How to Resolve "The Remote Computer Requires Network Level Authentication" Error

We understand the frustration you might feel when encountering the message "The remote computer requires network level authentication" while attempting to remotely troubleshoot an issue or set up a PC.

But there's a solution to every problem, and here's how you can promptly resolve the issue and establish a remote connection without any errors.

    1. Check Your Internet Connection 2. Troubleshoot Your Network 3. Disable Network Level Authentication (NLA) via System Properties 4. Disable NLA Using PowerShell 5. Disable NLA Through the Windows Registry 6. Use the Local Group Policy Editor to Configure NLA Settings 7. Delete the "Default.rdp" File 8. Toggle Off and On Your Network Adapters 9. Reset Network Settings

Now, let's begin to learn the first approach to solving this problem.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

You might encounter the error message "The remote computer requires Network Level Authentication" due to a不稳定互联网连接或者因为你正面临服务中断。

What you need to do is turn off your router, disconnect all the network cables, and if there's any dust, give it a gentle cleaning. After that, wait for a few minutes, plug the cables back into their respective ports, and see if you're able to connect to the internet.

If possible, attempt to establish a remote connection again using Windows Remote Access to see if it's functioning now. However, if you're unable to connect to the internet after unplugging and reinserting the network cables, you will likely experience downtime.

We would also recommend connecting other devices to your network, such as your smartphone via Wi-Fi, and check if you can access the internet. If you continue to experience issues, it indicates a problem with your Internet Service Provider (ISP), and you should contact them for assistance.

2. Troubleshoot Your Network

If you can access the internet without any problems but encounter the error "The remote computer requires network level authentication" whenever you attempt a remote connection, you should run the Windows Troubleshooter. This tool typically identifies and resolves any underlying issues that might be causing the error.

Here's how to do that:

Step 1. Right-click on the Windows icon, and then open "Settings."

right click settings

Step 2. Under "System," select "Troubleshoot" on the right-hand window.

settings system

Step 3. Click on "Other troubleshooters," and then select "Run" under "Internet Connections" on the right-hand window.

internet connections

Step 4. After that, in the Troubleshooter window, scroll down and click "Run" under both "Incoming Connections" and "Network Adapters."

network adapter

3. Disable NLA Using System Properties

Disabling Network Level Authentication (NLA) should allow you to establish a remote connection without encountering the error "The remote computer requires network level authentication."

Here's how to disable Network Level Authentication (NLA) using system properties: 1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard to open the Quick Link menu. 2. Select "System" from the options. 3. In the System window, click on "Advanced system settings" in the left panel. 4. In the "System Properties" dialog box that appears, go to the "Advanced" tab. 5. Under the "Advanced" tab, click on the "Settings" button located under the "User Profile" section. 6. In the "User Profiles" dialog box, ensure that the "Show profiles for all users" option is checked, if applicable. 7. Click on the "Properties" button of the user account for which you want to disable NLA. 8. In the "Properties" dialog box for the user account, uncheck the "Enable network authentication" or "Require network level authentication" option, if available. The exact label might vary depending on your Windows version. 9. Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes. 10. Repeat steps 7-9 for any additional user accounts you wish to disable NLA for. After completing these steps, NLA will be disabled for the specified user accounts on your system.

Step 1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box, type in "sysdm.cpl" and click "OK."

run system cpl

Step 2. In the "System Properties," navigate to the "Remote" section and uncheck the option that says "Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication (recommended)."

allow remote

Step 3. Click "Apply" and then "OK," and restart your PC for the changes to take effect.

You should attempt to connect to the remote computer and observe if the error "The remote computer requires network level authentication" persists or not. If this does not resolve the issue, proceed with reading for an alternative solution to overcome this error when initiating a remote connection to a desktop or server client.

4. Disabling NLA Using PowerShell

You can also disable Network Level Authentication (NLA) using PowerShell. Here's how to do it: 1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" or "PowerShell (Admin)" from the menu, depending on your version of Windows. 2. In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter: ```powershell Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa" -Name "NlaSvcPolicy" -Value 0 -Type DWORD ``` 3. You'll be prompted for confirmation to make changes to the system. Type "Y" and press Enter to continue. 4. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect. After following these steps, NLA will be disabled on your system. However, please note that disabling NLA might compromise your system's security, as it weakens the authentication process for remote connections. It's recommended to keep NLA enabled unless you have a specific reason to disable it.

Step 1. Click on the "Start" menu and type "PowerShell."

Step 2. Select "Open as administrator."

