How to Secure Your Windows PIN

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Open Local Group Policy Editor

   Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter to launch the Local Group Policy Editor.

   Note: This tool is only available on Windows Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.
2. 45 sec

   Access PIN Complexity Settings

   In the left sidebar, navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Logon > PIN Complexity. Expand these folders sequentially to locate the PIN complexity policies.

3. 1 min

   Require Special Characters

   Double-click 'Require special characters' in the right pane. Select the 'Enabled' radio button, then click 'Apply' and 'OK'. This forces the inclusion of symbols in your PIN.

4. 1 min

   Require Letters and Numbers

   Locate 'Require uppercase letters' and 'Require lowercase letters' in the same folder. Enable each policy individually to ensure your PIN contains mixed-case characters.

5. 30 sec

   Set Minimum PIN Length

   Double-click 'Minimum PIN length'. Set the policy to 'Enabled' and specify a value of at least 8 characters in the options field. Click 'OK' to save the requirement.

   Note: A longer PIN significantly increases resistance to brute-force attacks.
6. 30 sec

   Update Your PIN

   Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. Select 'PIN (Windows Hello)' and click 'Change'. Enter your new, complex PIN that satisfies the policies you just enabled.