Problem with suddenly changed password on windows 11 start up.


FatPat

Member
Local time
8:45 PM
Posts
6
OS
Windows 11
Hello friends!

I wasn't totally sure this question goes in this sub-forum, but I couldn't find a more proper one. If it indeed the wrong sub forum, mods feel free to move my question.

OK, so here goes a (kind of) long story. I guess I should start when years ago I accidently installed windows 11 on two different SSDs. I was told by a tech that it wasn't possible, then he read a little and said under certain circumstances that it is.

Anyway I have been using the same windows login password for years, it is a 4 digit pin that I use at a lot of places. There is no way I changed this password. Well, one day my condo had a power blip and it rebooted my PC. So I logged into windows, my name pops up with the bar below to enter my pin/password, but it was telling me it was not valid. I was flabbergasted, knowing theres no way I changed it, and not a soul but he have access to this particuar desktop gaming computer. It is very important to me because I have a lot of games installed, some I can't get back by just starting over. Plus my invauable pictures and personal documents ,some of clients that I need to reference soon.

Here is the somewhat weird catch. I had installed win 11 on BOTH of my SSDs. Was told it was impossible unless i had a certain build or something ofthat nature, not sure if its true or not. I tried going into CMOS and making the other SSD boot first, which it did with no problems, except my games and programs are installed on ther other SSD for the most part. I try to keep this one cleaner with not as much data. But I have many video games I paid for on my other installation, and also things that I cannot get back should I have to reformat the offending drive. I tried doing what windows suggested I do if I couldnt remember the password, to no avail. I cant remember exactly what it said.

Then I went into CMOs and set my 2nd SSD to boot first, so I am able to get into windows to write you this plea for assistance. I cannot get into many video games , programs, documents and pictures, old hard to find tv shows and movies in digital format that you just cant find these days.

I did all the command line stuff and proceeded to do the steps to remove the password altogether, BUT it only works on THIS windows installation, on this SSD.

It would mean the world if someone can help me access either my password from my 1st SSD and windows install (hence ALL my digital stuff)... I spent 4 hours yesterday and while the soultions worked, they only worked as far as on the SSD and windows install I was currently logged into.

I hope someone more intelligent than myself can figure out this conundrum, as I just spent money for games for my kids xmas and now they cannot login to them. They are PC kids too, not console gamers so it kind of broke their heart.

tl;dr : I have 2 SSDs, one of which requires a password that I never change and use it for multiple tasks and it isnt an easy crackable one. I have never changed this pass , so you can imagine my shock when windows would not let me into that install. Is there anyway I can go back and change the password or bypass the password altogether? I've gotten advice, but they didn't take into factor the fact that I have two win 11 installations, and the things that worked in the windows I can get into work well , but I need it to work in my main windows installation.

Thank you so much, my son was so happy to get new world and another game I got him as early xmas presents but we cannot now access them due to what used to be a 4 digit windows password system. Bless any kind folks who can walk me thru this or explain how I can beat this nasty problem! -P.J. Brown
 
Windows Build/Version
11

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom, mostly ASUS (ROG) and corsair.
    CPU
    i7770k
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus IX Hero
    Memory
    8gb corsair
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GTX 1080i 12GB
    Sound Card
    on board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 70" LED
    Screen Resolution
    4k
    Hard Drives
    Mushkin 1tb SSD, WDC(western digital) 1tb, External Storage 2tb
    PSU
    Corsair HW1000
    Case
    Corsair fully glass crystal lineup
    Cooling
    x2 120mm (back) 220mm (top) x2 120mm (front
    Keyboard
    Logitech MK710
    Mouse
    Logi Ms Master 2S
    Internet Speed
    300Mbit down, 50Mbit up
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Had it for a few years now, It's well taken care of and maintained, password just totally changed on me. I'm certain it wasn't my kids. I am around them all of the time, and this happened 2 days ago, if it were a prank, they would have said "gotcha!" but alas, they are more concerned than me.
Look below the PIN text box.


