The Windows 11 system is blocking the ability to reset the pin.
The Windows 11 system is blocking the ability to reset the pin.
Writing from inside Linux Mint, I've been struggling with Windows for nearly 40 years. I moved some M.2 drives between two motherboards and when I rebooted, Windows asked me to reset my pin. However, it kept saying I needed internet access, which I have via Ethernet—otherwise I wouldn’t be writing this. Yet Windows doesn’t recognize the Ethernet or Wi-Fi connections, even though they work perfectly in Linux. I attempted a full BIOS reset but haven’t found another solution. Anyone have any ideas to help an old man like me?
I gave up on that computer and switched to the other one with the drives swapped. After restarting it, the same screen showed up and this new machine let me connect to Wi-Fi, reset the pin, and after fixing the activation codes, it functions properly. Just in case, I might delete the other computer from my Microsoft account to see if that helps. It seems the PIN reset should now list available Wi-Fi connections even without Ethernet working, which it did before. I’ll test the other computer later once I finish this new one, hoping it avoids a full reinstall. That shouldn’t be too much trouble since I mainly use it for watching movies and don’t need extra apps. I might also try applying a Macrium image to that drive to check if it improves things. I just don’t want to risk everything with a 24-hour window. Thanks!
Sorry I bothers everyone; it took me some time to settle down after rearranging my gear. Being 74 years old, I had to rest a bit. The Macrium image restore method performed well; I’m not sure why I didn’t consider it sooner. THANKS!