How to Fix PIN Code Problem in Windows 10 Safe Mode

PIN Code Issues in Windows 10 Safe Mode After Virus Infection

After a computer is infected with a virus, a problem with the PIN code may occur when entering Windows 10 Safe Mode, which blocks access to system tools for removing malicious software. To solve this problem, it is necessary to use alternative methods to log into the system and apply special utilities to remove the virus without reinstalling Windows.

Contents

• Reasons for PIN code problem
• Ways to enter the system without a PIN code
• Virus removal methods
• Prevention of reinfection
• Conclusion

Reasons for PIN code problem

Problems with PIN code access in Safe Mode are usually caused by the following factors:

1. System file damage - the virus could have damaged Windows components responsible for authentication
2. Incorrect login service operation - malicious software could have modified or disabled services required for PIN code operation
3. Driver conflicts - some viruses install their own drivers that interfere with normal system operation
4. Registry problems - virus entries in the registry can block standard login methods
5. User profile damage - malicious programs can damage profile files that store authentication data

Important: When the error “Something went wrong. Your PIN is not available” appears, do not try to enter the PIN code multiple times, as this can worsen the situation and lead to complete account blocking.

Ways to enter the system without a PIN code

1. Using Command Prompt to reset PIN code

1. When starting the system, press the Shift key and select restart
2. In the boot options menu, select “Troubleshoot” → “Advanced options” → “Command Prompt”
3. In the command prompt, execute the following commands:
   cmd

   cd /d C:\Windows\System32
   ren utilman.exe utilman.old
   ren cmd.exe utilman.exe
   

4. Restart the system
5. On the login screen, press the Windows + U key - a command prompt with administrator rights will open
6. Reset the PIN code:
   cmd

   net user Username *
   

7. Enter a new password twice
8. To restore original files, execute:
   cmd

   cd /d C:\Windows\System32
   ren utilman.exe cmd.exe
   ren utilman.old utilman.exe
   

2. Booting from Windows installation disk

1. Connect the Windows 10 installation disk or bootable USB drive
2. When turning on the computer, select boot from disk
3. Select language and settings
4. In the bottom left corner, click “System Recovery”
5. Go to “Troubleshoot” → “Advanced options” → “Command Prompt”
6. Execute commands to reset the password as described in the previous method

3. Using Windows Recovery Environment

1. When booting, press Shift and select restart
2. In the boot options menu, select “Troubleshoot”
3. Select “Advanced options” → “Startup Settings”
4. Click “Restart”
5. When the boot menu appears, press the F4 key for Safe Mode or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking
6. If that doesn’t work, try F6 to enable minimal boot

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Virus removal methods

1. Using antivirus utilities in Safe Mode

After successfully logging into the system, perform the following steps:

1. Download and run Dr.Web CureIt!

   • Download from the official website on another device
   • Run in Safe Mode
   • Select full system analysis

2. Use Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool

   • Download the portable version
   • Run scanning with updated databases

3. Apply Malwarebytes

   • Download the free version
   • Perform deep system scanning

2. Manual malware removal

1. Restart in Safe Mode with Networking

   • Press Windows + R, enter msconfig
   • Go to the “Boot” tab
   • Check “Safe boot” and “Network”
   • Apply and restart

2. Stop suspicious processes

   • Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)
   • Go to the “Processes” tab
   • Find and end processes with non-obvious names

3. Remove suspicious programs

   • Open “Control Panel” → “Programs and Features”
   • Remove recently installed unknown programs

4. Clean up startup

   • Open Task Manager, “Startup” tab
   • Disable all suspicious items

5. Check the registry

   • Open Registry Editor (Win + R, enter regedit)
   • Remove suspicious keys in the sections:
     • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
     • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

3. System restore

1. Undo recent changes

   • Open “Control Panel” → “Recovery”
   • Click “Open System Protection”
   • Select a restore point before the problem appeared
   • Start the restoration

2. Check system files

   • Open Command Prompt as administrator
   • Execute the command: sfc /scannow
   • Wait for the scan to complete
   • If necessary, run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

3. Update the system

   • Install all available Windows updates
   • Update device drivers

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Prevention of reinfection

1. Setting up system protection

1. Install a reliable antivirus

   • Choose one of the verified options: Kaspersky, Dr.Web, ESET NOD32
   • Update databases regularly
   • Enable real-time scanning

2. Activate Windows Firewall

   • Open “Control Panel” → “Windows Defender Firewall”
   • Enable the firewall for all network profiles
   • Configure rules for trusted programs

3. Update browsers and plugins

   • Update Chrome, Firefox, Edge to the latest versions
   • Update all extensions and plugins
   • Remove unnecessary extensions

2. Changing network usage habits

1. Be careful when downloading

   • Download files only from official websites
   • Check file extensions
   • Avoid suspicious installers

2. Don’t click on suspicious links

   • Check URLs before clicking
   • Use extensions to block malicious websites
   • Don’t open emails from unknown senders

3. Regularly create backups

   • Use Windows File History feature
   • Create system restore points
   • Backup important data to an external drive

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Conclusion

1. Main solutions for PIN code problems - to enter Safe Mode, use Command Prompt through the recovery environment or Windows boot disk
2. Sequence of actions - first restore access to the system, then remove the virus using specialized utilities, and only then change the PIN code
3. Importance of prevention - after removing the virus, set up reliable protection and change internet usage habits to prevent reinfection
4. Regular maintenance - create restore points and backup data to quickly restore the system in case of problems
5. System updates - regularly update Windows and all programs to protect against new vulnerabilities

If problems with system login reappear, it is recommended to consult computer security professionals for professional help.

Sources

1. Microsoft Official Documentation - Recovering access to Windows
2. Dr.Web - Virus Removal Guide
3. Kaspersky - System recovery after infection
4. Microsoft - Using Safe Mode in Windows