Unlocking the PIN Code Using Microsoft Windows

Prerequisites: Whether users are allowed to unlock their device locally depends on the organization's environment and policy settings. If you are unable to unlock your device, contact your administrator.
Prerequisites: In order to get access to the built-in Windows UI unlock feature, the following Group Policy has to be enabled by your organization:

Policy setting: Allow Integrated Unblock screen to be displayed at the time of logon

Path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Smart Card.

If the user presents a certain number of consecutive incorrect PINs, the supported device will lock. When the PIN is locked (blocked), the card or key cannot be used until the PIN is unlocked (unblocked).

If the required policy is enabled and a user tries to log on with a blocked smart card (or exceeds the allowed number of incorrect PIN entries), Windows will prompt the user to unblock their card through a dialog.

To unblock the card:

In the Unblock Smart Card dialog, click OK to start the procedure.

  1. Select Unblock smart card.

  2. A challenge code will be displayed.

    Provide this code to your administrator to generate the corresponding unlock code (response).

  3. Enter the received unlock code in the Response field.

  4. Enter and confirm a new PIN.

  5. Click OK to complete the procedure and return to your Windows session.

Alternative Method (If Still Logged In)

If your system settings allow it and you are still logged in, you can also initiate a PIN unblock using the Change Password option:

  1. Press CTRL+ALT+DEL.

  2. Select Change a password.

  3. In coordination with your administrator, follow the challenge/response process to unblock the PIN.

Note: Microsoft Windows refers to the smart card being “blocked”, which is equivalent to the smart card PIN being locked.