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How to Fix The Local Security Authority Cannot Be Contacted Error on Windows

Encountering the error message “The Local Security Authority cannot be contacted” on a Windows system can be both frustrating and disruptive. This error typically arises during Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) sessions and prevents a user from establishing a remote connection to another computer. It’s most often related to network, authentication, or system settings issues. Understanding the root causes and knowing how to resolve the problem is essential, especially for IT professionals and users who rely on remote access for daily tasks.

This issue is commonly seen in Windows 10 and Windows 11 environments and can affect both domain-joined and non-domain-joined systems. Below is a detailed guide on how to troubleshoot and fix this problem effectively.

1. Verify Network Connectivity

Before diving into advanced fixes, ensure that the affected client system can communicate with the target computer. You can confirm this by executing the following command in Command Prompt:

ping [remote IP address]

If the ping fails or times out, it suggests a fundamental networking issue. Make sure:

  • Both systems are connected to the internet or the same local network.
  • Firewalls or VPNs are not blocking access.
  • DNS settings are correctly configured.

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2. Ensure Remote Desktop is Enabled

This error can also appear when Remote Desktop is not enabled on the target machine. To verify:

  1. Go to Settings > System > Remote Desktop.
  2. Ensure that the switch for Enable Remote Desktop is turned on.
  3. Confirm that the correct users have permission to connect.

3. Check Windows Firewall Settings

The built-in Windows Defender Firewall can block RDP connections if it’s not properly configured. Make sure to allow Remote Desktop through the firewall:

  1. Open Control Panel and go to System and Security.
  2. Click on Windows Defender Firewall and then Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
  3. Scroll to Remote Desktop and make sure both Private and Public checkboxes are enabled.

Afterward, try reconnecting via RDP to see if the issue has been resolved.

4. Edit Local Group Policy Settings

In some instances, Group Policy settings can interfere with authentication and lead to this error. Updating the settings to use Network Level Authentication (NLA) can help:

  1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Credentials Delegation.
  3. Double-click on Allow delegating saved credentials with NTLM-only server authentication.
  4. Enable the policy and add the value TERMSRV/*.
  5. Click OK and exit the editor.

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5. Disable Network Level Authentication Temporarily

If NLA is causing issues, you can temporarily disable it to determine if it’s the root cause. This setting is also accessed via the System Properties:

  1. Press Windows + R, type SystemPropertiesRemote.exe, and press Enter.
  2. In the Remote tab, uncheck Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication (recommended).
  3. Click Apply and then OK.

Note: This should only be used as a diagnostic step; if it resolves the issue, it’s advisable to find a long-term fix rather than leaving NLA disabled due to associated security risks.

6. Update Windows and RDP Client

Outdated components can also lead to security errors. Ensure both your Windows OS and Remote Desktop client are up to date:

  • Go to Settings > Update & Security and install available updates.
  • If you’re using an RDP client on another OS (e.g., macOS or Android), check for the latest version in the respective app store.

7. Verify Credentials and User Permissions

Wrong usernames, expired passwords, or insufficient permissions can also cause this connectivity issue. Double-check that the account you’re using:

  • Belongs to the group authorized for RDP access (e.g., Remote Desktop Users).
  • Has a valid, non-expired password.
  • Is not restricted by group policy or security settings.

When to Contact IT Support

If none of the above solutions work, the issue may be deeper, involving domain trust relationships, corrupted user profiles, or network infrastructure problems. In such cases, it’s appropriate to escalate the issue to your IT department or consult with a system administrator.

The error message is a security-related block, not a random malfunction. By methodically following the steps outlined above, you can identify and resolve the underlying cause. Always prioritize system integrity and network security while applying fixes, especially in business or enterprise environments.

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