Published on 11 months ago

7 Ways to Fix “The Remote Computer Requires Network Level Authentication (NLA)” Error on Windows

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7 Ways to Fix “The Remote Computer Requires Network Level Authentication (NLA)” Error on Windows: Troubleshooting made easy.

Introduction:

“The Remote Computer Requires Network Level Authentication (NLA)” error is a common issue that Windows users may encounter when trying to establish a remote desktop connection. This error message indicates that the remote computer you are trying to connect to requires Network Level Authentication, a security feature that verifies the identity of users before granting access. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix this error and successfully establish a remote desktop connection. In this article, we will explore seven effective methods to resolve the “The Remote Computer Requires Network Level Authentication (NLA)” error on Windows.

Understanding the Network Level Authentication (NLA) Error on Windows

When working with remote desktop connections on Windows, you may encounter the frustrating “The remote computer requires Network Level Authentication (NLA)” error. This error message typically appears when you try to connect to a remote computer using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). It indicates that the remote computer is configured to only allow connections from clients that support Network Level Authentication. In this article, we will delve into the details of this error and explore seven ways to fix it.

Network Level Authentication is a security feature introduced in Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. It requires the remote user to authenticate themselves before a remote session is established. This adds an extra layer of security by preventing unauthorized access to the remote computer. However, it can also cause issues if the client computer does not support NLA or if there are configuration problems.

One common cause of the NLA error is outdated Remote Desktop client software. If you are using an older version of the Remote Desktop client, it may not support Network Level Authentication. To resolve this, you can try updating the Remote Desktop client to the latest version. Microsoft regularly releases updates that address compatibility issues and improve security.

Another possible cause of the NLA error is misconfigured Group Policy settings. Group Policy is a powerful tool that allows administrators to manage the configuration of multiple computers in a network. If the Group Policy settings on the remote computer are not properly configured, it can prevent Network Level Authentication from working correctly. To fix this, you can check the Group Policy settings on the remote computer and ensure that they are configured to allow NLA.

Firewall settings can also contribute to the NLA error. If the firewall on the remote computer is blocking the necessary ports for Network Level Authentication, it can prevent the connection from being established. To resolve this, you can check the firewall settings on both the client and remote computers and make sure that the required ports are open.

In some cases, the NLA error may be caused by issues with the Remote Desktop Services on the remote computer. These services are responsible for handling remote desktop connections. If they are not running or if there are problems with their configuration, it can result in the NLA error. To fix this, you can restart the Remote Desktop Services on the remote computer or reinstall them if necessary.

Network connectivity issues can also trigger the NLA error. If there are problems with the network connection between the client and remote computers, it can prevent Network Level Authentication from working properly. To troubleshoot this, you can check the network cables, routers, and switches to ensure that they are functioning correctly. You can also try restarting the network devices and resetting the TCP/IP stack on both computers.

Lastly, the NLA error can be caused by issues with the remote computer itself. If the remote computer is experiencing hardware or software problems, it can prevent Network Level Authentication from functioning correctly. To address this, you can perform a thorough system scan on the remote computer to check for any issues. You can also try restarting the remote computer or reinstalling the operating system if necessary.

In conclusion, the “The remote computer requires Network Level Authentication (NLA)” error can be frustrating when trying to establish a remote desktop connection on Windows. However, by understanding the causes of this error and following the seven methods outlined in this article, you can effectively troubleshoot and fix the issue. Whether it’s updating the Remote Desktop client, checking Group Policy settings, adjusting firewall configurations, restarting Remote Desktop Services, resolving network connectivity problems, or addressing issues with the remote computer itself, these solutions will help you overcome the NLA error and establish successful remote desktop connections.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix the NLA Error on Windows

The Remote Computer Requires Network Level Authentication (NLA) error is a common issue that Windows users may encounter when trying to establish a remote desktop connection. This error message indicates that the remote computer you are trying to connect to requires Network Level Authentication, a security feature that verifies the identity of the user before establishing a connection. While NLA is an important security measure, it can sometimes cause connectivity problems. In this article, we will discuss seven troubleshooting steps to fix the NLA error on Windows.

