Why Does Windows 11 Keep Saying My PIN Isn't Available and How Can I Fix This Devastating Login Error?

What Causes the Frustrating 0x80070006 PIN Error in Windows 11 and Which Solutions Actually Work?

When I see that dreaded message "Something went wrong and your PIN isn't available" with error code 0x80070006 on my Windows 11 screen, I know my day just got more complicated. This frustrating error blocks me from accessing my computer and can really mess up my work schedule. I've dealt with this issue multiple times, and I want to share the solutions that actually work.

What Causes This Annoying PIN Error

This error happens when Windows Hello can't access my PIN data properly. The most common reasons I've encountered include:

System-Related Issues

• Corrupted system files that manage PIN authentication
• Problems with Windows Hello services
• Recent Windows updates that introduced bugs
• Interrupted system updates or installations

Hardware and Configuration Problems

• TPM (Trusted Platform Module) issues or disabled settings
• Profile syncing problems with Microsoft accounts
• Third-party software conflicts
• Damaged NGC folder containing PIN data

The error typically appears right after my computer wakes from sleep, following a Windows update, or after an unexpected shutdown.

Method 1: Reset PIN Through Microsoft Account

The first thing I try is using my Microsoft account password to regain access. This method works when the PIN system fails but my account credentials are still valid.

1. Click "Sign-in options" on the login screen and select password login instead of PIN.
2. Once logged in, I go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and click "I forgot my PIN" under the Windows Hello PIN section.
3. The system asks me to verify my Microsoft account password again, then guides me through creating a new PIN.
4. Make sure to choose a different PIN than before to avoid conflicts with any cached data that might be causing problems.

Method 2: Delete the Corrupted NGC Folder

When the simple PIN reset doesn't work, I need to get more technical. The NGC folder stores all Windows Hello authentication data, and corruption here often causes the 0x80070006 error.

1. Access my computer using an alternative login method like my password.
2. Open File Explorer and navigate to this specific location:

   C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft\NGC

3. Enable "Hidden items" in the View tab to see this folder. Sometimes Windows blocks me from deleting this folder due to permissions, so right-click the NGC folder, go to Properties > Security tab, and take ownership of the folder.
4. After deleting the entire NGC folder contents, restart my computer and set up a new PIN through Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.

Method 3: Fix System File Corruption

Corrupted system files can break Windows Hello services completely. I use the built-in System File Checker to scan and repair these issues.

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator by pressing Windows + S, typing "cmd," right-clicking Command Prompt, and selecting "Run as administrator."
2. Run this command:

   sfc /scannow

This scan takes several minutes and automatically fixes any corrupted files it finds. After the scan completes, restart my computer and test if the PIN works again.

Method 4: Check TPM Settings in BIOS

The TPM chip handles PIN encryption behind the scenes. If it's disabled in BIOS, my PIN simply won't work.

1. Restart my computer and enter BIOS settings (usually by pressing F2, Del, or Esc during startup).
2. In the Security or Advanced settings section, look for TPM, PTT (Platform Trust Technology), or similar options and make sure they're enabled.
3. After saving BIOS changes and restarting, try setting up my PIN again through Windows settings.

Method 5: Use Windows Recovery Environment

When I can't access my desktop at all use the recovery environment to create alternative access methods.

1. From the login screen, hold Shift and click Restart to enter recovery mode.
2. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt and enable the built-in administrator account with this command:

   net user administrator /active:yes

This gives me a backup way to access Windows and create a new user account if needed.

Method 6: System Restore as Last Resort

If the PIN error started after a recent update or software installation, use System Restore to roll back to a working state.

1. Boot into Windows Recovery Environment.
2. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore.
3. Choose a restore point from before the PIN problems began.

Prevention Tips That Actually Work

To avoid this error in the future, I always maintain multiple login methods. I keep my Microsoft account password current and set up fingerprint or facial recognition as backups.

I also regularly check for Windows updates and install them during planned downtime rather than letting them install automatically during important work periods.

The 0x80070006 error with PIN unavailability can be incredibly disruptive, but these methods have consistently worked for me and many other users. The key is starting with the simplest solutions and working toward more advanced fixes only when necessary. Most of the time, resetting the PIN or deleting the NGC folder resolves the issue completely.