Windows 10 Remote Desktop Local Security Authority Cannot Be Contacted

Have you ever encountered the frustrating error message on Windows 10 Remote Desktop that says "Local Security Authority Cannot Be Contacted"? This unexpected problem can disrupt your remote access and make it impossible to connect to your desired computer. But fear not, this issue can be resolved by understanding its underlying causes and implementing the right solutions.

When it comes to Windows 10 Remote Desktop, the problem of the Local Security Authority not being contactable can arise due to various reasons. One common cause is network connectivity issues, where the remote computer or router is not properly configured. Another possibility is a misconfiguration on the local computer itself, such as incorrect firewall settings or problems with the Remote Desktop Services. To fix this issue, you may need to troubleshoot the network connection, adjust firewall settings, or restart the Remote Desktop Services.

Understanding the Issue: Windows 10 Remote Desktop Local Security Authority Cannot Be Contacted

One common issue that Windows 10 users may encounter when attempting to use Remote Desktop is the "Local Security Authority Cannot Be Contacted" error. This error message indicates a problem with the authentication process between the remote desktop client and the local security authority on the target machine. While this error can be frustrating, there are several potential causes and solutions to resolve it.

1. Network Connectivity Issues

In some cases, the "Local Security Authority Cannot Be Contacted" error may be due to network connectivity issues. Ensure that both the client and target machines are connected to the same network, either through a local area network (LAN) or a virtual private network (VPN). Verify that the network connection is stable and that there are no firewall or antivirus settings blocking the Remote Desktop connection. Additionally, check for any network hardware issues such as faulty cables or routers.

If you are using a VPN, make sure that the connection is established correctly and that there are no restrictions or limitations on the VPN that prevent Remote Desktop connections. It is also advisable to disable any third-party VPN software temporarily to see if it resolves the issue. Restarting the network devices and re-establishing the network connection can also help resolve network-related connectivity issues.

Furthermore, ensure that the Remote Desktop feature is enabled on the target machine. To do this, navigate to "Settings" > "System" > "Remote Desktop" and verify that the "Enable Remote Desktop" option is turned on. If not, enable it and try connecting again. It may also be necessary to check the firewall settings on the target machine to allow Remote Desktop connections.

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Check network connectivity and stability.
• Ensure both machines are connected to the same network.
• Verify that Remote Desktop feature is enabled on the target machine.
• Check firewall settings to allow Remote Desktop connections.
• If using VPN, confirm it does not have any restrictions on Remote Desktop connections.

2. DNS and Host Name Resolution Issues

Another possible cause for the "Local Security Authority Cannot Be Contacted" error is DNS and host name resolution issues. The client machine needs to be able to resolve the host name or IP address of the target machine to establish a successful Remote Desktop connection. In some cases, incorrect DNS settings or conflicts may prevent proper host name resolution and lead to this error.

To resolve DNS and host name resolution issues, first, double-check the settings on both the client and target machines to ensure they are correctly configured. Verify that the DNS server addresses are entered correctly, and if necessary, try using alternative DNS servers such as Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220). Additionally, you can try flushing the DNS cache on both machines by running the command "ipconfig /flushdns" in the Command Prompt as an administrator.

If you are connecting using the host name, try using the IP address instead to see if the issue persists. This can help determine whether the problem is related to DNS or host name resolution. It may also be helpful to add the host name and IP address of the target machine to the "hosts" file on the client machine. The "hosts" file is located in the "C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc" directory and can be edited with a text editor such as Notepad.

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Ensure DNS settings are correct on both client and target machines.
• Try using alternative DNS servers like Google DNS or OpenDNS.
• Flush the DNS cache on both machines using "ipconfig /flushdns" command.
• Try connecting using the IP address instead of the host name.
• Add the host name and IP address to the "hosts" file on the client machine if necessary.

3. Certificate Issues

The "Local Security Authority Cannot Be Contacted" error can also occur due to certificate issues. Remote Desktop uses certificates to establish secure connections between the client and target machines. If there is an issue with the certificates, such as an expired or invalid certificate, the authentication process may fail, resulting in this error.

To resolve certificate issues, first, check the certificate settings on both the client and target machines. Ensure that the certificates are valid and have not expired. If necessary, renew or request new certificates from a trusted certificate authority. It may also be beneficial to delete any cached certificates on both machines and allow them to be re-authenticated during the Remote Desktop connection process.

If you are using self-signed certificates, make sure they are correctly installed and trusted on both the client and target machines. This can involve exporting the certificate from the target machine and importing it into the Trusted Root Certification Authorities store on the client machine. Following the correct certificate installation and verification process is crucial to avoid certificate-related errors.

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Check certificate settings on both client and target machines.
• Verify that certificates are valid and not expired.
• If necessary, renew or request new certificates from a trusted authority.
• Delete any cached certificates and allow re-authentication.
• Ensure self-signed certificates are correctly installed and trusted on both machines.

Alternative Solutions for the "Local Security Authority Cannot Be Contacted" Error

If the aforementioned solutions do not resolve the "Local Security Authority Cannot Be Contacted" error, there are a few alternative solutions worth considering:

1. Restart Both Machines

Simple as it may sound, restarting both the client and target machines can often resolve various connectivity and authentication issues. Restarting can help clear temporary configuration or cache conflicts that may be causing the error. This is a quick and easy troubleshooting step that is worth trying before moving on to more advanced solutions.

