonbonesjonesjohnson@reddit

Yeah, I forgot to mention the option to remove PIN only activates if you have another way to login (allow login without Hello and use password). But what you did probably worked the same way, glad you resolved the prob.

[-]

spaff_987@reddit

Yep worked out for me. Thanks!

[-]

AESIRu@reddit

God, you're absolutely right. It is because of old entries in the tpm module that this problem occurs. I did everything according to your steps and the pin login worked in safe mode! Your way of solving the problem should be fixed in each such post.

[-]

jonbonesjonesjohnson@reddit

Yeah, it's for sure something in the TPM. What is weirder for me, is that both Win11 and BIOS have TPM clear mechanisms and they didnt solved the problem when I tried, but doing this little dance with disabling/reenabling Security Device (which also clears TPM as a side-effect) worked.

I haven't mentioned it on previous post, but, also after this "dance", I am now also able to change my PIN normally with TPM/Security Device enabled and it still works on safe mode.

[-]

AESIRu@reddit

Same for me, friend. That's why your theory is the most correct at the moment. The funny thing is that even the "experts" on the Microsoft forum couldn't solve this problem, advising completely wrong and crazy actions that couldn't solve this problem in any way.

[-]

realecq@reddit

Found a workaround. You need to go "Safe Mode with networking" and then login with your MS account password via "Sign in options".

I was able to get to safe mode with this method. For the networking, I just manually disabled so I don't encounter issues with automatic driver installation. My purpose is only to use DDU.

[-]

dirtydriver58@reddit

Didn't work

[-]

Old_Wash6246@reddit

How to run DDU in safe mode then with W11 24h2 ???

[-]

dirtydriver58@reddit

Doesn't work

[-]

Comprehensive_Ad_641@reddit

Most annoying shit and there is no fix for that

[-]

Secure-Ad-6964@reddit

I just found the solution for this. Go to Accounts> Sign-in Options> Additional Settings and un-check the first option

[-]

Isaak759@reddit

Thank you, you saved me ♥️

[-]

Rider_94@reddit

I'm stuck on a locked log in screen. With only a wifi symbol on lower right.

Crtl alt del doesn't work. I tried everything. Nothing works for me. Almost 7 hours of browsing and endless restarts...

Do a fresh install? Then i lose all my web settings and my pinned youtube lists i still need to watch. They were so important...

Fk microsoft, nuke them ffs. FY

[-]

mccann5@reddit

Same issue today when trying to boot to safe mode for DDU.

[-]

MurrDOC_@reddit

Reinstalled windows 3 times today for other issues, finally downloading and working properly until i try to use DDU! WTF IS THIS I CANT ACCESS WITHOUT PIN

[-]

Old_Wash6246@reddit

If someone stuck with this error, nuke this garbage W11, seriously use this command after reboot (hold shift and reboot from menu)

bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot

[-]

Shxttered-Soul@reddit

For me it says policy enforced non admin users cannot sign in even though i am a admin

[-]

fallengt@reddit

I fixed it by restarting into troubleshooting & command prompt, enable windows administrator account with cmd. Login with it then create a new account from there. Remember to also create a login password along with PIN. So if it happens again, you still can login with password.

My old account is still soft-locked because it only has Pin as login option and it is not working. Have to wait until Microsoft patch it.

[-]

shrockitlikeitshot@reddit

This might be an easier solution:

Hold shift and click restart, it'll reboot in troubleshooting, troubleshoot and select command prompt

Type this command:

bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot

This removes safe mode boot, restart and it'll boot normally

If {default} doesn't work try {current}

[-]

HumbertoFreitas@reddit

The partial solution to this problem is to remove the PIN, boot the system into safe mode, enter the email password, restart the machine to normal mode and then set the PIN again. This way, every time you enter safe mode, you will also have the option to enter the password.

[-]

BOSCO27@reddit

Can't remove the pin either ...

[-]

HumbertoFreitas@reddit

Solution: https://www.reddit.com/r/k12sysadmin/comments/10rasfv/comment/j6uytih/

[-]

BOSCO27@reddit

Thank you

[-]

Conscious_Produce_13@reddit

Me llevo 2 reinstaladas de windows, para venir ver esta solución. Me ayudó. Gracias!.

[-]

khaledsallam2@reddit

under Accounts> sign-in options
Additional settings
turn off only allow windows hello sign-in
now you have both pin and password option and you can enter safe mode with password

[-]

IntelArcTesting@reddit

For me it will say password incorrect, but same password works no problem in normal windows

[-]

marnjuana@reddit

For the people who are still having this problem, using my Microsoft account password did it for me

[-]

MysticNik@reddit

It didn’t work for me ☹️ I ended up creating a local administrator account. There’s no password or pin set to it so I was able to run DDU in safe mode. But I can’t login to windows with my Microsoft password after booting in safe mode. 😞 what do I do? 😶

[-]

IntelArcTesting@reddit

That’s the one I was using

[-]

LodSb2@reddit

Thought I was going crazy but I'm having this same exact issue too

[-]

IntelArcTesting@reddit

Just enable hidden admin account

[-]

Milk_Cream_Sweet_Pig@reddit

There's no Additional Options on my side

[-]

Trianonn@reddit

I wanted to try your solution but when I click the "Sign-in option" button, the whole settings app freezes LOL. I really do not know how to fix this issue...

