How to fix Windows PIN error code 0x80040154

Windows Hello is biometric-based security software available for Windows 11/10. It allows users to log in to their accounts and apps by entering a PIN code. However, you may encounter error code 0x80040154 when setting up a PIN. Following are all solutions to remove Windows PIN error code 0x80040154.

What causes Microsoft error code 0x80040154?

Microsoft PIN error code 0x80040154 is mainly caused by damaged Ngc folder or disabled TPM. Additionally, an outdated version of Windows can also trigger this error message.

Fortunately, it's pretty easy to get rid of the error code. Check out all the solutions you can try in this situation.

How to fix Windows PIN error code 0x80040154

1. Update or restore Windows Update

Microsoft rolls out new updates periodically, and each update fixes minor bugs and improves system performance. The error message may be due to a temporary error. You can always download the latest OS update to get rid of such minor bugs. Here's how to get the latest Windows updates.

Also, the PIN error can be caused by a recently installed Windows update. In this case, you will have to revert the update to fix the problem.

2. Clean Ngc . folder

The error message may appear because the Ngc folders are corrupted. The Ngc folder has data associated with the Windows 11 PIN settings. While it's not recommended to tweak the Ngc folder, you have no choice but to delete its contents if the data becomes corrupted.

You can delete the contents of the Ngc folder by following the steps below.

Step 1: Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.

Step 2: Enter the following command and click OK.

C:WindowsServiceProfilesLocalServiceAppDataLocalMicrosoft

Step 3: Right-click on the Ngc folder and select Delete.

Step 4: Click Yes for the confirmation box to appear.

Next, reboot the system and check if the problem persists. If so, try the next solution on the list.

3. Change group policy settings

The next thing you can try is to make sure that the Convenience PIN login setting is enabled in the Group Policy Editor. You can enable the setting by following the steps below.

Step 1: Open the Run dialog box.

Step 2: Type gpedit.msc and click OK.

Step 3: Select Administrative Templates from the left pane.

Step 4: Go to System > Logon.

Step 5: Locate and double-click Turn on convenience PIN sign-in.

Step 6: Click Enabled.

Step 7: Click Apply > OK to save the changes.

Next, try to sign in by entering your PIN and check if you still get the error message.

4. Turn off your anti-virus program and run a malware scan

The error message may appear because a third-party anti-virus program is installed on your system. If that's the case, turn off your anti-virus program. Then use Microsoft Defender to scan offline and find hidden malware.

5. Turn on TPM

Error code 0x80040154 may appear if TPM is disabled on your system. The Trusted Platform Module, aka TPM, provides cryptographic keys to keep your system safe and secure. You will have to enable TPM on your system to fix the problem. Here's how to enable TPM on Windows 11.

6. Change the Windows Registry

If PIN login is disabled in the Windows Registry, you will most likely encounter problems. You will have to enable the option to resolve the issue.

Here are the changes you need to make in the Windows Registry.

Step 1: Open the Run dialog box by pressing Win + R.

Step 2: Type regedit and click OK.

Step 3: In Registry Editor, go to the following location.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsSystem

Step 4: Find AllowDomainPINLogo in the right pane. If you can't find this entry, right-click an empty space and select New > DWORD (32-bit) value.

Step 5: Name the value AllowDomainPINLogo.

Step 6: Double-click the newly created value (AllowDomainPINLogo) and enter 1 in the Value data section.

Step 7: Change Base value to Hexadecimal.

Step 8: Click OK to save the changes.

Restart the system and check if it fixed the problem. If not, move on to the next solution.

7. Verify Microsoft Account

Windows Hello will continuously give an error message if the Microsoft account is not verified. You'll have to verify your account to fix the problem.

Here's how to verify a Microsoft account on Windows 11.

Step 1: Open Settings by pressing Win + I.

Step 2: Select Accounts from the left pane.

Step 3: Click Your info.

Step 4: Click the Verify option in Account settings.

Step 5: Select the email where you want to receive the verification code.

Step 6: Enter the verification code and click the Verify option.

Reboot the system and check if you still have the problem.

8. Run an SFC . scan

Corrupt system files can also be the reason why you are getting this error message. You can use the SFC scan feature to remove corrupted files. System File Checker, aka SFC, finds and resolves corrupt system file problems.

Hope the above solutions will help you to solve the problem. But in the worst case, if the problem persists, you will have to restore the system to a time when the PIN was working fine.

Kareem Winters

Update 16 May 2022