2. Update Remote Desktop Client and Target Machine

It is essential to keep both the Remote Desktop client and target machine up to date with the latest updates and patches. Microsoft periodically releases updates that address known issues and security vulnerabilities. Make sure to check for updates on both machines and install any available updates. Keeping the software up to date can often resolve compatibility issues and improve overall performance.

3. Check Event Logs for Errors

If none of the above solutions work, it may be helpful to check the event logs on both the client and target machines for any specific error messages related to the "Local Security Authority Cannot Be Contacted" error. Event logs can provide more detailed information about the issue and potentially help narrow down the root cause. Look for any related events in the "Windows Logs" > "Application" and "System" sections of the Event Viewer.

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Try restarting both the client and target machines.
• Ensure Remote Desktop client and target machine are updated.
• Check event logs on both machines for specific error messages.

By following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you should be able to resolve the "Local Security Authority Cannot Be Contacted" error in Windows 10 Remote Desktop. Remember to always double-check the network connectivity, DNS settings, and certificate configurations to ensure a smooth and secure remote connection.

Issue: Windows 10 Remote Desktop Local Security Authority Cannot Be Contacted

When attempting to connect to a remote desktop using Windows 10, you may encounter an error stating "Local Security Authority Cannot Be Contacted". This issue typically occurs due to a misconfiguration or conflict with the network settings. Troubleshooting steps can help resolve the problem and establish a successful remote desktop connection.

Here are a few steps you can try to fix the "Local Security Authority Cannot Be Contacted" error:

• Check the network connection of the remote device and ensure it is properly connected to the network.
• Verify that the Remote Desktop service is running on the remote device. You can do this by accessing the Services section in the Windows Control Panel and ensuring that the "Remote Desktop Services" option is set to "Automatic" and running.
• Restart the remote device and try reconnecting to it after the restart.
• Temporarily disable any security software, such as firewalls or antivirus programs, as they may be blocking the remote desktop connection.
• Review the network settings on both the local and remote devices, ensuring that they are configured correctly and can communicate with each other.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, it may be necessary to consult with a professional IT technician or system administrator for further assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions related to the issue of "Windows 10 Remote Desktop Local Security Authority Cannot Be Contacted" along with their answers:

1. How can I resolve the error message "Local Security Authority Cannot Be Contacted" when using Windows 10 Remote Desktop?

If you encounter the error message "Local Security Authority Cannot Be Contacted" when trying to use Windows 10 Remote Desktop, there are a few steps you can take to resolve the issue:

First, ensure that the Remote Desktop service is enabled on both the remote and local machines. You can do this by going to the Control Panel, selecting "System and Security," and then clicking on "Allow remote access" under the System section. Make sure the "Allow remote connections to this computer" option is checked.

If the Remote Desktop service is already enabled, try restarting both the remote and local machines to refresh the connection. Additionally, check your network settings to ensure that there are no firewalls or security software blocking the Remote Desktop connection.

2. Why am I getting the error message "Local Security Authority Cannot Be Contacted" when trying to connect to a remote Windows 10 machine?

The error message "Local Security Authority Cannot Be Contacted" can occur when there are issues with the network connection between the local and remote machines. This could be due to several reasons, such as:

- Network connectivity problems, such as a weak Wi-Fi signal or a disconnected Ethernet cable.

- Firewall or security software blocking the Remote Desktop connection.

- Incorrect network settings on either the local or remote machine.

To resolve this issue, ensure that both machines have a stable network connection, disable any firewalls or security software temporarily, and verify that the network settings are correct.

3. Is it possible to fix the "Local Security Authority Cannot Be Contacted" error without restarting the machines?

In some cases, you may be able to resolve the "Local Security Authority Cannot Be Contacted" error without restarting the machines. You can try the following troubleshooting steps:

- Clear the Remote Desktop cache by opening the Run dialog (Windows key + R) and typing "mstsc /admin". This will open a new Remote Desktop session with administrative privileges.

- Disable and re-enable the Remote Desktop service on both the local and remote machines.

- Reset the network settings on both machines by opening the Command Prompt as an administrator and running the following commands:

netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset

4. I have tried all the troubleshooting steps, but I still can't connect using Windows 10 Remote Desktop. What should I do?

If you have followed all the troubleshooting steps and are still unable to connect using Windows 10 Remote Desktop, there may be more advanced issues at play. In such cases, it is recommended to seek assistance from your IT department or a technical support professional who can provide further guidance and resolutions.

5. Can I use alternative remote desktop software if I continue to experience issues with Windows 10 Remote Desktop?

If you continue to experience issues with Windows 10 Remote Desktop, you may consider using alternative remote desktop software as a temporary solution. There are several options available, such as TeamViewer, AnyDesk, or Chrome Remote Desktop, which offer similar functionality and may provide a more stable connection in certain cases.

It is important, however, to consult with your IT department or adhere to your organization's policies when using third-party remote desktop software, as there may be security implications or restrictions to consider.

To summarize, if you encounter the error message 'Windows 10 Remote Desktop Local Security Authority Cannot Be Contacted,' there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. Firstly, ensure that the Remote Desktop service is running on the target computer. You can do this by navigating to the 'Services' app and checking the status of the 'Remote Desktop Services'.

If the service is running, try disabling any third-party antivirus or firewall software temporarily to see if it is blocking the connection. Additionally, check that the target computer's network connectivity is stable and that there are no issues with the network adapter or router. Finally, make sure that the target computer is up to date with all the latest Windows updates, as these updates often contain bug fixes and security patches.