Emergency Fix: Can’t Log in After Windows 11 24H2 Update? PIN Reset Fails and Verification Code Doesn’t Arrive — Full Step-by-Step Solutions

Frustrated Windows 11 user facing PIN reset failure and missing verification code after 24H2 update.

Introduction

You just installed the new Windows 11 24H2 update — and suddenly, you can’t log in. The PIN reset option doesn’t work. The verification code never arrives. You’re completely locked out.

If this is happening to you, you’re not alone. Many users have reported this exact problem after recent updates, especially with Microsoft accounts linked to Windows Hello. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to fix this issue, even if you’re currently stuck on the login screen.

This guide will walk you through all possible solutions step-by-step, including safe mode access, offline password reset, and bypass methods that actually work.

Common Symptoms

Here are the most frequent symptoms reported after the 24H2 update:

  • PIN reset screen shows “Something went wrong”
  • No verification code is sent to your email or phone
  • Stuck at “Just a moment…” screen forever
  • Login screen loops back after entering the PIN
  • Error message: “We couldn’t sign you in. Try again later.”

Why Does This Happen After 24H2?

Several reasons can trigger this issue, including:

Solution 1: Try Safe Mode First (If Accessible)

If you can still access Safe Mode, try the following:

  1. At the login screen, hold Shift and click Restart.
  2. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking.
  4. Once logged in, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in Options.
  5. Remove your current PIN and set up a new one.
  6. Restart normally.

Note: If Safe Mode works, this is the fastest fix.

Solution 2: Use Local Account Conversion (Offline Bypass)

If your device was originally linked to a Microsoft account:

  1. Disconnect your internet (WiFi / Ethernet).
  2. Reboot the PC.
  3. On the login screen, try selecting “Sign-in Options” and choose Password (if available).
  4. If you can’t access any option, press Ctrl + Alt + Del and try switching user.
  5. If successful, convert your Microsoft account to a local account via:
    Settings > Accounts > Your Info > Sign in with a local account instead.

By disconnecting the internet and switching to a local account, you bypass the Microsoft cloud authentication system. This allows you to log in directly using local credentials stored on your device, avoiding any sync or server-related verification issues.

Solution 3: Use Windows Password Reset Disk (If Prepared Before)

If you previously created a reset disk:

  1. Insert the password reset disk.
  2. Click Reset Password on the login screen.
  3. Follow the wizard to set a new password.

Note: This option works only if you created the disk before encountering the issue.


A password reset disk contains a backup of your local account’s security information. Even if your current password or PIN fails, the disk allows you to securely create a new password without needing online verification.

Solution 4: Disconnect TPM & Windows Hello Credentials

Sometimes TPM issues cause PIN corruption:

  1. Boot into Recovery Environment (Shift + Restart).
  2. Open Command Prompt.
  3. Execute:
dsregcmd /leave
  1. Restart your PC.
  2. Try logging in again using your password.

Solution 5: Full Microsoft Account Password Reset (Using Another Device)

If your PC can’t receive verification codes:

  1. Use another device (smartphone, tablet, another PC).
  2. Visit https://account.live.com/password/reset.
  3. Follow the instructions to reset your Microsoft account password.
  4. Once complete, try logging in on the affected PC.

Tip: Be sure the PC has internet connection during login.

Solution 6: Completely Disable Windows Hello (Advanced)

If nothing works, fully disable Windows Hello:

  1. Boot into Safe Mode or Recovery Mode.
  2. Open Registry Editor (regedit).
  3. Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\PolicyManager\default\Settings\AllowSignInOptions
  1. Change value to 0 to disable Windows Hello.
  2. Restart and log in with your password.

Disabling Windows Hello removes all PIN and biometric login options, forcing Windows to fall back to standard password-based login. This can bypass corrupted PIN or facial recognition data that may be preventing access.

Emergency Recovery (If All Else Fails)

If you remain completely locked out:

  • Create a Windows 11 24H2 installation media on a USB stick.
  • Boot from the USB drive.
  • Use Repair Your Computer > System Restore / Startup Repair.
  • If necessary, perform a non-destructive reinstall (In-place upgrade repair).

Note: Avoid full reinstall unless absolutely necessary.

Summary Table: Solutions at a Glance

SolutionRecommended For
Safe Mode PIN ResetQuick fix if Safe Mode works
Local Account ConversionBypass Microsoft cloud sync
Password Reset DiskIf you have one prepared
Disconnect TPM CredentialsHardware PIN corruption cases
Microsoft Account ResetCloud password problems
Disable Windows HelloFully disable PIN login issues
Recovery ToolsSevere cases where login fails entirely

 kind of login failure after a major Windows update is extremely frustrating, especially when the PIN reset options fail and no verification code arrives. But in most cases, you can still regain access by carefully following one or more of these steps.

As Microsoft continues rolling out 24H2 updates, we expect further patches to address these PIN reset glitches. Until then, this guide should help you solve it manually.

👉 If you still face issues, feel free to check our website for the latest updates and advanced solutions.

▶︎How to Fix “TPM Disabled” and “Secure Boot Not Enabled” When Upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 — Complete Step-by-Step Guide