Windows 11 Sign-In Error 0x80070006 – PIN Not Available Fix

Are you locked out of your Windows 11 device, staring at the frustrating message “Something went wrong and your PIN isn’t available” with error code 0x80070006? This error can bring your workflow to a standstill, preventing access to crucial files and applications. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step solution to troubleshoot and resolve this common Windows 11 sign-in problem, ensuring you regain access to your system and maintain a smooth user experience.

Understanding the Error: Why Your PIN Fails

The “Something went wrong” error (0x80070006) typically indicates an issue with your Windows Hello PIN authentication or the underlying system files that manage it. This can be triggered by various factors, including:

• Corrupted PIN data: The files that store your PIN information might be damaged.
• System updates: Updates can sometimes interfere with PIN functionality.
• Unexpected shutdowns: Improper shutdowns can lead to file corruption.
• TPM issues: Problems with the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) can affect PIN authentication.

Effective Solutions to Restore Your PIN

Follow these troubleshooting steps in order to regain access to your Windows 11 device.

1. Reset Your PIN Using Microsoft Account Verification

This is the simplest and often most effective solution if you have access to your Microsoft account credentials.

Step 1: On the sign-in screen, click “I forgot my PIN.” Alternatively, if you’re already logged in, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and select “I forgot my PIN” under Windows Hello PIN.

Step 2: Enter your Microsoft account password when prompted. This step verifies your identity.

Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new PIN. It’s advisable to use a PIN you haven’t used recently to avoid potential conflicts with cached data.

Step 4: Restart your computer and try signing in with the new PIN.

2. Delete the NGC Folder to Remove Corrupted PIN Data

If resetting your PIN doesn’t work, deleting the NGC folder can resolve corruption issues. This folder houses the Windows Hello PIN configuration files.

Step 1: If possible, log in using an alternative method such as your Microsoft account password, fingerprint, or a security key. If you cannot log in, boot into Safe Mode with Command Prompt. To do so, on the sign-in screen, hold the Shift key and click Restart. Then navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.

Step 2: Open File Explorer and enter the following path in the address bar: C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft\NGC

If you encounter a permissions error, right-click the NGC folder, select Properties, go to the Security tab, and click Advanced. Change the owner to your current user account, and grant yourself full control.

Step 3: Delete all the contents of the NGC folder. This action removes the corrupted PIN configuration, prompting Windows to generate fresh PIN data upon the next setup.

Step 4: Restart your computer. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and set up a new PIN under Windows Hello PIN.

3. Run the System File Checker (SFC) to Repair Corrupted System Files

System file corruption can disrupt Windows Hello services and authentication. The System File Checker tool detects and repairs damaged or missing files.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.

Step 2: Enter the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow

Step 3: Wait for the scan to finish. If the tool finds any issues, it will attempt to repair them automatically. Restart your computer after the scan completes and verify if the PIN issue is resolved.

4. Check and Re-Enable TPM in BIOS Settings

The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a hardware component required for Windows Hello PIN. If TPM is disabled in the BIOS, PIN authentication will fail.

Step 1: Restart your computer and enter the BIOS or UEFI firmware settings. This is usually done by pressing F2, Del, or Esc immediately after powering on, depending on your device manufacturer.

Step 2: Locate the security or advanced settings section and find the TPM (Trusted Platform Module) or PTT (Platform Trust Technology) option. Ensure it is set to Enabled.

Step 3: Save changes and exit the BIOS. When Windows boots, try to set up your PIN again via Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.

5. Remove and Re-Add PIN via Safe Mode or Recovery Environment (If Necessary)

If you can’t access the desktop at all, use the Windows Recovery Environment to enable the built-in administrator account or create a new user profile.

Step 1: On the sign-in screen, hold Shift and select Restart from the power menu to enter the recovery environment.

Step 2: Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt. In the Command Prompt window, type: net user administrator /active:yes This command enables the built-in administrator account.

Step 3: Restart and select the Administrator account at the login screen. Then, in Windows, create a new local user account via Settings > Accounts > Other users.

Step 4: Move your files to the new account if needed, and set up a new PIN under Sign-in options.

6. Restore System Using System Restore or Recovery Drive

When all other methods fail or if the PIN issue started after a recent update or software change, restoring the system to an earlier working state can resolve persistent authentication problems.

Step 1: Boot into the Windows Recovery Environment by holding Shift and clicking Restart on the sign-in screen.

Step 2: Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore. Follow the prompts to select a restore point from before the PIN error appeared.

Step 3: Complete the restore process and restart your computer. If successful, the system will revert to a previous state where the PIN worked. Set up a new PIN if prompted.

Conclusion:

The “Something went wrong” error (0x80070006) in Windows 11 can be a significant inconvenience, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can quickly regain access to your device and resume your workflow. By systematically working through these solutions, you can effectively address the root cause of the PIN issue and ensure a smooth and secure sign-in experience. Should the problem persist after trying these steps, consider seeking professional IT support or a full system reset as a final resort to avoid data loss.