  • If you see I forgot my PIN, select it and follow the instructions to reset your PIN. If there are multiple accounts on the device, choose the one you need to reset.
  • If you don't see I forgot my PIN, select Sign-in options and then select Enter your password.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
    Motherboard
    Erica6
    Memory
    Micron Technology DDR4-3200 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC671
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster U28E590
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG MZVLQ1T0HALB-000H1
Look below the PIN text box.


  • If you see I forgot my PIN, select it and follow the instructions to reset your PIN. If there are multiple accounts on the device, choose the one you need to reset.
  • If you don't see I forgot my PIN, select Sign-in options and then select Enter your password.
Hi FreeBooter! Thank you much for replying. I did see this option, but no matter what I could not make windows recognize it was me. Can't remember the exact reason why, but I tried over 10 times. I know i should have written down the exact error I got, but I have to admit I lost my cool after several hours trying to make something work that has worked fine for over 5+ years.

However, I will take your advice and boot up the faulty win 11 installation, and document everything and post it back here. Sorry I wasn't able to be more clear on what this "advice" was and why no matter what it didnt work for me.I must say frustration got the best of me.

Shortly after I do some family stuff, I will login to the other version on the other SSD and see what the message is and try it again, and should it fail on me like it did multiple times, at least I will be a little further on diagnosing the problem, or maybe someone more intelligent than myself can point something out that I didn't even thank of.