Windows PowerShell as Admin

Step 3. Enter the command $TargetMachine = "Target-Machine-Name"

disable nla

Step 4. Press the "Enter" key to execute the command.

Step 5. Type the following command and press the "Enter" key: (Get-WmiObject -class Win32_TSGeneralSetting -Namespace root\cimv2\terminalservices -ComputerName $ComputerName -Filter "TerminalName='RDP-tcp'").SetUserAuthenticationRequired(0)

Step 6. Now restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

5. Disable NLA Using Windows Registry To disable Network Level Authentication (NLA) through the Windows Registry, follow these steps: 1. **Backup the Registry**: Before making any changes to the registry, it's crucial to create a backup. Press `Win + R` to open the Run dialog, type `regedit`, and press Enter. Click "Yes" if prompted by User Account Control. In the Registry Editor, go to File > Export, choose a location, and save the backup. 2. **Navigate to the NLA Key**: In the Registry Editor, navigate to: ``` HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa\MSV1_0 ``` 3. **Create a New DWORD Value**: Right-click on the `MSV1_0` folder, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name the new value `NLAuth_DomainCompatibility`. 4. **Edit the DWORD Value**: Double-click the newly created `NLAuth_DomainCompatibility` DWORD, and set its Value data to `1`. Click OK to save the change. 5. **Reboot Your Computer**: Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer for the changes to take effect. 6. **Verify NLA is Disabled**: After rebooting, you can verify that NLA is disabled by attempting to connect to a Remote Desktop session. The system should now allow connections without requiring NLA. Please note that disabling NLA may decrease the security of your system, as it removes an extra authentication layer. Only do this if it is necessary for your specific use case.

The Windows Registry is Windows' database containing essential settings for the operating system, application configurations, hardware settings, and more. You should never modify or delete a registry file unless you are troubleshooting an issue or intend to alter how a program functions. Altering or deleting a registry file can potentially damage your computer.

However, since you're encountering the error, you can disable the Network Level Authentication (NLA) via the Windows Registry to establish a connection with your desktop client or server without issues. Please carefully follow our instructions to disable NLA in the Windows Registry correctly; otherwise, you risk corrupting your Windows operating system.

Step 1. Press Win+R to open the "Run" window.

Step 2. Type "Regedit" and press the "Enter" button to launch the Registry Editor.

Run Registry Editor

Step 3. Click on "File" and then select "Connect Network Registry."

connect editor

Step 4. Enter the network details and allow some time for it to connect to the network device.

Step 5. Next, navigate to the following path: HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations\RDP-Tcp.

Step 6. Locate "SecurityLayer" and "UserAuthentication" and set their values to "0".

security layer

Step 7. After changing the values, restart your computer.

6. Use the Local Group Policy Editor to Configure NLA Settings

Step 1. Press the combination of keys "Win + R," then type the command "gpedit.msc" and hit the "Enter" key to launch the "Local Group Policy Editor."

run group policy editor

Step 2. In the Local Group Policy Editor, navigate to "Computer Configuration," and then select "Administrative Templates."

Computer Configuration

Step 3. Next, locate "Windows Components" in the right window, and select "Remote Desktop Services."

Windows Components

Step 4. Under "Remote Desktop Services," open "Remote Desktop Session Host," and then open "Security."

remote desktop session host

Step 5. Double-click on the option "Require user authentication for remote connections by using Network Level Authentication" and select the "Disabled" checkbox.

disable require user authentication

Step 6. Now click on "Apply," then "OK," and restart your computer.

7. Delete "Default.rdp" File

If you locate a "Default.rdp" file in your "My Documents" folder, press Ctrl + Shift + Del to permanently delete it. This action might resolve the problem. If that doesn't work, try disconnecting your computer from the domain and then reconnecting it.

8. Turn Off and On Your Network Adapters

Your computer's network configuration might be experiencing issues. Disabling and re-enabling it should rectify the problem and allow it to function correctly.

Here's how to troubleshoot your network settings by disabling and re-enabling Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections in the "Network Connections" settings: 1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select "Control Panel" from the menu. 2. In the Control Panel, choose "View by" and set it to "Category." 3. Click on "Network and Sharing Center." 4. On the left side of the window, click on "Change adapter options." 5. This will open the "Network Connections" window. Locate both your Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections. 6. Right-click on "Ethernet" and select "Disable." Wait for a few seconds. 7. Right-click on "Ethernet" again and select "Enable." 8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 for your Wi-Fi connection if you need to use it as well. 9. After enabling both or either connection, wait for a moment for your computer to establish the connection. 10. Check if your network issues have been resolved. If the problem persists, try restarting your router or modem, and ensure that all cables are properly connected. If necessary, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for further assistance.

