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Blocked by the “authentication error has occurred” message when trying a remote desktop connection or Wi‑Fi link? This guide reveals why the error arises—from NLA mismatches to Wi‑Fi setup—and walks you through step‑by‑step technical fixes for Windows, Android, and network layers.
Getting blocked by an “authentication error has occurred” message just when you need remote access? You’re not alone. Whether you're connecting via Remote Desktop, Wi-Fi, or mobile, this error disrupts productivity and confuses.
This guide breaks down exactly what’s happening and shows you how to fix it—step by step, with clear, technical solutions that work.
When you see messages like “authentication error has occurred” during a remote desktop connection, this indicates a breakdown in verifying user credentials, protected connection protocols, or system configuration. A remote desktop authentication error may stem from credential delegation misconfiguration, network-level authentication mismatches, encryption settings, or Windows policy misalignment.
Causes range from WiFi authentication problems, incorrect WiFi passwords, IP address conflicts, outdated security protocols, or misconfigured remote desktop settings.
Real-World IT Troubleshooting: CredSSP RDP Authentication Errors
Just resolved a tricky Remote Desktop Connection issue between Windows 10 client and Windows Server 2016 that many IT professionals encounter. —LinkedIn Post
If Windows update or remote desktop client versions differ between your computer and the remote computer, outdated network-level authentication settings or CredSSP protocol compatibility may trigger the authentication error.
Improper group policy or registry settings around encryption, Oracle remediation, or credentials delegation enforce stricter authentication, leading to failure on older clients.
A WiFi authentication error, or WiFi network issue—such as a wrong WiFi password, IP address conflict, or weak encryption—may block a secure connection or even block connection from an Android device or a computer running Remote Desktop.
If the remote desktop settings on the host or client computer are misconfigured (for instance, disabling network-level authentication while forcing it on the host), the remote connection fails. Similarly, issues with Android device remote clients can trigger an authentication problem.
Make sure you have administrator-level access to both computers. Review computer configuration, network settings, and confirm consistency in user authentication methods.
Double‑check that the latest version of the Remote Desktop client and Windows OS are installed on both ends.
Network Level Authentication (NLA) helps secure Remote Desktop sessions. But improper settings can trigger a remote desktop authentication error.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa
In the right pane, locate Security Packages and ensure credssp.dll is included.
Use Administrative Templates via Group Policy:
Go to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → System → Credentials Delegation.
Locate the Encryption Oracle Remediation setting and set the protection level to Vulnerable (if older clients need to connect) or Mitigated with matching client settings.
Restart the system. Now try a remote desktop connection again—this often resolves the authentication error.
Windows Host (Remote Computer):
Open Remote Desktop settings.
In the Remote tab, ensure Allow remote connections is enabled and check or uncheck “Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with network level authentication” depending on client versions.
Ensure credentials delegation group policy aligns with hosts and clients.
Client Computer:
Use the Remote Desktop client, verify credentials, and ensure you are entering the correct password.
Confirm network connection and that there's no IP address conflict.
Sometimes, the authentication error has occurred message appears due to Wi‑Fi issues rather than Remote Desktop misconfiguration.
On your WiFi router, verify encryption settings and ensure you use WPA2 or WPA3 with the correct password.
On your device, check Wi‑Fi settings:
◦ For Wi-Fi authentication errors, forget the Wi-Fi network and then reconnect using the correct password.
◦ Ensure airplane mode is off and manage network settings to show stable connectivity.
Confirm there’s no WiFi authentication error or WiFi authentication problem by testing other devices.
If you see issues even with a stable Wi‑Fi, check for IP settings issues or airplane mode interference.
If you're connecting from an Android device:
Install the official Remote Desktop app.
Configure a secure connection to the target remote computer, and input the proper credentials.
If you receive an authentication error:
◦ Confirm the correct password, host remote desktop settings, and matching network-level authentication support.
◦ Your Android device may lack updated security protocols — ensure both sides support the same protocols.
◦ Sometimes toggling notify bar settings or checking notifications for credential input helps.
This is a specific subtype of the authentication error. It typically appears when Remote Desktop expects a capability the client does not support.
Check the function requested details in the error message.
Use group policy setting under Administrative Templates → System → Credentials Delegation → Encryption Oracle Remediation with required protection level adjustments.
On the host remote computer, disable NLA temporarily and test the connection if the function is too advanced for the client.
If the problem persists, update the client to the latest version or manually align the computer configuration and credentials delegation.
If the authentication error has occurred, continue:
Confirm network administrators have not applied policies that conflict with your client’s security level.
Verify Windows firewall or other security protocols are not blocking necessary Remote Desktop ports.
Use the same issue troubleshooting logs or event viewer entries on Windows clients or the remote host.
Ensure all devices—both client and remote computer—are on the latest version of Windows and RDP client.
This step-by-step format helps eliminate confusion. Matching these fixes across many devices, including Windows computers and Android devices, ensures a consistent remote desktop connection with SSL/NLA protection and credential delegation properly aligned.
Regularly verify your network settings and manage network settings to avoid ip address conflict or Wi‑Fi login loops.
Test connectivity by pinging the remote computer IP.
If you use a WiFi router, update its firmware and set consistent security protocols (WPA2 or WPA3).
Use group policy to centrally manage credentials delegation and policy on all computers running Remote Desktop in domain environments.
Key takeaways:
Authentication failures often stem from mismatched network-level authentication or security policy (encryption oracle remediation) across systems.
Wi-Fi layer issues, such as Wi-Fi authentication errors or problems, can block remote plane communications.
Proper remote desktop settings, aligned computer configuration, and reliable credentials are central to resolving issues.
Next steps:
Review your remote desktop hosts and clients to ensure consistent credentials delegation and protection level.
Update Windows and Remote Desktop clients to their latest version.
Test the connection again after applying the changes.
Work with network administrators if policy-level locking persists.
Using this structured path helps you confidently fix an authentication error that has occurred across platforms, resulting in stable and secure remote access.