4 Fixes for Remote Desktop Authentication Error on Windows 11

Quick Tips

• Check if the Remote Desktop is enabled on the remote machine and if firewalls aren’t blocking the connection.
• Double-check usernames and passwords on both machines.
• Verify firewalls aren’t blocking the Remote Desktop connection. Allow remote access in your settings.

Preliminary Fixes

• Check remote if the desktop is enabled: The Remote Desktop authentication error often occurs because your Windows 11 PC cannot establish a remote connection without the Remote Desktop feature enabled.
• Uninstall the latest Windows updates: Sometimes, a Windows update causes the RDP authentication error. If you recently updated your Windows PC, roll back the update to resolve the error.
• Disable Windows 11 Firewall to enable Remote Desktop: The Firewall sometimes blocks Remote Desktop connections, causing an RDP internal error. To fix this, disable the Windows Firewall and reinitiate the Remote Desktop connection.

Fix 1: Check Remote Desktop Account Credentials

If the Remote Desktop is enabled but you’re still getting the authentication error, your remote desktop account password may have expired, or you may be entering an incorrect username or password.

If the password has expired, create a new one. This is similar to creating a new password for your Windows 11 PC. Once created, try using it to establish a Remote Desktop connection.

Fix 2: Turn off Network Level Authentication on the RDP Server

When a client attempts to connect remotely, the Network Level Authentication (NLA) acts as a security feature that authenticates itself before a full connection is established. Sometimes, this can cause the remote desktop connection authentication error.

You must disable the NLA to eliminate this error. Follow the below-mentioned steps.

Step 1: Press the Windows key on your keyboard > type Run > click Open.

Step 2: Type the below command and click OK. This will open the System Properties window.

sysdm.cpl

Step 3: Go to the Remote tab.

Step 4: Under Remote Desktop, check the box for Allow remote connections to this computer.

Step 5: Uncheck Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication (recommended).

Step 6: Click on Apply > OK to save changes.

You must reboot your computer to ensure the changes are in place. Once your PC comes up, establish the Remote Desktop connection. Then, you should be good to go.

If this method doesn’t resolve the remote desktop connection, jump to the next method.

Fix 3: Change Registry Settings to Enable Remote Desktop Authentication

Step 1: Press the Windows key on your keyboard > type Registry Editor > click Run as administrator. In the prompt, select Yes.

Step 2: In the top address bar, enter the below-mentioned address and hit Enter.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System\CredSSP\Parameters

Step 3: Under the System folder, right-click, select New, and choose DWORD (32-bit) Value.

Step 4: Type DisableTaskMgr in the name field.

Step 5: Double-click the new value, type 2 in the Value Data field, and press OK.

Finally, reboot the system to implement the changes. And that’s it! When the system boots back, try reconnecting to Remote Desktop; you shouldn’t see the ‘An authentication error has occurred’ prompt.

Fix 4: Enable Encryption Oracle Remediation Using Group Policy Editor

The Group Policy Editor is only available for Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise versions. If you are using Windows 11 Home Edition, skip this method. 

Step 1: Press the Windows keys on your keyboard > type gpedit > click Open. 

Step 2: In the left pane, under Local Computer Policy, select Computer Configuration.

Step 3: In the right pane, double-click on Administrative Templates. 

Step 4: Select the System option. 

Step 5: Under the System option, find and click Credentials Delegation.

Step 6: In the Credentials Delegation, double-click on Encryption Oracle Remediation on the right.

Step 7: Under the Encryption Oracle Remediation window, select Enabled. Finally, click on Apply > OK.

Step 8: Close all the open Windows. Press the Windows key on your keyboard > type Command Prompt > click Run as administrator.

Step 8: Type the below command and press Enter.

gpupdate /force

FAQs