Thanks so much guys/gals! I will be back shortly and will dedicate some time for troubleshooting and let you all know what happened. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom, mostly ASUS (ROG) and corsair.
    CPU
    i7770k
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus IX Hero
    Memory
    8gb corsair
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GTX 1080i 12GB
    Sound Card
    on board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 70" LED
    Screen Resolution
    4k
    Hard Drives
    Mushkin 1tb SSD, WDC(western digital) 1tb, External Storage 2tb
    PSU
    Corsair HW1000
    Case
    Corsair fully glass crystal lineup
    Cooling
    x2 120mm (back) 220mm (top) x2 120mm (front
    Keyboard
    Logitech MK710
    Mouse
    Logi Ms Master 2S
    Internet Speed
    300Mbit down, 50Mbit up
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Had it for a few years now, It's well taken care of and maintained, password just totally changed on me. I'm certain it wasn't my kids. I am around them all of the time, and this happened 2 days ago, if it were a prank, they would have said "gotcha!" but alas, they are more concerned than me.
A pin is handled differently from a password. A password is transmitted to the server if you use a microsoft account (handled by the OS if using a local account)whereas a pin/Windows hello is tied to the specific device on which it was set up. I believe in Windows 10 (prior to TPM being required), the pin was handled by the OS whereas in Windows 11 the pin is handled by TPM. It may be that TPM in 11 sees a conflict when you use one ssd with a password and the other with a pin. Of course, I can't be sure of that, but it stands to reason.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3296
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 +256gb ssd+512 gb usb m.2 sata
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
@glasskuter That's great advice at the bottom of your post. I hope you don't mind me saying I find it hard to read black text as I am using dark mode. not a complaint :) as it's a brilliant idea
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware M18 R1
    CPU
    13th Gen Core i9 13900HX
    Memory
    32GB DDR5 @4800MHz 2x16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Geforce RTX 4090HX 16GB
    Sound Card
    Nvidia HD / Realtek ALC3254
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18" QHD+
    Screen Resolution
    25660 X 1600
    Hard Drives
    C: KIOXIA (Toshiba) 2TB KXG80ZNV2T04 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD
    D: KIOXIA (Toshiba) 2TB KXG80ZNV2T04 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD
    Case
    Dark Metallic Moon
    Keyboard
    Alienware M Series per-key AlienFX RGB
    Mouse
    Alienware AW610M
    Browser
    Chrome and Firefox
    Antivirus
    Norton
    Other Info
    Killer E3000 Ethernet Controller
    Killer Killer AX1690 Wi-Fi Network Adaptor Wi-Fi 6E
    Bluetooth 5.2
    Alienware Z01G Graphic Amplifier
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware Area 51m R2
    CPU
    10th Gen i-9 10900 K
    Memory
    32Gb Dual Channel DDR4 @ 8843MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia RTX 2080 Super
    Sound Card
    Nvidia
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Hard Drive C: Samsung 2TB SSD PM981a NVMe
    Hard Drive D:Samsung 2TB SSD 970 EVO Plus
    Mouse
    Alienware 610M
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Norton
hard to read black text
I tried every way in the world to make that text color but it never would stick using FF so I finally gave up. Today I tried it in Edge and it took. Does red look better?
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3296
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 +256gb ssd+512 gb usb m.2 sata
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
@glasskuter That looks brilliant thanks. I really had really strain my eyes to see the black. Great advice
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware M18 R1
    CPU
    13th Gen Core i9 13900HX
    Memory
    32GB DDR5 @4800MHz 2x16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Geforce RTX 4090HX 16GB
    Sound Card
    Nvidia HD / Realtek ALC3254
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18" QHD+
    Screen Resolution
    25660 X 1600
    Hard Drives
    C: KIOXIA (Toshiba) 2TB KXG80ZNV2T04 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD
    D: KIOXIA (Toshiba) 2TB KXG80ZNV2T04 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD
    Case
    Dark Metallic Moon
    Keyboard
    Alienware M Series per-key AlienFX RGB
    Mouse
    Alienware AW610M
    Browser
    Chrome and Firefox
    Antivirus
    Norton
    Other Info
    Killer E3000 Ethernet Controller
    Killer Killer AX1690 Wi-Fi Network Adaptor Wi-Fi 6E
    Bluetooth 5.2
    Alienware Z01G Graphic Amplifier
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware Area 51m R2
    CPU
    10th Gen i-9 10900 K
    Memory
    32Gb Dual Channel DDR4 @ 8843MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia RTX 2080 Super
    Sound Card
    Nvidia
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Hard Drive C: Samsung 2TB SSD PM981a NVMe
    Hard Drive D:Samsung 2TB SSD 970 EVO Plus
    Mouse
    Alienware 610M
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Norton
I really had really strain my eyes to see the black. Great advice
What I do when users use dark text is highlight the text with the mouse and I can read it that way.
Just a tip from a fellow dark mode user.
1638738673390.png
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10
So is there anything I can do? If I can't login to my other installation of win 11, I will lose a lot of software/games/kids games. I don't quite understand the technical answers, I am looking to fix a very specific problem without ruining christmas by paying a tech to come out (he charges 250$ an hour, no telling how long it would take, and my pc is held hostage until I pay them. Even if it is the most common sense answer and it goes over the top of my head. Also, I was reluctant to share that I suffer from crippling anxiety with panic attacks,and Iwas diagnosed bi polar more than a decade ago. I just hope and pray someone will able to share with me something I missed, or my tech skills are obsolete. That's my greatest fear. Again, I beseech you to help me with this rare problem. I've been using PCs since the late 90's, and I would hate for this to "whoop"me.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom, mostly ASUS (ROG) and corsair.
