How-To

How to Create a Complex Windows 10 PIN

sign in security feature

We’ve shown how to create a four-digit PIN for logging into your Windows 10 system easier. Here’s a look at how to make your PC more secure when logging in.

We’ve shown how to create a four-digit PIN for logging into your Windows 10 system easier. Here’s a look at how to make your PC more secure when logging in.

Note: This process requires tweaking Group Policy which is only available in the Pro version of Windows 10 and not the Home version of the OS. Also, This process requires tweaking the operating system registry, which can be risky if you don’t know what you’re doing; make sure to back it up first.

Create a Complex Windows 10 PIN

To create a more secure and sophisticated Windows, 10 PIN hit the Windows key + R on the keyboard and type: gpedit.msc.

After Group Policy Editor is open, head to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Hello for Business > PIN Complexity.

Your Complex PIN

Now you can double-click the policy and configure and manage various login systems like History, Max, and Minimum Pins…etc. Just double-click each policy on the right side. Here is a look at some of the stronger ways to create a complex PIN:

Lowercase letters: If you enable or do not configure this policy, the operating system will require you to include at least one lowercase letter when creating a PIN.

Max Pin Length: This lets you set a maximum number of characters you can use to create a PIN. The maximum limit allowed is 127 characters.

Expiration: This policy lets you set the number of days before requiring users to change their PIN. You can configure this setting to expire to anything between 1 and 730 days. Of course, setting it to zero means the PIN will never expire.

Special Characters: This is one of the strongest ways to create a complex, strong password for your Windows 10 system, and you will need to enable it to use it. When you select this option, you get a full list of Special Characters that are allowed under the health section, such as these: “! # $ % & _ ~/.”

To turn on the complex password or other extra options, you will need to select Enabled. Also, make sure to enable each one you want to add. 

That’s all there is t it. Remember, you need to be running Windows 10 Pro (not Windows 10 Home) to set this up via Group Policy.

If you’re a home user, you probably don’t want to make the process too complicated, but this will come in very handy to provide an extra layer of protection in a business environment.

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Ziggy

    December 10, 2016 at 9:47 am

    Nice one, Brian. Unfortunately, I live a very “complicated” life and run Windows 10 Home. I always input “special” characters into my passwords – so, is there a clever cookie out there who can show this very complicated person how to do it? And, I won’t take no for an answer – thinking caps on!

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