[-]

Anaksy@reddit

Thanks, it worked! But is so odd that we now have to resort to this to open safe mode.

[-]

Anaksy@reddit

Unfortunately it does not work. Indeed, it shows the option in safe mode to put the password. But then it says the password is incorrect.

[-]

KoolAidGuy_541@reddit

Just in-case, if people want to get out of safe mode, you can go into the command prompt from the advance options menu and just type the command bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot

[-]

xavdeman@reddit

I get the error 'bcedit' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.

I guess because the recovery command prompt is on drive X instead of drive C.

AMD driver cleaner utility and Windows Hello really locked me out of my system.

[-]

KoolAidGuy_541@reddit

swap {current} with {default}.

[-]

Salty_Meaning8025@reddit

You sexy beautiful bastard

[-]

ManagerAggressive667@reddit

What to replace {current} with

[-]

KoolAidGuy_541@reddit

no, write it as {current} you don't have to replace

[-]

alexDaleITA@reddit

It keep saying bcedit not recognized

[-]

KoolAidGuy_541@reddit

it's bc"d"edit

[-]

Lanky_Beginning6609@reddit

I love you. This fixed everything. I couldn't login because it didn't let me use my pin and I was in safe mode

[-]

KoolAidGuy_541@reddit

I myself had spent hours on getting out so I know the pain haha

[-]

hayleboy@reddit

What if I can't get last the setup my pin screen. I've tried restarting and powering on and off, but it won't get out of the setup my.pin screen. Am I totally screwed?

[-]

Over_Profit7050@reddit

Restart your computer while holding shift. Go to advanced options and somewhere there is the cmd

[-]

taggosaurus@reddit

Guys. I have found a solution to this. Login normally first. Suspend Bitlocker. Then run this tool by Chris — irm christitus.com/win | iex from Administrator Terminal (Powershell). In Tweaks or Config there's an option to enable autologin. Enable it, then try starting safe mode once again. I wanted to remove drivers with DDU as well. This worked for me.

[-]

Initial_Perspective9@reddit

I can't seem to find the enable autologin. Which exact words did they use for the option?

[-]

taggosaurus@reddit

It is in Config > Fixes > Set Up Autologin

[-]

No-Neighborhood-5305@reddit

How you get into cmd and what do yo write in it?

[-]

Comprehensive_Ad_641@reddit

Super annoying

[-]

Johnny2Door@reddit

Any update on this?! Just got a 4080 and can’t sign in to safe mode for ddu. Frustrating

[-]

EmbarrassedSpread351@reddit

Just go to settings > account > your info and choose "sign in with a local account instead" set no password or pin for it and do your thing. Afterwards you can change back to your Microsoft account if you like.

[-]

FiieldDay-114@reddit

Okay, for anyone trying the bcd edit code in command prompt. Type it EXACTLY like this.

bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot

There is a space between bcdedit and /deletevalue, space before and after {default}.

Then hit enter, and it should say it was completed successfully then shut down pc, power back on. Should boot into normal mode. To get to command prompt, from the safe boot login screen where you can't enter a pin, hold shift and hit restart. upon restart you'll be presented with a blue screen with two options, click on the bottom option to see "Advanced Options" then in the left column you will see the command prompt. Click that, type the bcdedit code and hit enter. I'm not a programmer or anything like that so this is all just gibberish to me, and no one was saying how exactly to type it in in the most layman of terms and I kept getting an error.

Hope this helps.

[-]

Malathier@reddit

Also having this issue. If someone finds a fix, I would love to hear it. I need to get into safe mode to use DDU to properly get AMD GPU drivers to install. At the moment when attempting to install AMD Adrenaline it gets to the end, then gives an error and only way to get it to install seems to be blowing away apparent bad drivers windows installs.

[-]

DonnieTisfat@reddit

Just bought an all amd computer and I can’t install my 7900 :( did you ever find a way around this?

[-]

One_Da_Bread@reddit

Remember when Windows just worked? I've NEVER in my 20+ years of building PCs have had as many problems as this year. Windows is trash. AMD drivers are.. trash.

I built a $4,000 PC that does nothing but hard freeze in games, or crash or driver timeout. I'm never buying AMD again.

[-]

hayleboy@reddit

How did you manage to fix your issue?

[-]

One_Da_Bread@reddit

I typed the answer to the wrong question. I've been troubleshooting a lot lately.

I RMA'd the card and got a 4060 to hold me in the meantime. I ran HWInfo logs to find out what the issue was when it crashed because event viewer didn't show anything useful. Then I used genericlogviewer to read each and every sensor line to see what went wrong near the time of the crash.

There's an 11% failure rate for 7900XT/XTXs. You could've lost the silicon lottery. To be clear, it had ZERO issues stress testing. Yet gaming, it would crash every time. Sometimes within 30 seconds at the main menu, sometimes an hour in. Didn't matter. The card was dying or had a dry joint or something.

