If your ThinkBook laptop shows a "PIN is unavailable" error after shutting down and restarting, the issue is likely a conflict between Windows Fast Startup and the AMD fTPM (Firmware Trusted Platform Module) on the ThinkBook 16 G7 ARP.
When you select "Shut down" in modern Windows, it doesn't actually perform a full shutdown, it performs a hybrid hibernation (Fast Startup). When the laptop wakes back up, the operating system resumes faster than the AMD fTPM can fully re-initialize. Because the Windows Hello PIN is backed by cryptographic keys stored inside that TPM, Windows cannot access the keys in time and throws the "PIN is unavailable" error.
To turn off fast startup Follow these steps to turn off the feature:
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Open the Start menu, type Control Panel, and open it.
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Select Hardware and Sound, then click Power Options.
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Click Choose what the power buttons do on the left menu.
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Click the “Change settings that are currently unavailable” link at the top.
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Clear the check box next to Turn on fast startup (recommended).
- Click Save changes at the bottom
AMD’s fTPM can be outdated which is also one of the leading causes of PIN conflicts, this can be updated using the download URLs below.
**Important: Keep the device plugged in and do not shut it down during installation.**
To make sure your device stays powered ON and doesn't fall asleep during this process:
- Open the Start Menu and click Settings.
- Select System on the left menu, then click on Power & battery.
- Select Screen, sleep, & hibernate timeouts
- Under Plugged In, set "Turn my screen off after" and "Make my device sleep after" to Never.
That should keep the device up and running so it can download the apps/configure it so that it doesn't go back to sleep-mode.
Download URLs: Once downloaded, just click "Next" a few times to complete each installation one at a time.
BIOS Update Download Link:
https://download.lenovo.com/consumer/mobiles/p6cn36ww.exe
AMD Chipset Driver Download Link: https://download.lenovo.com/consumer/mobiles/uvt1087fsr2pg0g0.exe
If the issues persist, please don't hesitate to notify our helpdesk by reaching out to: devicesupport@pecosca.us
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