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Writer's pictureNathan Schrock

How to change password requirements and disable PIN on Windows 10 and 11.

IMPORTANT!!!!! Please be very careful when using the windows registry method. Making changes to the registry can be dangerous and if done in error can render your machine un-bootable. It is always a good idea to make a system restore point before editing the registry.

I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR ACTIONS. This blog is informational only.


If you are uncomfortable with this process I offer remote IT assistance and can help you. Contact me on the website contact form or by email, txt, or phone. We will be happy to assist. Changing the password requirements and disabling the PIN on Windows with these methods works perfectly, but please be sure to follow the step carefully. If you run into trouble we can help. Please contact for help.







1. **Use a Local Account**: The easiest way to avoid PIN login is to use a local account instead of a Microsoft account. When setting up Windows, choose "Offline Account" or "Local Account" instead of signing in with a Microsoft account. Local accounts don't require PINs.


2. **Remove Existing PIN (if applicable)**:

a. Press `Win + I` to open the Settings app.

b. Click on "Accounts."

c. In the left sidebar, select "Sign-in options."

d. Under the "PIN" section, click "Remove."

e. Follow the on-screen instructions to remove the PIN.


3. **Group Policy Editor** (if available):

Note: Group Policy Editor is not available in all editions of Windows 11. If you have

Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, you can use Group Policy Editor to disable PIN login.

a. Press `Win + R` to open the Run dialog.

b. Type "gpedit.msc" and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.

c. Navigate to "Computer Configuration" > "Administrative Templates" > "System" > "Logon."

d. Look for a policy called "Turn on PIN sign-in" or similar. Double-click it.

e. Select the "Disabled" option.

f. Click "Apply" and then "OK."




4. **Registry Editor (Alternative Method)**:

Warning: Editing the Windows Registry can be risky. Make sure to back up your registry before proceeding.

a. Press `Win + R` to open the Run dialog.

b. Type "regedit" and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.

c. Navigate to the following key:

```

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System

```

d. Look for a DWORD value named "AllowDomainPIN" or "AllowSignInOptions" (depending on the version of Windows 11).

e. If the value exists, double-click it and set the value data to "0" (zero).

f. If the value does not exist, right-click in the right pane, select "New" > "DWORD (32-bit) Value," and name it "AllowDomainPIN" or "AllowSignInOptions." Then, set its value data to "0."


5. **Restart Your Computer**: After making any changes, it's a good idea to restart your computer to apply the settings.


Please be aware that Windows updates and changes in policies might affect the ability to disable PIN login in future versions of Windows 11. Always keep your system up to date and be cautious when making changes to system settings. If these methods don't work in your current version of Windows 11, I recommend checking Microsoft's official documentation or support channels for the most up-to-date information and solutions.


As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, Windows 11 Home does not include the Group Policy Editor, which is a tool commonly used to set password complexity requirements in Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions. However, you can still set password complexity requirements in Windows 11 Home using the Windows Security Policy Editor (secpol.msc) or by modifying the Windows Registry. Here's how you can do it:


**Method 1: Using Local Security Policy Editor (secpol.msc)**


1. Press `Win + R` to open the Run dialog.


2. Type "secpol.msc" and press Enter to open the Local Security Policy Editor.


3. In the left pane, navigate to "Account Policies" and select "Password Policy."


4. In the right pane, you will see several password policy settings. To set password complexity requirements, you'll need to configure the following policies:

- **Password must meet complexity requirements:** Double-click on this policy, select the "Enabled" option, and then click "Apply" and "OK."


- **Minimum password length:** Double-click on this policy, set the desired minimum password length (e.g., 8 characters), and then click "Apply" and "OK."


5. Close the Local Security Policy Editor.


6. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.


**Method 2: Using the Windows Registry**


1. Press `Win + R` to open the Run dialog.


2. Type "regedit" and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.


3. Navigate to the following Registry key:


```

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

```


If the "System" key doesn't exist, you can create it by right-clicking on the "Policies" key, selecting "New" > "Key," and naming it "System."


4. In the right pane, right-click on an empty area, select "New" > "DWORD (32-bit) Value," and name it "PasswordComplexity."


5. Double-click on "PasswordComplexity" to edit it.


6. Set the "Value data" to "1" to enable password complexity requirements.


7. Close the Registry Editor.


8. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.


After applying these changes, Windows 11 Home will enforce password complexity requirements, including a minimum length and complexity criteria for passwords.


Please be cautious when making changes to the Windows Registry, as incorrect modifications can affect system stability. If you are uncomfortable with these steps or encounter any issues, consider seeking assistance from someone with experience in Windows administration.



PLEASE TAKE NOTE: You may run into an issue where your computer does not have "secpol.msc" on it. We had to install it from a command prompt.




A BAT file isn't really necessary as you only need to issue two commands in the command prompt to install the secpol.msc file. Type CMD in the search on the task bar, Right click on the CMS result and choose "run as administrator"

In the command prompt issue the following two commands. (You can simply copy and paste them) Wait for each command to complete. Then restart your computer.


First command:

FOR %F IN ("%SystemRoot%\servicing\Packages\Microsoft-Windows-GroupPolicy-ClientTools-Package~*.mum") DO (DISM /Online /NoRestart /Add-Package:"%F")


Second command:

FOR %F IN ("%SystemRoot%\servicing\Packages\Microsoft-Windows-GroupPolicy-ClientExtensions-Package~*.mum") DO (DISM /Online /NoRestart /Add-Package:"%F")

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