Do not spend a month or more troubleshooting like me. You paid for a GPU that works. Either return or RMA.

For reference, I'm buying a 4070 Ti Super today because that was the straw that broke the camels back.

[-]

by_a_pyre_light@reddit

Yet gaming, it would crash every time. Sometimes within 30 seconds at the main menu, sometimes an hour in. Didn't matter.

Had the exact same thing happen on my 3060 Ti, only 3 years old. I was going nuts trying to figure it out. I thought it was a PSU or memory issue. Turned out to be a VRAM module that had gone bad. Replaced it with a 4060 and haven't had any issues.

[-]

One_Da_Bread@reddit

Oh boy, this was not fun. You have to get to the page where you can run the CMD line. IIRC, in the bottom right there's an icon to click that brings you to a page with 6 options about booting. The one in the top left is to open the command line. Once you open it you type in bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot and hit enter. Sometimes you must put {current} in these quote things.

Regardless, one of them will give you a confirmation that it's been done and then you just restart the PC.

If you need further help, DM and I'll try to respond between work.

[-]

destino8k@reddit

Siempre puedes instalar Linux Mint, que no falla nada... XD

[-]

Jamesthe69420@reddit

Man idk. All I did was update my gaming laptop after encountering a xbox party chat.exe error about xbox party chat host.exe system error the system detected in over one of a stack base buffer in this application this other one could potentially allow malicious user to gain control of this application while playing marvel rivals. So I turned off the game and closed steam. I downloaded malwarebytes and turned on windows defender. I did a quick scan of both. Malwarebytes quarantined 1 item listed as riskware.system requirements. I delete it and then quit out. I updated the laptop to the newest edition of Windows 11 and now I cannot use my pin and forces me to reset it. I use the same pin and have a code emailed to me. I then try to update and restart again. This time I am simply getting a black screen with the MSI gaming laptop logo. Any ideas?

[-]

GrassOk1220@reddit

Guys since the error is not solved there is a walkaround for safe mode 1)Go to Settings in Windows 2)Go to Account section 3)There will be a option ( i am not sure it will work or not for me it worked)- create a local account 4)Create a Pin (remember it for normal login i kept 4141 & for this also i kept 4141 like this keep same pin ) and After creating it will show successful created 5)Now go to safe mode type your pin , it will enter

Guys if u still got stuck in the above processes in safe mode below solution would be helpful

Press shift and select restart then go to advanced settings then go to cmd then type bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot then exit from cd then continue to windows 11 u can login now

[-]

viper43e@reddit

Dude need to buy u a drink

[-]

GrassOk1220@reddit

Is it worked ?

[-]

viper43e@reddit

Yep it works for me

[-]

sharpyx1@reddit

Encountering it as of today 24H2. Just trying to boot into safe mode for DDU driver uninstall.

[-]

Drknight71@reddit

Having same issue with 24H2. Cant login into safeboot. Pin is not accepted. Spent a quarter of my day trying to reset it but that doesnt solve the fact I still cant login to safe mode! BS!

[-]

MajesticAlbatross864@reddit

Are you trying in safe mode with networking? As I’d imagine with pin / MS account it would need to be able to connect to MS to verify the pin?

[-]

Practical_Vehicle133@reddit (OP)

Hi! I also tested it in safe mode with networking and connected via Ethernet, after installing the drivers from the official website and confirming the connection was working correctly. Upon restarting, the issue repeats: 'The PIN is not available' appears, and it won’t let me proceed. The network icon shows it's connected

[-]

ExcessiveGBH@reddit

I disabled PIN in account settings so safe mode would only ask for password BUT in safe mode MS saying incorrect password which it's not because you have to use it to log back into normal boot.

MS really!!!

Clean install of 24H2

[-]

OverDoneAndBaked@reddit

Also same issue

[-]

Corndoggie56@reddit

I see the same issue. This is my first time seeing so many problems with a Windows upgrade. We use entra-joined Lenovo devices. I can get into the desktop by putting in my password; however, it tries to go through WHfB enrollment again and gets stuck. I think it's because of our OKTA integration. However, I can get to the desktop if I open the task manager and kill the Microsoft Account process. After logging back into non-safe mode, even with a working PIN. I'm forced to go through the WHfB enrollment again!

Has anyone broken Windows Hello for Business credentials after upgrading from 23h2 to 24h2? If so, is there a way to avoid this? I'm just not pushing 24h2 at all. At this point, I'm guessing we'll wait until earlier next year.

[-]

Accomplished_Cow311@reddit

Yeah Same have issues with 24h2 can't log in after booting in safemode did the same telling me to create pin even when I all Ready created it. :(

[-]

Radres1903@reddit

Ich habe mit der neuen Windows-Version genau das gleiche Problem. Ich habe in den Anmeldeoptionen „Nur Windows Hello-Anmeldung zulassen" deaktiviert. Jetzt kann ich mich im abgesicherten Modus mit meinem Microsoft Kennwort anmelden. Ich denke, man muss hier auf einen patch seitens Microsoft warten. Eine saubere Neuinstallation von Windows bringt nämlich nichts. Schon probiert.

[-]