Wi-Fi and LAN

This new computer has both Wi-Fi and ethernet but regardless I can't seem to get Remote Desktop to connect to one my other systems on the network that uses a Pin number instead of a password. This system is Windows 11 Pro and the others mostly Windows 10 Pro. I can make the remote connection from other computers on the network so sharing isn't an issue.

At a loss for ideas and hitting the sack. Any thoughts/ideas very much appreciated. I'll check in the morning.....

Sreilly24590 said:

I can't seem to get Remote Desktop to connect to one my other systems on the network that uses a Pin number instead of a password

Click to expand...

Have been issues with connecting to computers that use a pin and not a password for quite a while. Most common answer is to change the destination PC’s login method (Password Not Pin) Or disable Windows Hello. I can’t remember. Someone will possibly, before I can revisit my old posts and the Web.

Not sure if this has changed in settings, I’m not at my PC.

On a fresh install of Windows 11, password use is disabled.

You can easily enable passwords and that will likely help you on the machine you are trying to RDP into because you will be able to use your password.

Then you can use your Microsoft Account.

See the screen shot with the appropriate settings.

Uncheck the security setting shown. (Windows Hello)

Logout and login with password (not PIN) at least once before RDP access.

Once you login with a password once, you can re-enable the Hello sign-in if you want and still use the password with RDP.

The fix is logging in once with the password.

I just realised, you’re using a Local Account. I’m not sure how to add a username/password to a local account. I’ve never used a local account.

Try the steps below. This may sound weird, but it works for me on systems where I have created a pin:

On the system that you are trying to connect to (the target machine) which has a pin, log on locally using the password. Do NOT use any form of Windows Hello (fingerprint, facial recognition, PIN, etc.). You need only do this one time.

Once you have logged on with the password once, do whatever you want. You can log off, reboot, sign in again with a PIN, etc. However, you should now be able to RDP into that box.

Let me know if that works. If not, we need to look at other possibilities.

NOTE: You stated that the machine uses a PIN rather than a password. Note that setting up a PIN does not remove the password, it is simply an additional option. The password will still be there and must be used for RDP. A PIN can ONLY be used locally, no remote connections can use that PIN.

That worked! Should be asleep already but this stuff keeps me awake.

Fantastic guys and I really appreciate it.

hsehestedt said:

Try the steps below. This may sound weird, but it works for me on systems where I have created a pin:

On the system that you are trying to connect to (the target machine) which has a pin, log on locally using the password. Do NOT use any form of Windows Hello (fingerprint, facial recognition, PIN, etc.). You need only do this one time.

Once you have logged on with the password once, do whatever you want. You can log off, reboot, sign in again with a PIN, etc. However, you should now be able to RDP into that box.

Let me know if that works. If not, we need to look at other possibilities.

NOTE: You stated that the machine uses a PIN rather than a password. Note that setting up a PIN does not remove the password, it is simply an additional option. The password will still be there and must be used for RDP. A PIN can ONLY be used locally, no remote connections can use that PIN.

Click to expand...

lol did I explain it incorectly?

hsehestedt said:

Try the steps below. This may sound weird, but it works for me on systems where I have created a pin:

On the system that you are trying to connect to (the target machine) which has a pin, log on locally using the password. Do NOT use any form of Windows Hello (fingerprint, facial recognition, PIN, etc.). You need only do this one time.

Once you have logged on with the password once, do whatever you want. You can log off, reboot, sign in again with a PIN, etc. However, you should now be able to RDP into that box.

Let me know if that works. If not, we need to look at other possibilities.

NOTE: You stated that the machine uses a PIN rather than a password. Note that setting up a PIN does not remove the password, it is simply an additional option. The password will still be there and must be used for RDP. A PIN can ONLY be used locally, no remote connections can use that PIN.

Click to expand...

I agree. I have both a Password and a Pin also. When I log in Windows uses the last method I used. However, at the login prompt I am allowed to switch to the other method. If I switch then this becomes the new default.

antspants said:

lol did I explain it incorectly?

Click to expand...

Not at all. My only question would be, why disable Hello? At least for me, there was never a need for that.

hsehestedt said:

Not at all. My only question would be, why disable Hello? At least for me, there was never a need for that.

Click to expand...

Some of the reports that at least I have read around with complaints about Remote Desktop, along with the methods you and I detailed, some users had to disable Hello to have Passwords set. As far as I know, if you’re not using a Microsoft Account (like this OP) then you need to disable Hello to instigate a password (Which I don’t know how to do with a local account due to never needing one)
Allegedly, Windows doesn’t come with passwords enabled. Meaning I don’t think you have the log in using a password on the log in screen. Nor the icon to do so.
You can simply re-enable Hello after a password has been used, at least once. However, I could of just said to disable: For Improved Security: Only allow Windows Hello Sign in.

Apart from that, what difference does it make if you disable it or not to use a password instead of a pin. The PC won’t self destruct.

Also, if you look at that image I posted, it clearly shows what I was referring to. Again, I suppose I could of just said that. As far as I know, disabling Hello would equate to the same thing.