How to Fix the “Remove PIN” Button Not Working in Windows 10 and Windows 11

Sometimes, Windows 10 and Windows 11 users face an issue where the “Remove PIN” button is grayed out or inactive, which can be frustrating, especially when trying to change sign-in options or remove the PIN altogether. In this guide, we’ll explore possible causes of this issue and provide solutions to fix it.

Reasons the “Remove PIN” Button Might Be Inactive

  • Microsoft Account Security Settings: Windows may require a PIN for enhanced security, especially if you’re using a Microsoft account to sign in to your device.
  • Group Policy Restrictions: If your computer is part of a domain or managed via Active Directory, administrators may disable the ability to remove the PIN.
  • System Glitches: Occasionally, Windows might encounter bugs, especially after updates, that can disable certain options.

How to Fix the Inactive “Remove PIN” Button

1. Check Sign-In Options

Navigate to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in Options and ensure other sign-in methods are available, such as passwords or biometric options. If available, try switching to one of these methods.

2. Use the Registry Editor

For advanced users, you may attempt to remove the PIN by modifying the registry:

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\PolicyManager\default\Settings\AllowSignInOptions.
  3. Change the value parameter to 0.
  4. Restart your computer and check if the “Remove PIN” button is now active.

3. Remove PIN via Command Prompt

Use the following commands to reset the PIN:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (press Win + X and select Command Prompt (Admin)).
  2. Enter: dsregcmd /leave and press Enter.
  3. Restart the system and check the sign-in options again.

4. Update Windows

If the issue started after a recent system update, it might be fixed in an upcoming patch. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and ensure all latest updates are installed.

5. Switch to a Local Account

If none of the above methods worked, try switching to a local account:

  1. Go to Settings > Accounts.
  2. Select Sign in with a local account instead.
  3. After switching, restart your computer and check the sign-in options.