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Can't log into computer using PIN due to no internet access

Ben Copper 0 Reputation points
2026-06-11T19:47:47.1+00:00

Hello everyone,

Yesterday I attempted to update my computer, during the process , I lost power for 3 hours. When I got power back and turn on the computer, I was prompted with a screen that said something along the line of can't use Pin, have to use my Microsoft Authenticator to log in and I was able to access to my computer just fine. However, 5 hours later, I tried to log back into my computer with the same process of using the authenticator but this time it said I can't due to no internet connection despite having an ethernet cable plugged in.

I searched the internet for solutions since there was so many people that have the same exact issue as I do. I bought an USB-Ethernet adapter and it didn't work. I went into Command Prompt, followed the step to edit the Regedit, changed some values from 2 to 0 and still didn't work. At this point, I was feeling pretty frustrated as I couldn't do my work on the computer. Luckily I have another SSD with a Windows Boot on it so I was able to do some work. I noticed that my other drive that have the login error is on my list of Devices and Drives and it's locked with Bitlocker. I then entered the recovery key and able to open the drive.

My questions are since I got access to the drive with the login error this way, can I somehow reverse the updates to the previous version; complete the updates since it was abruptly halted; delete some files in the Windows directory to login to said drive. These are pretty much my last option and I don't want to resort to wipe the drive completely as it's completely defeat the purpose of me trying to back to it.

Thank you very much in advance.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Accounts, profiles, and login
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Answer accepted by question author

Clary-N 11,770 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
2026-06-12T08:17:22.5533333+00:00

Hi Ben Copper,

Thank you for providing such a detailed explanation. I completely understand how frustrating it must be to be locked out of your device, especially after an unexpected power interruption during an update.

Based on your description, the issue is most likely caused by the update being interrupted, which can leave Windows in an inconsistent state. In this situation, components related to Windows Hello (PIN) and network initialization may not load correctly at the sign-in screen. This can lead to the system requiring online verification (such as Microsoft Authenticator) while simultaneously being unable to detect an available internet connection.

It’s a good sign that you were able to unlock the BitLocker-protected drive and access your data from another system. This confirms that your files are still intact and can be backed up if needed.

Regarding your questions, directly modifying or deleting files from the Windows directory is not a supported approach and may cause further damage to the installation. Similarly, manually trying to complete or roll back updates by accessing system files from another operating system is not reliable. The recommended approach is to use the built-in Windows recovery options designed for these scenarios.

If possible, please start by booting into the Windows Recovery Environment (for example, using Windows installation media and selecting “Repair your computer”). From there, you can attempt Startup Repair, which is designed to fix issues caused by interrupted updates. If that does not resolve the issue, you can try using System Restore if a restore point is available. These options are intended to repair the system without affecting your personal files.

If the system still cannot be repaired through these methods, the remaining supported path would be to back up your data (which you’ve already partially done) and perform a reinstall of Windows on the affected drive. This ensures the system returns to a clean and stable state.

Please let me know how it goes or if you’d like help with any of the steps above. I’ll be more than happy to assist further.

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  1. AI answer

    2026-06-11T19:48:08.8833333+00:00

    Because the PIN and Microsoft Authenticator sign-in both depend on online verification and the interrupted update likely left Windows in a bad state, focus on getting back into Windows first, then repairing or resetting sign-in options. Directly deleting random files from the Windows directory is not supported and risks making the installation unrecoverable.

    Use these supported options instead:

    1. Try basic sign-in recovery steps
      Since the device now refuses PIN/Authenticator due to “no internet,” first confirm connectivity from the lock screen:
      • On the lock screen, select Network and verify the Ethernet connection or connect to Wi‑Fi.
      • If sign-in still fails, restart the device from the lock screen (Power > Restart) and try again.
      • If possible, sign in with a password for the same account instead of PIN/Authenticator.
      If sign-in problems persist, use Safe Mode and alternate accounts as described below.
    2. Use Safe Mode to sign in with a password
      PIN and biometrics are not available in Safe Mode, which forces password-based sign-in and often bypasses Hello/Authenticator issues:
      1. On the sign-in screen, select Power > Restart while holding Shift.
      2. At Choose an option, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
      3. After restart, press 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
      4. Sign in using the account password (Microsoft or local account).
      If sign-in works in Safe Mode, once at the desktop:
      • Check for and install any pending Windows updates.
      • Review and repair sign-in options (e.g., remove and re-create the PIN) after a normal reboot.
    3. Try another account if available
      If the PC has multiple accounts:
      • On the sign-in screen, pick a different account in the lower-left corner (or Other user) and sign in with that account’s password.
      • Once signed in, update Windows and manage the problematic account (e.g., remove/re-add PIN, check network and account settings).
    4. BitLocker and the locked system drive
      Unlocking the drive with the BitLocker recovery key (as already done from the other Windows installation) only gives file access; it does not repair Windows sign-in or roll back updates by itself.
      Supported BitLocker recovery guidance is:
      • On a BitLocker recovery screen, enter the 48‑digit recovery key to boot Windows.
      • If the key is lost, the only supported option is to format and reinstall.
      Since the key is available and the drive is accessible, data can be backed up before attempting any repair or reinstall.
    5. About rolling back or “completing” the interrupted update
      The provided guidance does not include a supported method to manually delete specific Windows files from another OS instance to fix sign-in or to partially roll back an interrupted update. The safe, supported paths are:
      • Use Safe Mode / alternate account to complete updates and repair sign-in.
      • If Windows remains unbootable or sign-in cannot be restored, back up data from the unlocked BitLocker drive and perform a clean install of Windows on that drive.

    If none of the above sign-in recovery options work and Safe Mode or alternate accounts are not usable, the remaining supported option is to back up data (as already possible via the second SSD and unlocked BitLocker volume) and then wipe and reinstall Windows on the affected drive.

    References:

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