Windows 11 • Release: 6 Benchmark Date: 05 Jan 2026

CAT II V-253401 WN11-CC-000260

Windows 11 must be configured to require a minimum pin length of six characters or greater.

Documentable No
Rule ID SV-253401r991589_rule
CCI References
CCI-000366

Discussion

Windows allows the use of PINs as well as biometrics for authentication without sending a password to a network or website where it could be compromised. Longer minimum PIN lengths increase the available combinations an attacker would have to attempt. Shorter minimum length significantly reduces the strength.

Check Procedure

If the following registry value does not exist or is not configured as specified, this is a finding:

Registry Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Registry Path: \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\PassportForWork\PINComplexity\

Value Name: MinimumPINLength

Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 6 (or greater)

Fix Action

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> System >> PIN Complexity >> "Minimum PIN length" to "6" or greater.