How to Fix Windows A1B2C3 Challenge Phrase
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.
Table of Contents
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. TypeA1B2C3and 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.
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 forsome users. ChangingWindows PINis easy to do and takes only a few minutes.
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.
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 seeI forgot my PINorReset passwordoption. 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’stime to optimizeit to get the max out of it.
Gaurav Bidasaria
Gaurav is an editor here at TechWiser but also contributes as a writer. He has more than 10 years of experience as a writer and has written how-to guides, comparisons, listicles, and in-depth explainers on Windows, Android, web, and cloud apps, and the Apple ecosystem.
He loves tinkering with new gadgets and learning about new happenings in the tech world.
He has previously worked on Guiding Tech, Make Tech Easier, and other prominent tech blogs and has over 1000+ articles that have been read over 50 million times.
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