    CPU
    i7770k
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus IX Hero
    Memory
    8gb corsair
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GTX 1080i 12GB
    Sound Card
    on board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 70" LED
    Screen Resolution
    4k
    Hard Drives
    Mushkin 1tb SSD, WDC(western digital) 1tb, External Storage 2tb
    PSU
    Corsair HW1000
    Case
    Corsair fully glass crystal lineup
    Cooling
    x2 120mm (back) 220mm (top) x2 120mm (front
    Keyboard
    Logitech MK710
    Mouse
    Logi Ms Master 2S
    Internet Speed
    300Mbit down, 50Mbit up
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Had it for a few years now, It's well taken care of and maintained, password just totally changed on me. I'm certain it wasn't my kids. I am around them all of the time, and this happened 2 days ago, if it were a prank, they would have said "gotcha!" but alas, they are more concerned than me.
So is there anything I can do? If I can't login to my other installation of win 11, I will lose a lot of software/games/kids games. I don't quite understand the technical answers, I am looking to fix a very specific problem without ruining christmas by paying a tech to come out (he charges 250$ an hour, no telling how long it would take, and my pc is held hostage until I pay them. Even if it is the most common sense answer and it goes over the top of my head. Also, I was reluctant to share that I suffer from crippling anxiety with panic attacks,and Iwas diagnosed bi polar more than a decade ago. I just hope and pray someone will able to share with me something I missed, or my tech skills are obsolete. That's my greatest fear. Again, I beseech you to help me with this rare problem. I've been using PCs since the late 90's, and I would hate for this to "whoop"me.
Do you know your actual full MS account password? NOT the PIN.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10
A pin is handled differently from a password. A password is transmitted to the server if you use a microsoft account (handled by the OS if using a local account)whereas a pin/Windows hello is tied to the specific device on which it was set up. I believe in Windows 10 (prior to TPM being required), the pin was handled by the OS whereas in Windows 11 the pin is handled by TPM. It may be that TPM in 11 sees a conflict when you use one ssd with a password and the other with a pin. Of course, I can't be sure of that, but it stands to reason.
Oh, I forgot to mention that this older windows 11 install does not require a PIN or password. Only the newer one. I have up plenty and have gotten canned answers like delete the windows im using now. That would only keep me out of win 11 until it can be proved. So only the installation password am I having trouble with.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom, mostly ASUS (ROG) and corsair.
    CPU
    i7770k
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus IX Hero
    Memory
    8gb corsair
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GTX 1080i 12GB
    Sound Card
    on board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 70" LED
    Screen Resolution
    4k
    Hard Drives
    Mushkin 1tb SSD, WDC(western digital) 1tb, External Storage 2tb
    PSU
    Corsair HW1000
    Case
    Corsair fully glass crystal lineup
    Cooling
    x2 120mm (back) 220mm (top) x2 120mm (front
    Keyboard
    Logitech MK710
    Mouse
    Logi Ms Master 2S
    Internet Speed
    300Mbit down, 50Mbit up
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Had it for a few years now, It's well taken care of and maintained, password just totally changed on me. I'm certain it wasn't my kids. I am around them all of the time, and this happened 2 days ago, if it were a prank, they would have said "gotcha!" but alas, they are more concerned than me.
Do you know your actual full MS account password? NOT the PIN.
There was no option that I could see, and I would never create a full password with the caveat that if I "forget"(no way that happened). So. no.I have only used a PIN a total once on any PC. Which is why im so sure I didn't changed to a password. I'm 99% sure I did not change my PIN, as I use it for several things and I have memory issues. Plus I had zero reason to change it. As i'm sure some of you realize not only does it make no sense, but I can no longer use many programs,It's not just a matter of"reinstall all your stuff. Don't even the time to do such endeavors. All your thoughts , no matter how out of the box are appreciated! -Pat
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom, mostly ASUS (ROG) and corsair.
    CPU
    i7770k
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus IX Hero
    Memory
    8gb corsair
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GTX 1080i 12GB
    Sound Card
    on board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 70" LED
    Screen Resolution
    4k
    Hard Drives
    Mushkin 1tb SSD, WDC(western digital) 1tb, External Storage 2tb
    PSU
    Corsair HW1000
    Case
    Corsair fully glass crystal lineup
    Cooling
    x2 120mm (back) 220mm (top) x2 120mm (front
    Keyboard
    Logitech MK710
    Mouse
    Logi Ms Master 2S
    Internet Speed
    300Mbit down, 50Mbit up
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Had it for a few years now, It's well taken care of and maintained, password just totally changed on me. I'm certain it wasn't my kids. I am around them all of the time, and this happened 2 days ago, if it were a prank, they would have said "gotcha!" but alas, they are more concerned than me.
@FatPat I am sorry to hear of the issues you are battling. I can see how all this would be extra stressful for you. This is fairly detailed so if you don't feel comfortable tackling it, maybe you have someone who can help you.

