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Constantly setting up a new PIN each time the computer fall asleep?

Signature S 0 Reputation points
2026-06-03T07:45:05.2733333+00:00

Recently bought a brand new laptop less than a month ago. It's an ACER Nitro V15.

Been working amazingly as I don't have the space for a PC tower and all I really do is play games; however, that's not the problem.

Everyone knows computers have a 'sleep' mode, essentially letting the computer turn the display off without shutting down the system. This works great sometimes if I have to step away for something.

Recently, I have been running into an issue where, after I wake it up, I have to reinsert my PIN each time. This is usually standard procedure and no problem. However, every time I do so, it does not register my PIN. The system/laptop does not think I have a PIN registered, and I have to set one up. This has happened EVERY TIME the computer goes into sleep mode. I have gone through my settings, and nothing seems out of order; then again I don't really know all the places to look. The only way I have found to get around this issue is to restart the computer. It then seems to bypass whatever bug I have, only for it to come back when the computer falls asleep again. Sure, this is a temporary solution, but it's rather agitating that I have had to restart my computer more times than I have ever had with my old one.

Does anyone know what is happening or what a few solutions could be? I have scoured the internet, and the AI summaries don't help. Haven't found anything on this either.

Thanks in advance,

SS.

Edit: I'm terrible with command prompts and very wary about them. I hate messing with system files and would rather not have to if it is avoidable.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows Hello, lock screen and sign-in
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Answer accepted by question author

Lychee-Ng 20,950 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
2026-06-03T12:46:44.7366667+00:00

Hi Signature S,

I can understand why this is getting annoying, especially on a laptop that is basically brand new. Since the PIN works normally after a restart but breaks again after sleep mode, this is usually caused by Windows Hello or a sleep/wake issue.

Since you prefer a simple and safe path, I would start with the basic fix first. However, note that since the behavior might relate to deeper corruptions, expect to move to the stronger repair if needed. Try the following in order:

1 - Rebuild the PIN through Windows Hello

  • Open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options
  • Under PIN (Windows Hello) > I forgot my PIN
  • Verify your Microsoft account > create a new one.
  • Restart the laptop > test sleep mode again a few times

2 - Remove the PIN via Microsoft account and reset (if available)

  • Open your browser > visit account.live.com/proofs/manage
  • Scroll down > Reset Windows Hello on all of my devices
  • Click the option if it's available to you > Restart PC.

3 - Reset the Windows Hello cache

  • This is more advanced so if you want, create a System Restore point first:
    • Press Win + S > search and open Create a restore point
    • Under Protection Settings > select your system drive > Configure…
    • Check Turn on system protection > toggle disk space for saving.
    • Select Apply > OK and close the window > click Create…
    • Name it and wait for the confirmation message.
  • Now, open File Explorer > View (top menu) > Show > Check Hidden items
  • Go to C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft
  • Find and right-click Ngc folder > Properties > Security > click Advanced
  • Next to Owner, select Change > type your system username > Check Names
  • OK and enable Replace owner on subcontainers and objects > Apply changes
  • After that, open the Ngc folder > delete all contents inside > restart the laptop
  • Sign in with your Microsoft account password again and set up a brand-new PIN.

If you don’t want to try the advanced steps, you can follow the clean install suggested by the AI answer. However, since that one means clearing up your system, I suggest you just try solution #3 anyway before clean installation.

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