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Setting Up PIN of Security Key in Windows

The Security Key’s PIN: Enhancing FIDO2 Authentication

• A PIN is needed for FIDO2 passwordless authentication (not required for U2F).

• A PIN works like a password but functions differently. While a password is shared with the server for verification, a PIN remains private between the user and the security key. Instead of being sent to the server, PIN verification happens directly on the device, enhancing security.

• To enhance security and minimize the risk of unauthorized access, users are advised to create a strong PIN that includes a mix of digits and letters.

 

Setting Up PIN of Security Key in Windows

The following steps are demonstrated using Windows 11 Home edition as an example. The interface and options may vary slightly depending on the Windows version.

Setup PIN

1. Click the [Start] button on your desktop's taskbar.

2. Find and launch [Settings] from the Start screen

3. From Settings, Click ①Accounts, then ②Sign-in options

4. Make sure the [Manage] button is enabled in [Security Key], then click the [Manage] button.

5. When you insert the PUFido security key into the USB port, the LED indicator on the security key flashes as the Windows Hello installation window appears. Then, press the confirm button on the security key.

6. Click [Add] button of Security Key PIN

7. Enter your security key PIN, then click [OK] button to complete PIN creation. (It is recommended to use 4~63 alphanumeric characters, upper and lower letters, numbers, and special characters).

Change PIN

1. Click the [Start] button on your desktop's taskbar.

2. Find and launch [Settings] from the Start screen.

3. From Settings, Click ①Accounts, then ②Sign-in options

4. Make sure the [Manage] button is enabled in [Security Key], then click the [Manage] button.

5. When you insert the PUFido security key into the USB port, the LED indicator on the security key flashes as the Windows Hello installation window appears. Then, press the confirm button on the security key.

6. Click [Change] button of Security Key PIN.

7. Enter the security key PIN in field ①, and then enter the new security key PIN in fields ②and ③ below, and click the [OK] button to complete the ‘Change your security key PIN’

Reset PIN

1. Click the [Start] button on your desktop's taskbar.

2. Find and launch [Settings] from the Start screen.

3. From Settings, Click ①Accounts, then ②Sign-in options

4. Make sure the [Manage] button is enabled in [Security Key], then click the [Manage] button.

5. When you insert the PUFido security key into the USB port, the LED indicator on the security key flashes as the Windows Hello installation window appears. Then, press the confirm button on the security key.

6. Click the [Reset] button under 'Reset security key' as shown below.

7. Click [Proceed] button.

8. Please reinsert your security key.

9. When the LED indicator flashes, Press the security key's confirm button.

10. Click the [Done] button to remove everything from the security key and complete the factory reset.

Key Unlock Reminders

1. If the user enters an incorrect PIN eight times in a row, a warning message will appear. To proceed, the user must remove and reinsert the security key, then enter the correct PIN.

2. If the user enters the wrong PIN one final time, the security key will become locked.

3. If the security key is completely locked, follow the steps for a factory reset. After resetting, you must go through the "Reset PIN" process before using the key again. 

Updated on 08 Apr 2025

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