I am assuming that you do not have a backup of that drive that you can restore. I am also assuming that you have been using a local account as opposed to a Microsoft account to access that second SSD.

Yes, you can use Windows 11 installation media to enable the hidden administrator account to get access to that OS installation. Enable or Disable Elevated Administrator account in Windows 10. You will use option 5. Print these instructions.

Note: Disconnect the SSD that you CAN log into before you begin so as not to chance messing it up.
Also to stop any conflict happening later on in this procedure, disable the internet if possible.

Print these instructions
Once you enable the hidden administrator account as per above: login to it. TO KEEP THINGS SIMPLE DO NOT ASSIGN A PASSWORD TO THIS ACCOUNT.
1. Once its desktop boots up go to settings-accounts and create a new local user account but it will have to be a different user name than the locked account. (Make sure you give the new account admin priviledges NOT a standard account.) To do this establish the account, then double click on it in the acount list and click the little down arrow to change account type to administrator.
2. While logged into the hidden administrator account, copy (Not move) all personal files from the locked account into the Public user folder or to external media. (You can do this by going to C:\Users) NOTE: IF THIS DRIVE IS ENCRYPTED WITH BITLOCKER THERE IS NO WAY TO ACCESS THE FILES WITHOUT THE ENCRYPTION KEY. They are unrecoverable.
4. Log out of the administrator account and log in the newly created account from the login screen. It will show OOBE for the new user at first use and ask you to make a password.

Once you're satisfied the new user account works without issues by restarting and logging in several times:
1. copy (NOT MOVE) your files back in from where ever you saved them if you were able to access them.
2. remove the old locked user account
3. disable the hidden administrator account by opening a command prompt as administrator and entering net user administrator /active:no (note the space after administrator)
Reconnect the 2nd SSD. Enable internet.
If you wish to use a Microsoft account, you can change in account settings. You will then have the option of setting up a pin. If you use a pin BOTH SSDs need to use the same pin.

Finally, if you copied the files into the Public folder, delete them from that folder.
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3296
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 +256gb ssd+512 gb usb m.2 sata
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
@FatPat I just edited my post to give you Brink's instructions on how to enable the hidden administrator account. His are much better than my previous link. Use Option 5
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3296
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 +256gb ssd+512 gb usb m.2 sata
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
FatPat, just what are you asking ? Are you wanting to login without using a pin or password ??

Chuck
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows11 23H2 (OS Build 22631.2428)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP HP ENVY TE01
    CPU
    2.90 gigahertz Intel Core i7-10700
    Motherboard
    Board: HP 8767 A (SMVB)
    Memory
    16214 Megabytes Usable Installed Memor
    Hard Drives
    1511.52 Gigabytes Usable Hard Drive Capacity
    1418.15 Gigabytes Hard Drive Free Space
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless
    Mouse
    M 185 wireless
    Internet Speed
    12 ms Jitter 8 ms Download 10.5 Mbps Upload 1.7
    Browser
    Edge & FF
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
@flashh4 From what I can tell she has Windows 11 installed on 2 separate drives and switches back and forth between them using the UEFI boot menu. She can no longer login to her account on the drive that has all her games, files and apps on it because it won't take her password or pin. From some of her statements I believe there is some confusion about the differences in a pin and a password that uses numbers. According to one statement, the OS installation she can login to has neither password nor pin. So far, she has not told us if she uses a Microsoft account or not as Porthos asked. What I resolved to do is get her access back into the problem drive by going through the hidden administrator account. She could then make a new user account. So, if anyone else reading her posts reads her situation another way, please clarify it for me.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3296
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 +256gb ssd+512 gb usb m.2 sata
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
Couldn't @FatPat do a repair installation and "Keep Everything"?

