The Windows PIN Policy allows administrators to configure and enforce Windows Hello for Business PIN requirements on managed devices.
This policy applies to both BYOD and corporate-owned Windows 10+ devices and provides detailed controls over PIN composition, expiration, history, and authentication behavior.
Windows Hello PINs offer stronger security than traditional passwords by tying authentication to the specific device and allowing hardware-backed protection such as TPM.
Requirements
Windows 10 or later
Windows Hello for Business must be supported and enabled on the device
Overview
The Windows PIN Policy allows IT admins to control:
PIN length (minimum and maximum)
Required character types (digits, uppercase, lowercase, special characters)
Expiration rules (optional)
PIN history (reuse prevention)
Use of Windows Hello for Business authentication (Passport for Work)
This ensures devices adhere to organizational security standards while improving usability and compliance.
Configurable Settings
Below is a breakdown of each available setting in the policy.
Digits
Controls whether numeric digits are allowed in the PIN.
Option | Description |
Allow digits in PIN | Digits may be used (recommended) |
Disallow digits in PIN | Prevents digits from being used |
Require digits in PIN | At least one digit must be included |
Digits significantly strengthen a PIN and are recommended for most deployments.
Expiration
Specifies when the PIN must be changed (in days).
Valid values: 0–730
If set to 0, PINs never expire
If Use System Default is checked, Windows default policy applies
A PIN expiration cycle helps maintain security but may reduce user convenience.
History
Controls how many previous PINs the system remembers to prevent reuse.
Valid values: 0–50
If Use System Default is selected, the system enforces its built-in value
Example:
Setting PIN history to 5 prevents the user from using any of their last five PINs.
Lowercase Letters
Controls the use of lowercase letters in the PIN.
Option | Description |
Allow lowercase letters | User may include lowercase letters |
Disallow lowercase letters | No lowercase letters allowed |
Require lowercase letters | At least one lowercase letter must be used |
Note: PINs can contain letters even though they’re called “PINs”—Windows Hello behaves like a password-style authenticator.
Uppercase Letters
Controls whether uppercase letters may be used in the PIN.
Option | Description |
Allow uppercase letters | Uppercase characters may be used |
Disallow uppercase letters | No uppercase characters allowed |
Require uppercase letters | At least one uppercase letter must be used |
Special Characters
Controls whether special characters are allowed in the PIN.
Valid special characters include:
! # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ - + = { } [ ] \ | : ; " ' < > , . ? /Option | Description |
Allow special characters | Special characters may be included |
Disallow special characters | No special characters allowed |
Require special characters | At least one special character must be used |
Maximum PIN Length
Defines the maximum number of characters allowed.
Valid range: 4–127
Must be greater than or equal to Minimum PIN Length
Configure only if you disable Use System Default
Minimum PIN Length
Defines the minimum number of characters required.
Valid range: 4–127
Must be less than or equal to Maximum PIN Length
Configure only if you disable Use System Default
Recommended minimum: 6–8 characters for improved security.
Use Passport For Work
Controls whether Windows Hello for Business can be used for sign-in.
Setting | Description |
True | Allows Windows Hello (PIN, biometrics, security keys) |
False | Restricts sign-in to traditional methods (passwords, smart cards, etc.) |
Passport for Work enables passwordless authentication through:
PIN
Facial recognition
Fingerprint
Smart Cards
FIDO2 keys
Minimum requirement: Windows 10+
Best Practices
Require digits and special characters for stronger PIN security
Set a minimum PIN length of 6–8 or more
Enable Passport For Work to improve security and user experience
Avoid overly frequent PIN expiration (0 or 180+ days recommended)
Use PIN History to prevent reuse
Combine with Windows Security Baseline and BitLocker Encryption Policy for enhanced protection
How to Configure
Open Swif Admin Console
Navigate to Policies → Create New Policy
Select Windows PIN Policy
Configure character rules, length, expiration, and Passport For Work
Click Continue
Assign to devices or device groups
Save and apply
Devices will enforce PIN rules during the next MDM sync or during the next PIN creation/change cycle.
Troubleshooting
Users report that PIN changes are not being enforced
Ensure the device is running Windows 10+
Confirm Windows Hello for Business is enabled
Check for conflicting domain/Group Policy settings
Reboot device to apply updated auth policies
Users cannot create a PIN
Possible causes:
TPM issues (check TPM status)
Windows Hello disabled via GPO or registry
Minimum/maximum length incorrectly configured
Passport for Work is enabled but PIN is not appearing
Verify the device is Azure AD-joined or hybrid-joined
Confirm required authentication capabilities are available