How To Extend The PIN Length On Windows 11/10?

If you want to protect your Windows 11/10 account with a strong and secure PIN, you need to know how to change the default settings. A four-digit PIN can be used to sign into Windows 11/10 accounts using Windows Hello feature. By default, the function limits users to set PINs to a minimum of four characters. But that may not be enough to keep your data safe from hackers or prying eyes. You can increase the minimum PIN length to make it harder for anyone to guess your PIN or crack it with brute force. There are two ways to change the minimum PIN length. Let us discuss both methods in detail.

How to Customize Your PIN Length on Windows 11/10 in Minutes?

Follow These Workarounds To Make Your Windows 11/10 PIN Longer and Stronger!

Method 1: Use The Windows Registry To Increase The PIN Length.

There is no option in the Windows Settings app to increase the PIN length. In such a case, we will have to make some modifications to the Windows Registry and create a new key that will enable us to create a PIN of our own choice. Here is what you need to do:

Step 1: Press Win + R to open the RUN box.

Step 2: Type “regedit” and hit the Enter key.

Step 3: Click “Yes” on the UAC prompt.

Step 4: Copy the path mentioned below and paste it into the Registry Editor’s address bar located on the top followed by the Enter key.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\

Step 5: Look in the left panel and you will see that the Microsoft key is highlighted. Look for PassportForWork subkey under Microsoft key in the left pane.

Step 6: If you cannot see this key then you will have to create it. Make right-click on the Microsoft Key and select New -> Key. Rename this key as PassportForWork.

Step 7: Now right-click on PassportForWork key and choose New followed by Key.

Step 8: Rename the key as PinComplexity.

Step 9: Next, make a right-click on PinComplexity and choose New -> DWORD (32-bit) value.

Step 10: A DWORD key will be created in the right pane of the Windows Registry Editor.

Step 11: Rename this key as MinimumPINLength.

Step 12: Double-click on this key and choose the decimal option under Base.

Step 13: In the same window, enter a number greater than four under the Value data box and then hit the OK button.

Step 14: Close the Windows Registry Editor and reboot your computer.

When you attempt to sign in with the regular PIN, you will now receive a warning that says, “Organisation requires that you change your PIN.” Click on OK and then fill out the New PIN and Confirm PIN boxes with a lengthier identification number that has the minimum amount of characters necessary. You must set the PINComplexity registry key’s minimum character requirement for your PIN.

Additionally, if you encounter Error 0x801c044f while setting a PIN on Windows 10/11, here are some troubleshooting steps you can follow.

Method 2: Use The Group Policy Editor To Increase The PIN Length.

If you are not comfortable using Windows Registry then you can try to extend the PIN length on Windows 11/10 using Group Policy Editor.

Step 1: Press Win + R to launch the RUN box.

Step 2: Enter “gpedit.msc” and press the Enter key.

Step 3: In the left panel, click on Computer Configuration to expand it and then click on Administrative Templates.

Step 4: Click on the arrow next to System under Administrative Templates and then choose PIN Complexity.

Step 5: Now look for Minimum Pin Length in the right panel and click twice on it.

Step 6: Next click on the circular button next to Enabled.

Step 7: Finally, click on the text box next to Minimum Pin Length and enter a value greater than 4.

Step 8: Click on Apply and then on OK.

If you encounter the “Unable to Set PIN on Windows 11” error with the error code 0xd000a002, here are some steps you can follow to resolve the issue.

Boost Your Windows 11 Login Protection with a Longer PIN: Are You Up for It?

It’s a good idea to increase the minimum PIN length when using one of the aforementioned techniques to log into Windows. A PIN that is too long, nevertheless, will be more difficult to remember. So, make sure your PIN isn’t too long, then!

For enhanced security, we recommend our users to take help of dedicated password management software that helps you create, store, and manage your passwords securely.

Please let us know in the comments below if you have any questions or recommendations. We would be delighted to provide you with a resolution. We frequently publish advice, tricks, and solutions to common tech-related problems.

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Also Read: How to Fix PIN Error 0x80090027 in Windows 11 PC