Cannot Change Fingerprint or PIN in Windows 11? Try these fixes

The “Cannot change fingerprint or PIN” problem in Windows 11 happens when the options to change these settings are greyed out in Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options. Even if you are the administrator, you can’t update your Windows Hello credentials. You might also see a message like “This option is temporarily unavailable.”

This usually happens because Windows Hello’s stored data (in the Ngc folder) is damaged or not in sync. Other reasons include security rules set by your workplace or school, connected work accounts, or restrictions set in the registry or group policy.

Now that you’re aware of the potential causes, let’s go through some steps that have helped other users fix or work around this problem:

1. Change the PIN or Fingerprint the Conventional Way

If your goal is to remove the fingerprint or PIN without setting up another sign-in method, please note that this is not possible on Windows 11.

Windows 11 requires you to have at least one Sign-in option enabled. The Remove button will remain grayed out if you only have one active sign-in method.

For example, the Remove button for your PIN will stay unavailable until you add a different sign-in option (like Facial Recognition, Fingerprint, or a Security Key).

If you want to stop using your PIN or Fingerprint, you’ll need to set up an additional way to sign in.

Below are step-by-step instructions to set up a new sign-in option and then remove your current one:

1. Press Windows key + I to open the Settings menu in Windows 11.
2. Inside the Settings menu, click on Accounts from the vertical menu on the left.

   

   Note: If the left menu is hidden by default, click the menu button (top-left corner) to reveal it.

3. Once in the Accounts menu, move to the right-hand section of the screen and select Sign-in options.

   

4. Now, choose which sign-in method you’d like to set as a fallback.

   

   Note: Your available options depend on your device. If your PC doesn’t support facial recognition or you don’t have a security key, you can switch between PIN and fingerprint.

5. After you pick your new sign-in method, follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
6. Once your second sign-in option is set, you’ll be able to click the Remove button to get rid of your previous sign-in method. You can also choose Change PIN or Change Fingerprint to update, rather than remove, your sign-in credentials.

   

2. Remove PIN or Fingerprint Requirement by Using a Local Account

If you want to completely remove all sign-in options like PIN or Fingerprint, you will have to switch to a local account.

We generally don’t recommend this unless you really need to, as it can limit the functionality of some built-in Windows features (like Windows Update and the Microsoft Store).

If you still want to remove your PIN or Fingerprint sign-in, you’ll need to set up a local account with a password instead. Keep in mind, this means you’ll need to stop using your Microsoft account on your PC.

Important: This method isn’t available if you’re enrolled in the Windows Insider program.

To change from a Microsoft account with PIN or fingerprint to a local password, follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings menu in Windows 11.
2. In the Settings menu, click on Accounts from the menu on the left.

   

   Note: If you don’t see the left menu, click the menu icon (top-left corner).

3. Inside Accounts, click on Family & other users on the right-hand side.

   

4. In the Family & other users tab, check for any accounts listed under Other users. If you find any, remove them before moving on.
5. Next, return to the main Accounts menu and click on Your info on the right.

   

6. Scroll down to Account Settings and click on Sign in with a local account instead.

   

7. On the next screen, click Next.
8. When prompted, enter your current PIN or use your fingerprint as requested.

   

9. Then, you’ll be asked to create a username and password for your new local account, along with a password hint in case you forget.

   

10. Finally, click Sign out and finish to complete the switch.