Firstly, ensure that both the local and remote computers have the necessary updates installed. Microsoft regularly releases updates to address security vulnerabilities and improve compatibility. By keeping your operating system up to date, you can minimize the chances of encountering errors like the NLA error. Check for updates in the Windows Update settings and install any available updates.

Secondly, verify that the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is enabled on the remote computer. To do this, go to the Control Panel, click on System and Security, and then select System. In the left-hand menu, click on Remote settings. Ensure that the “Allow remote connections to this computer” option is checked. If it is not, check the box and click Apply.

Next, check the network settings on both the local and remote computers. Ensure that both computers are connected to the same network and that there are no network connectivity issues. You can try restarting your router or modem to refresh the network connection. Additionally, disable any firewalls or antivirus software temporarily to see if they are causing the NLA error. If the error disappears after disabling the firewall or antivirus, you may need to adjust the settings to allow remote desktop connections.

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, try disabling Network Level Authentication on the remote computer. While this is not recommended for security reasons, it can help identify if NLA is indeed the cause of the error. To disable NLA, go to the Control Panel, click on System and Security, and then select System. In the left-hand menu, click on Remote settings. Under the Remote Desktop section, uncheck the “Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication (recommended)” option. Click Apply to save the changes.

Another troubleshooting step is to check the Remote Desktop Services (RDS) configuration on the remote computer. Open the Services console by pressing Windows + R, typing “services.msc,” and hitting Enter. Look for the “Remote Desktop Services” entry and ensure that it is running. If it is not, right-click on it and select Start. You can also set the startup type to Automatic to ensure that the service starts automatically with Windows.

If none of the above steps resolve the NLA error, you can try resetting the Remote Desktop Services configuration. Open the Services console as mentioned earlier and locate the “Remote Desktop Services” entry. Right-click on it and select Properties. In the Properties window, click on the “Stop” button to stop the service. Then, navigate to the following folder: C:WindowsSystem32winevtLogs. Delete all the files in this folder. Finally, go back to the Services console and start the “Remote Desktop Services” again.

In conclusion, the Remote Computer Requires Network Level Authentication (NLA) error can be frustrating when trying to establish a remote desktop connection. However, by following these troubleshooting steps, you can resolve the issue and establish a successful connection. Remember to keep your operating system and software up to date, check network settings, and verify the Remote Desktop Services configuration. With these steps, you can overcome the NLA error and enjoy a seamless remote desktop experience on Windows.

How to Enable Network Level Authentication on Windows

Network Level Authentication (NLA) is a security feature in Windows that requires users to authenticate themselves before they can establish a remote desktop connection. This added layer of security helps protect your computer from unauthorized access. However, there may be instances when you encounter the error message “The remote computer requires Network Level Authentication (NLA)” when trying to connect to a remote computer. In this article, we will explore seven ways to fix this error and enable Network Level Authentication on Windows.

The first method to fix this error is to ensure that both the local and remote computers are running on the same version of Windows. Network Level Authentication is only supported on Windows Vista and later versions. If the remote computer is running on an older version of Windows, you will need to upgrade it to a compatible version.

Another way to enable Network Level Authentication is to check if the Remote Desktop Services service is running on both the local and remote computers. To do this, open the Services console by pressing the Windows key + R, typing “services.msc,” and hitting Enter. Look for the Remote Desktop Services service and make sure it is set to Automatic and running.

If the Remote Desktop Services service is already running, you can try disabling and re-enabling Network Level Authentication. To do this, open the Remote Desktop Session Host Configuration by pressing the Windows key + R, typing “tsconfig.msc,” and hitting Enter. Right-click on the connection in the Connections list, select Properties, and navigate to the Security tab. Uncheck the “Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication” option, click Apply, and then recheck the option and click Apply again.

In some cases, the error may be caused by a misconfiguration in the Group Policy settings. To fix this, open the Group Policy Editor by pressing the Windows key + R, typing “gpedit.msc,” and hitting Enter. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Security. Look for the “Require user authentication for remote connections by using Network Level Authentication” policy and make sure it is set to Enabled.

If none of the above methods work, you can try modifying the registry to enable Network Level Authentication. Open the Registry Editor by pressing the Windows key + R, typing “regedit,” and hitting Enter. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlTerminal ServerWinStationsRDP-Tcp. Look for the SecurityLayer value and make sure it is set to 0.

