Home » Windows » How to Fix Windows A1B2C3 Challenge Phrase

How to Fix Windows A1B2C3 Challenge Phrase

by Gaurav Bidasaria
0 comment

Windows PC has a Challenge Phrase security feature to reduce brute-force login attempts. What it does is display the A1B2C3 error and asks the user to enter the challenge phrase which is literally A1B2C3. Here is the error message:

“You’ve entered an incorrect PIN several times. To try again, enter A1B2C3 below.”

What’s weird is that users are forced to enter the A1B2C3 challenge phrase even after entering the correct pin. Here’s how to fix A1B2C3 challenge phrase on Windows 10/11 computers.

Note: You must enter the A1B2C3 challenge phrase every time you log in to your Windows PC remotely.

Fix 1 – Enter A1B2C3

Yes. It might sound absurd and that’s what it is. Microsoft wants you to enter exactly what you are seeing on the screen. Think of it as a super easy captcha. Type A1B2C3 and then enter the PIN.

Fix 2 – Sign-In Using Password

You cannot troubleshoot the A1B2C3 challenge phrase issue unless you sign in to your Windows computer. Fortunately, you can only set up a PIN after you have set up a password on Windows.

  1. Click on I forgot my pin. Windows will take a few moments to load the password screen. Others may see Sign-in options instead.
  2. Enter the password here.

Enter the password here.

Once we are in, we need to try some troubleshooting steps to fix the A1B2C3 challenge phrase issue.

Fix 3 – Change PIN

This has worked for some users. Changing Windows PIN is easy to do and takes only a few minutes.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings. Select Accounts from the sidebar and click on Sign-in options.
  2. Select PIN (Windows Hello) and click on Change PIN button.
  3. In the pop-up that follows, enter your old pin and then your new pin twice. Click on OK to save.
  4. Follow on-screen from here on and you are done.

Fix 4 – Remove NGC Folder Content

Windows saves your login information in the NGC folder. Needless to say, if the folder is corrupt, has files with bugs, or lacks correct permissions, you will face sign-in errors like challenge phrase A1B2C3 error.

  1. Sign in to your Windows administrator account.
  2. Navigate to this folder – C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft
  3. The folder AppData is hidden by default for safety reasons. You need to unhide it. To do that, in File Explorer, click on View > Show > Hidden items.
  4. Right-click on the Ngc folder and select Properties.
  5. Under the Security tab, click on Advanced button.
  6. 5. Click on Change link next to the Owner section.
  7. Type administrators (no space before or after) in the given field in the pop-up and click Check Names button.
  8.  It will detect the username automatically. Click on OK to save changes.
  9. You should now be able to Delete the Ngc folder.
  10. You must set up Windows Hello or PIN, face unlock, or fingerprint again.

What If I Forgot the Password

That’s a separate issue and beyond the scope of this article. However, on the sign-in screen, you should see I forgot my PIN or Reset password option. If yes, use that and follow on-screen instructions to change the password or PIN on your Windows computer and regain access.

Bonus Tip: Use Fingerprint or FaceUnlock

If your Windows computer has a webcam and/or fingerprint reader, we recommend you set it up. That would make it so much easier to sign in to your Windows computer. No need to remember and enter a PIN or password now.

Challenging Times

We don’t recommend removing password/PIN completely just because you are seeing the A1B2C3 challenge phrase screen as it leaves your computer vulnerable. Anyone with physical access to your Windows PCs can steal data or change settings, for example. You don’t want that. Windows Hello was designed to protect your privacy and offer security. Instead, set up multiple sign-in methods like password, PIN, fingerprint or face unlock so if one doesn’t work, you have a backup.

Now that you have entered your computer, it’s time to optimize it to get the max out of it.

You may also like