How to Extend the PIN Length in Windows 10 & 11
Windows Hello enables users to sign into Windows 11/10 accounts with PINs. That feature restricts users to four-character PINs by default. There isn’t an option available within the Change your PIN box to set a longer PIN that includes more than four characters.
So, it doesn’t seem users can set longer, more secure PINs for signing in to Windows. However, there are two ways to set a new minimum PIN length for the Hello PIN sign-in method. This is how you’re able to extend the PIN length in Windows 10 and 11.
How to Extend the PIN Length by Editing the Registry
Windows 11/10 Home doesn’t have any built-in setting for extending the minimum PIN length. So, many users will have to extend PIN length by creating a new PINComplexity registry key. Then you can set a new minimum PIN length value within that key. You can extend the Windows Hello PIN length by editing the registry as follows:
Now you’ll see an “organization requires that you change your PIN message” when you try to sign in with the PIN usually entered. ClickOKto view some options for setting a new PIN. Then input a longer identification number with the minimum number of characters required inside theNewandConfirmPIN boxes.
If you’ve not set a Windows Hello PIN before, you’re able to do so via Settings. Our guide tosetting a PIN in Windowsincludes instructions for how to do so. Your PIN must have the minimum number of characters set with thePINComplexityregistry key.
How to Extend the PIN Length With Group Policy Editor
Windows Pro and Enterprise editions have a Group Policy Editor tool that includes options for setting minimum and maximum PIN lengths. So, you don’t need to manually edit the registry to set a minimum PIN length if you’re able to access Group Policy Editor. This is how to extend Windows Hello’s PIN length with Group Policy Editor:
Extend Your Windows PIN to Make It More Secure
Extending the minimum PIN length for logging in to Windows with one of the methods above is a good security measure. The longer your Windows Hello PIN is, the more secure your PC will be. However, an overly long PIN will be harder to remember. So, don’t make your PIN too long!
Windows Hello also enables users to set alternative biometric authentication. Fingerprint or retina authentication types are more advanced Windows Hello features than PINs. However, you’ll need a PC that supports such biometric security features to enable them.
A fingerprint is a quick but secure to log into Windows. Here’s how to set up fingerprint recognition on Windows 11.
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