Step 1. Click on the search icon in your taskbar and type "View Network Connections."

Step 2. From the results, open "View Network Connections."

view network connections

Step 3. Right-click on "Ethernet" and "Wi-Fi" and select "Disable."

ethernet disable

Step 4. Right-click on "Ethernet" and "Wi-Fi" once more, and then choose "Enable."

ethernet enable

9. Reset Network Settings

Another reason you might encounter the message "The remote computer requires network level authentication" is due to incorrect network configuration. This issue can be resolved by resetting your network settings to their default state.

Here's how to reset your network settings:

Step 1. Click on the "Start" button and type "Command Prompt."

Step 2. Once the "Command Prompt" search results appear, click on "Open as administrator."

Open cmd as admin

Step 3. Once the Command Prompt opens, enter the following command "netsh int ip set DNS" and press the "Enter" button.

reset internet

Step 4. After executing the previous command, type "netsh winsock reset" and hit the "Enter" button.

winsock reset

Is Disabling NLA Secure

As you encounter the error message "The Remote Computer Requires Network Level Authentication," disabling NLA entirely will消除这个错误。然而,关闭NLA可能会导致服务器或启用了NLA的桌面客户端在尝试连接时无法验证你的连接。

"To establish a successful connection despite the error, you can disable Network Location Awareness (NLA) to establish the connection successfully."

Disabling NLA (Network Level Authentication) is generally safe when you connect to a valid and trusted network address. However, if you connect to or accept a connection request from an untrusted source, it can be risky, as you would be inadvertently authenticating their access to control and potentially manipulate your computer or server.

"The Remote Computer Requires Network Level Authentication" FAQ Q: What does "The Remote Computer Requires Network Level Authentication" mean? A: This message indicates that the computer you are trying to connect to requires an additional layer of security for network connections. Network Level Authentication (NLA) is a feature in Windows that verifies the user's identity before establishing a remote desktop session. Q: Why is NLA needed? A: NLA is implemented to enhance security by authenticating the user before the connection is fully established. It helps protect against unauthorized access and reduces the risk of potential attacks on the remote system. Q: How can I enable or disable NLA on my computer? A: To enable or disable NLA, follow these steps: 1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog. 2. Type "sysdm.cpl" and press Enter to open System Properties. 3. Click on the "Remote" tab. 4. Under "Remote Desktop," click "Select users." 5. In the "System Properties" window, click "Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with network level authentication" to enable NLA, or uncheck it to disable. 6. Click "Apply" and "OK" to save the changes. Q: What if the remote computer doesn't support NLA? A: If the remote computer is running an older version of Windows that doesn't support NLA, you may need to update its operating system or use an alternative method to connect, such as Remote Assistance or VNC. Q: Can I still connect using a different user account with NLA enabled? A: Yes, you can connect using a user account that has permissions on the remote computer. Ensure that the account you're using has the necessary privileges to authenticate at the network level. Q: Are there any known issues or troubleshooting tips for NLA? A: Some common issues include firewall configurations blocking the authentication process, outdated network drivers, or compatibility issues between different versions of Windows. To troubleshoot, ensure that firewalls are configured to allow Remote Desktop traffic, update network drivers, and check for compatibility settings. Q: Is NLA required for all types of remote connections? A: NLA is typically required for Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections. Other remote connection methods like SSH or VNC may have their own authentication mechanisms and might not require NLA specifically. Remember, always prioritize security when connecting remotely and keep your systems up to date with the latest patches and updates.

This section compiles some frequently asked questions and their answers. If you have similar concerns, please refer to them below. Hopefully, they will be of assistance.

**1. What is the purpose of NLA?** The purpose of NLA (National Language Assessment) is to evaluate and determine the proficiency level of individuals in a particular language. It is typically used to assess language skills for educational, professional, or immigration purposes. NLA aims to measure reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities in a standardized manner, providing a comprehensive understanding of an individual's language competence.

Network Level Authentication, or NLA, is employed to authenticate remote desktop connections. It also determines the optimal configuration for establishing the connection.

2. What causes NLA errors?

Occasionally, when the Remote Desktop connection is severed from the domain controller due to an inability to verify and authenticate the credentials, you will probably encounter an NLA (Network Level Authentication) error.

3. How can I determine if a Remote Desktop has access to the server?

Open "Computer Management," and then navigate to "Local Users and Groups." Here, you can view who has access to the server by examining the "Administrators group" and the "Remote Desktop Users group."