If you are still experiencing the error, it may be due to a firewall blocking the Remote Desktop connection. Make sure that the necessary ports (TCP 3389) are open on both the local and remote computers. You can check the Windows Firewall settings by opening the Control Panel, selecting System and Security, and clicking on Windows Defender Firewall. Click on “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall” and make sure that Remote Desktop is allowed.

In conclusion, encountering the “The remote computer requires Network Level Authentication (NLA)” error can be frustrating, but there are several ways to fix it. By ensuring that both computers are running on compatible versions of Windows, checking the Remote Desktop Services service, modifying Group Policy settings, editing the registry, and allowing the necessary ports through the firewall, you can enable Network Level Authentication and establish a secure remote desktop connection.

Common Causes of the NLA Error and How to Resolve Them

The “Remote Computer Requires Network Level Authentication (NLA)” error is a common issue that Windows users may encounter when trying to establish a remote desktop connection. This error message indicates that the remote computer you are trying to connect to requires Network Level Authentication, a security feature that verifies the identity of users before they can establish a remote session. While NLA is an important security measure, it can sometimes cause connectivity issues. In this article, we will explore the common causes of the NLA error and provide seven ways to resolve it.

One possible cause of the NLA error is an outdated Remote Desktop client. If you are using an older version of the Remote Desktop client, it may not support Network Level Authentication. To resolve this issue, you can try updating your Remote Desktop client to the latest version. Microsoft regularly releases updates that address compatibility issues and improve the overall performance of the Remote Desktop client.

Another common cause of the NLA error is incorrect system settings. If your computer’s system settings are not configured properly, it can prevent Network Level Authentication from functioning correctly. To fix this issue, you can navigate to the Control Panel and open the System settings. From there, click on the “Remote settings” option and ensure that the “Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication” checkbox is selected.

Firewall settings can also contribute to the NLA error. If your computer’s firewall is blocking the Remote Desktop connection, it can prevent Network Level Authentication from working properly. To resolve this issue, you can check your firewall settings and make sure that the necessary ports for Remote Desktop are open. Additionally, you can try temporarily disabling your firewall to see if it resolves the NLA error. If the error disappears when the firewall is disabled, you may need to create an exception for the Remote Desktop connection in your firewall settings.

In some cases, the NLA error can be caused by issues with the Remote Desktop Services. These services are responsible for managing remote desktop connections, and if they are not running or functioning correctly, it can result in the NLA error. To fix this issue, you can open the Services console and ensure that the Remote Desktop Services are running. If they are not, you can start them manually and set them to start automatically in the future.

Network connectivity problems can also trigger the NLA error. If there are issues with your network connection, it can prevent Network Level Authentication from working properly. To troubleshoot this issue, you can try restarting your router or modem to refresh the network connection. Additionally, you can check your network settings and ensure that your computer is connected to the correct network.

If none of the above solutions resolve the NLA error, it may be necessary to reset the Remote Desktop settings. This can be done by navigating to the Control Panel, opening the System settings, and clicking on the “Advanced system settings” option. From there, click on the “Remote” tab and select the “Don’t allow connections to this computer” option. After applying this change, restart your computer and then revert the settings back to their original state. This process can help reset any misconfigured settings that may be causing the NLA error.

In conclusion, the “Remote Computer Requires Network Level Authentication (NLA)” error can be frustrating, but it is not insurmountable. By updating your Remote Desktop client, checking system and firewall settings, ensuring the Remote Desktop Services are running, troubleshooting network connectivity issues, and resetting the Remote Desktop settings, you can resolve the NLA error and establish a successful remote desktop connection.

Alternative Solutions for the NLA Error on Windows

The “Remote Computer Requires Network Level Authentication (NLA)” error is a common issue that Windows users may encounter when trying to establish a remote desktop connection. This error message indicates that the remote computer you are trying to connect to requires Network Level Authentication, a security feature that verifies the identity of users before they can establish a remote session. While NLA is an important security measure, it can sometimes cause connectivity issues. Fortunately, there are several alternative solutions you can try to fix this error.