 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3374
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i7-12700F
    Motherboard
    ASUS TUF GAMING Z690-PLUS WIFI
    Memory
    G.SKILL Ripjaws S5 Series 64GB (2 x 32GB) DDR5
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce RTX 3050 XC Black Gaming
    Sound Card
    RealTek HD 7.1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS TUF Gaming 27" 2K HDR Gaming
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 990 Pro 1TB NVMe (Win 11)
    SK hynix P41 500GB NVMe (Win 10)
    SK hynix P41 2TB NVMe (x3)
    Crucial P3 Plus 4TB
    PSU
    Corsair RM850x Shift
    Case
    Antec Dark Phantom DP502 FLUX
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black + 7 Phantek T-30's
    Keyboard
    Logitech MK 320
    Mouse
    Razer Basilisk V3
    Internet Speed
    350Mbs
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Winows Security
    Other Info
    Windows 10 22H2 19045.4170
    On System One
  • Operating System
    Win 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3374
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-11700F
    Motherboard
    Asus TUF Gaming Z590 Plus WiFi
    Memory
    64 GB DDR4
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2060 KO Ultra Gaming
    Sound Card
    SoundBlaster X-Fi Titanium
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung F27T350
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 980 Pro 1TB
    Samsung 970 EVO Plus 2TB
    Samsung 870 EVO 500GB SSD
    PSU
    Corsair HX750
    Case
    Cougar MX330-G Window
    Cooling
    Hyper 212 EVO
    Internet Speed
    350Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
repair installation and "Keep Everything"?
No. She cannot login to her account. To do a non-destructive reinstall (aka repair install aka inplace upgrade) you have to be logged in to Windows. By the same token she cannot do a reset because her password does not work. A reset would just take her right back to where she already is. After reading her posts numerous times, we still don't know if she was using a Microsoft account which would give her a means to reset her password, but several things in her posts lead me to believe she was not. Hopefully she will finally answer the question about a MS account before she tackles this.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3296
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 +256gb ssd+512 gb usb m.2 sata
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3374
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i7-12700F
    Motherboard
    ASUS TUF GAMING Z690-PLUS WIFI
    Memory
    G.SKILL Ripjaws S5 Series 64GB (2 x 32GB) DDR5
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce RTX 3050 XC Black Gaming
    Sound Card
    RealTek HD 7.1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS TUF Gaming 27" 2K HDR Gaming
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 990 Pro 1TB NVMe (Win 11)
    SK hynix P41 500GB NVMe (Win 10)
    SK hynix P41 2TB NVMe (x3)
    Crucial P3 Plus 4TB
    PSU
    Corsair RM850x Shift
    Case
    Antec Dark Phantom DP502 FLUX
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black + 7 Phantek T-30's
    Keyboard
    Logitech MK 320
    Mouse
    Razer Basilisk V3
    Internet Speed
    350Mbs
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Winows Security
    Other Info
    Windows 10 22H2 19045.4170
    On System One
  • Operating System
    Win 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3374
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-11700F
    Motherboard
    Asus TUF Gaming Z590 Plus WiFi
    Memory
    64 GB DDR4
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2060 KO Ultra Gaming
    Sound Card
    SoundBlaster X-Fi Titanium
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung F27T350
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 980 Pro 1TB
    Samsung 970 EVO Plus 2TB
    Samsung 870 EVO 500GB SSD
    PSU
    Corsair HX750
    Case
    Cougar MX330-G Window
    Cooling
    Hyper 212 EVO
    Internet Speed
    350Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Security

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