【Emergency Fix】Can’t Log in to Windows 11 After Update? PIN Reset Fails and Verification Code Never Arrives — Full Solutions

Introduction

You updated your Windows 11 laptop, and suddenly you’re locked out.

The message says:

“You need to reset your PIN on this device.”

You follow the reset steps, and Windows says it has sent a verification code to your email — but the email never arrives. You’re stuck at the login screen, unable to access your computer. This issue has been increasingly reported, especially after the June 2025 Windows 11 update.

In this guide, we’ll carefully explain the possible causes of this issue and walk you through multiple recovery methods you can try. Even if you’re not very tech-savvy, don’t worry — each step is explained in detail.

What Is Happening?

• After installing a Windows update, you see:
  “You need to reset your PIN on this device.”
• The system says it has sent a verification code to your registered email.
• But the email with the code never arrives.
• You cannot log in without completing the PIN reset process.

Commonly Affected Situations

• Windows 11 24H2 (June 2025 update and newer)
• Devices using Microsoft Account login
• Laptops with unstable network connections (Wi-Fi or mobile networks)

Possible Causes

Sometimes, multiple small issues combine and trigger this problem. Updates involve background syncs and configuration changes, so even slight network hiccups or outdated account info can lead to login failures.

First Steps You Should Try Immediately

1. Check Your Spam or Junk Email Folder

It may sound basic, but many users overlook this:

• Use your phone or another device to access the email linked to your Microsoft Account.
• Carefully check the Spam, Junk, and Promotions folders.
• Add “microsoft.com” to your email provider’s safe senders list.

2. Test Microsoft Account Access on Another Device

Verify whether your Microsoft Account itself is functioning correctly:

• On a smartphone or another PC, visit:
  https://account.microsoft.com/
• If you can log in normally, your account itself is not blocked.
• If you cannot log in here, your Microsoft Account may be locked — you will need official support.

3. Switch to a Stable Wired Network

The PIN reset process depends heavily on a stable internet connectivity.

• If possible, connect your laptop directly via a LAN cable.
• If you were using mobile data or weak Wi-Fi, switch to stable home broadband.
• Then retry the PIN reset process.

4. Use Safe Mode to Temporarily Bypass PIN

Sometimes you can access your device through Safe Mode:

1. At the login screen, click Power \rightarrow Restart while holding the Shift key.
2. Navigate: Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Safe Mode.
3. In Safe Mode, Windows may ask for your Microsoft Account password (not PIN).

Note: If you have also forgotten your Microsoft Account password, proceed to the next solution.

5. Try Signing In with Password Instead of PIN

If available, select “Other Sign-in Options” on the login screen:

• You may be able to sign in using your full Microsoft Account password or security key instead of the PIN.
• Many users forget they still have a usable password because they’ve used PINs for years.

6. Contact Microsoft Support (If Nothing Else Works)

If none of the above steps work, contact Microsoft directly:

• Visit Microsoft Support:
  https://support.microsoft.com/contactus/
• Use their account recovery process and provide verification details.
• In some cases, recovery may take 1–3 business days.

Additional Solutions That Worked for Some Users

If the above standard methods didn’t solve your issue, here are extra tips based on other user experiences:

① Wait and Try Again Later

Several users reported that waiting for several hours (or even a full day) allowed the verification code to arrive on a later attempt. This may be due to temporary delays on Microsoft’s backend servers. Avoid retrying too often in quick succession — instead, space out your attempts.

② Use Microsoft Authenticator App

You can link your Microsoft Account to the Microsoft Authenticator app on your smartphone. This provides an alternative verification method without relying on email:

• Download and install Microsoft Authenticator from your phone’s app store.
• Follow Microsoft’s official instructions to link it:
  How to set up Microsoft Authenticator

③ Update Your Account’s Security Information

Having multiple security contacts (extra email addresses or phone numbers) registered allows you to choose alternate verification options during PIN reset:

• Go to your Microsoft Account Security Settings and review your contact methods.
• Remove outdated phone numbers or inactive email addresses.
• Add fresh backup options proactively.

④ Check Microsoft’s Service Status Page

Sometimes Microsoft’s own authentication services experience temporary outages. You can check their real-time service status:

• Microsoft 365 Service Status

If there’s an ongoing problem, waiting for Microsoft to resolve it may be your only option at that moment.

Preventive Measures You Can Set Up in Advance

To minimize the risk of getting locked out again, it’s highly recommended to keep your account recovery options updated.

These preparations might feel tedious, but they can greatly expand your recovery options if something goes wrong. Especially with cloud-based accounts like Microsoft, keeping your security info current gives you much greater peace of mind.

Summary

Suddenly being locked out of your Windows 11 device due to a PIN reset failure is stressful — but in many cases, it can be resolved by carefully following the proper steps.

If you’re reading this proactively, now is a perfect time to review your security information and backup options, so you’re better prepared if similar issues arise in the future.
✔️You might also find these helpful:

▶︎June 2025 Windows 11 Update Errors – Complete Guide for Troubleshooting

▶︎Fixing Windows 11 Update KB5058411: Common Errors and Solutions
▶︎[With Pro Tips] 7 Ways to Speed Up Opening Large Files on Windows

タグ: two-factor authentication, Windows 11, Windows 11 24H2, Microsoft account, Windows Update problem, login issue, verification code not received, PIN reset, account recovery, Microsoft Authenticator