One possible solution is to disable Network Level Authentication on the remote computer. To do this, you need to have administrative access to the remote computer. First, open the Control Panel and navigate to the System and Security section. From there, click on the System link and then select the Remote Settings option. In the Remote tab, uncheck the box that says “Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication (recommended).” Click Apply and then OK to save the changes. This should disable NLA on the remote computer and allow you to establish a remote desktop connection.

If disabling NLA is not an option or does not resolve the issue, another solution is to update the Remote Desktop client on your local computer. Outdated versions of the Remote Desktop client may not be compatible with NLA, leading to the error message. To update the client, visit the Microsoft website and download the latest version of the Remote Desktop client for your operating system. Install the update and then try establishing the remote desktop connection again.

In some cases, the error may be caused by a misconfiguration of the Remote Desktop Services on the remote computer. To fix this, you can try resetting the Remote Desktop Services configuration to its default settings. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following command: “netsh advfirewall firewall set rule group=”remote desktop” new enable=Yes”. This command will reset the Remote Desktop Services configuration and enable the necessary firewall rules for remote desktop connections.

If none of the above solutions work, you can also try disabling the Windows Firewall on the remote computer temporarily. Sometimes, the firewall settings can interfere with the remote desktop connection. To disable the firewall, open the Control Panel and navigate to the System and Security section. From there, click on the Windows Defender Firewall option and then select the “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off” link. Choose the option to turn off the firewall for both private and public networks. Remember to re-enable the firewall once you have established the remote desktop connection.

Another alternative solution is to check the network connectivity between your local computer and the remote computer. Ensure that both computers are connected to the same network and that there are no network issues or restrictions that could prevent the remote desktop connection. You can also try restarting your router or modem to refresh the network connection.

If all else fails, you can consider using third-party remote desktop software as an alternative to the built-in Remote Desktop feature in Windows. There are many reliable and secure remote desktop applications available that can help you establish a remote connection without encountering the NLA error.

In conclusion, the “Remote Computer Requires Network Level Authentication (NLA)” error can be frustrating, but there are several alternative solutions you can try to fix it. From disabling NLA and updating the Remote Desktop client to resetting the Remote Desktop Services configuration and checking network connectivity, these solutions should help you establish a successful remote desktop connection. If all else fails, consider using third-party remote desktop software as an alternative.

Q&A

1. What is the “The Remote Computer Requires Network Level Authentication (NLA)” error on Windows?

This error occurs when attempting to establish a remote desktop connection to a computer that requires Network Level Authentication (NLA) for authentication.

2. Why does this error occur?

The error occurs when the client computer does not have NLA enabled or when the remote computer’s settings do not allow connections without NLA.

3. How can I fix this error?

– Enable Network Level Authentication on the client computer.
– Ensure that the remote computer’s settings allow connections with NLA.
– Update the Remote Desktop client software on the client computer.
– Check if the client computer’s network connection is stable.
– Restart the client and remote computers.
– Disable any third-party firewall or antivirus software temporarily.

4. How do I enable Network Level Authentication on the client computer?

– Open the Remote Desktop Connection app.
– Click on the “Show Options” button.
– Go to the “Advanced” tab.
– Under “Connect from anywhere,” check the box for “Network Level Authentication.”
– Click “Connect” to establish the remote desktop connection.

5. How do I check if the remote computer’s settings allow connections with NLA?

– Log in to the remote computer.
– Open the “System” settings.
– Click on “Remote settings” or “Remote Desktop settings.”
– Ensure that the option for “Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication” is selected.
– Save the settings and try connecting again.In conclusion, the “The Remote Computer Requires Network Level Authentication (NLA)” error on Windows can be fixed by following these seven methods:

1. Enable Network Level Authentication (NLA) on the remote computer.
2. Update the Remote Desktop client on your local computer.
3. Ensure that the remote computer has the latest Windows updates installed.
4. Check if the remote computer’s firewall is blocking the Remote Desktop connection.
5. Verify that the Remote Desktop service is running on the remote computer.
6. Disable antivirus or firewall software temporarily to check if they are causing the issue.
7. Reset the Remote Desktop settings on your local computer.

By applying these methods, you should be able to resolve the “The Remote Computer Requires Network Level Authentication (NLA)” error and establish a successful Remote Desktop connection on Windows.