Need to reset Microsoft PIN to sign-in to Xbox app

Siduch · Aug 13, 2022

I got Xbox Gamepass on my laptop yesterday, and at the same time it asked me to create a PIN for my Microsoft account -- NOT the PIN to sign in to Windows -- so I made a PIN (unfortunately I have forgotten this PIN already). Today I downloaded the Xbox app on my gaming computer, the computer that I plan on playing the Xbox games on, and it asked me to sign in to my account. So, I put in my email and corresponding password for the Microsoft account, but then it wants to verify that its me so it asks for my PIN, which I have forgotten. So after I've tried many different possibilities, it says I must restart my computer to try again... so I restart my computer. When I try again, this time I click on "I forgot my PIN," to which instead of simply doing the logical and smart way of doing things, Microsoft has to do the dumbest **** ever, because of course it cannot simply use the same reset system that it uses for resetting passwords, SMH!

It says, "You can reset your PIN by going to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options." Now, the thing that sucks is that neither my gaming computer nor my laptop is signed into my Xbox Gamepass account so that I would be able to reset the PIN via Windows Settings. In fact, there isn't a single computer that has Windows signed into the account I need the PIN for. So, I don't see any way that I can reset my PIN so that I could play the games that I paid for the subscription.

My goodness this is frustrating.

I did some Google searching too, to see if anyone had the same issue, and sure enough, I found a post on Microsoft's forums, but the 2 replies did not help at all, and 200 people have the same unanswered question. This is the same problem that I am having, in case he explained it better than me: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/xbox/forum/all/need-to-reset-pin-of-microsoft-account-that-is-not/3e827462-aea3-419b-88e0-b3928abf160c

To all bots responding, NO, I AM NOT REFERRING TO WINDOWS HELLO SIGN-IN PIN, SO STOP SENDING THIS LINK: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4026196/windows-10-pin-sign-in-issues.

This issue is incredible annoying, I don't know why it couldn't just ask me for my phone number or email to reset my PIN, but only Microsoft knows why they did this, it is what it is. Please help me.

:)

Kathy A.

Hello Siduch,

We have not heard anything from you since our last reply. Please do not hesitate to create a new thread if you have new concerns. We hope that we have answered the issue you reported to us. We personally understand that finding time to work on this matter can be a little difficult to manage. Thus, we would like to let you know how much we appreciate your patience and most importantly the time you have dedicated to post here in Xbox Forums.

Regards,

Kathy A.

Hello Siduch,

We have noticed that you have not responded to our last message. We would like to know whether the issue you have raised with us is still ongoing. If yes, please let us know so that we can continue our conversation.

Regards,

Kathy A.

Hello Siduch,

We understand your sentiment with Microsoft PIN reset. This is not the experience that Microsoft wishes you to have. As your support advisor, we will work with you to find the best solution to your issue.

Based on your description, you are unable to perform the message of resolution you are prompted to because you have not signed in this account with Xbox Game Pass subscription. What we can recommend is having same credentials login to Microsoft Store and Xbox apps (Xbox app and Xbox Game Bar), in that way you will have no issues signing into a game that needs a Microsoft account because the system already recognizes your credentials. In your case, you will need to make sure your account is added to your account settings or signed in to the Microsoft apps.

I know how critical it is for you to be able to login and start gaming so we would like to ask for details regarding this concern you have raised. We will also suggest you with troubleshooting that you may perform later on.

May we ask for a screenshot of the issue? This way we can check why you were lead to this message - You can reset your PIN by going to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
May we ask if you go to PC Settings > Accounts > Emails & Accounts is the account you subscribe with Xbox Game Pass listed in there?
May we also confirm if this issue is happening to both devices you mentioned - gaming computer and laptop?
May we ask for the Windows Operating System (Windows 8.1, 10 or 11) of the device with Microsoft PIN issues?

In that case, we would suggest you to perform this troubleshooting below:

Install PC updates including Optional Update. Guide - Update Windows and if you have issues with update, please check the troubleshooting steps available here - Troubleshoot problems updating Windows.
Please do the update of drivers, guide - update drivers in Windows.
- NVIDIA
- AMD
Note: Please make sure you know your credentials before proceeding to the next steps. If in doubt, try to manually sign in here: Microsoft Account | Home.
- Reset/Repair Microsoft Store and Xbox app. Guide - Repair apps and programs in Windows.
- Clear the store cache by typing “wsreset” in the Windows search bar. Run this as admin and wait for the screen to close and open the store automatically.
Launch Microsoft Store and sign in the account with Xbox Game Pass and do the same to Xbox app. Kindly update us on how it went.

We look forward to your response. Kindly let us know, if there is any misunderstanding or clarifications of our description by sending us a reply.

Sincerely,

Xbox Forum Moderator

Microsoft Community

Alvaro A-

Hi Jean,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Xbox Community. I understand that you're having issues logging in to a different computer and you're being asked for a PIN.

If the option I forgot my PIN is available, 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. This option is only available for Microsoft accounts, not for local accounts

If the option I forgot my PIN is not available, you must sign in with your password and then reset the PIN from the Settings app. Select Sign-in options and then select Enter your password

You can also use the Settings app to change your PIN.

In the Settings app on your Windows device, select Accounts > Sign-in options or

Select PIN (Windows Hello) > Change PIN and then follow the instructions. You must enter your old PIN in order to change to a new one

If you forgot your PIN, select I forgot my PIN and follow the directions to verify your account and create a new one

Keep me posted.

Regards,

Alvaro

Belen T.C.

Hello WaterSpider1996,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community.

We understand you are having issues with signing in to Xbox App since it is asking for 4-digit PIN. Let's work on this together and sort this out in timely manner for you to get back to gaming.

To sign in to the app, you need to enter the same 4-digit PIN that you use on your console. Since you don't remember your PIN and no longer have access to the Xbox Console, you can reset it online by following these steps:

1. Go to https://account.microsoft.com/devices and sign in with your Microsoft account.
2. Find your console in the list of devices and select Show details.

3. Under Device info, select Reset PIN.
4. Enter a new 4-digit PIN and confirm it.

5. Sign in to the app with your new PIN.

I hope this helps you resolve your issue and enjoy gaming on the app until you can get a new console. If you have any other questions or concerns, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Microsoft Community Moderator

Need to reset Microsoft PIN to sign-in to Xbox app