Fix : The Local Authority Cannot Be Contacted Error on Windows 11 , 10

Generally, it is seen that Remote Desktop Connection makes it easier for users to access other computers. It has been observed by users that trying to log in using Remote Desktop are stopped from connecting to the remote system prompting the user with the error message as below:

“An authentication error has occurred. The Local Security Authority cannot be contacted.”

The reason for this error could be improper DNS settings, disabled Remote Desktop Connection on host or client, or conflict between IP and DNS addresses. Dive ahead into the article to look at the troubleshooting strategies that can help you fix this error.

 

Fix 1 – Modify DNS Settings

 

1. Open Run using the Windows and R keys combination.

2. Type ncpa.cpl to launch the Network Connections window.

 



Run Ncpa Min

 

3. Right-click on the current network adapter (WiFi or Ethernet) and choose Properties.

 

Network Adapter Properties Min

 

4. In the Properties window, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on the Properties button at the bottom.

 

Internet Properties Ipv4 Min

 

5. Under the General tab, select the Use the following DNS server addresses option.

6. Now set the value of Preferred DNS server –> 8.8.8.8 and the Alternate DNS server –> 8.8.4.4.

7. Check the option Validate settings upon exit.

 

Ipv4 Properties Alternate Dns Address Min

 

8. Click on OK to save the changes and apply them.

Now see whether you are allowed to make a remote connection without any error.

 

Fix 2 – Enable Remote Connections Using Group Policy Editor

 

1. Press Windows + R to launch the Run box.

2. Type gpedit.msc to open Local Group Policy Editor.

 

Run Gpedit Min

 

3. In the Group Policy Editor, select Computer Configuration and then go to Administrative Templates under it.

4. Expand Administrative Templates by double-clicking on it and choose Windows Components.

 

Group Policy Editor Windows Components Min

 

5. Go to Remote Desktop Services –> Remote Desktop Session Host –> Connections in this order mentioned.

 

Group Policy Remote Desktop Services Min

 

6. Choose the Connections directory and on the right-side. Double-click on Allow users to connect remotely by using Remote Desktop Services setting.

 

Connections Settings Min

 

7. In the window that appears, choose the option Enabled.

 

Allow Users To Remotely Connect Enabled Min

 

8. Now click on Apply and then on OK to save the changes.

9. Restart your system for changes to come into effect. Check if the error is still being encountered.

 

Fix 3 – Allow Remote Connection in System Properties

 

1. Hold the Windows and R keys combination to open the Run box.

2. Type sysdm.cpl to open System Properties.

 

Run Sysdm Min

 

3. Go to the Remote tab in the System Properties window.

4. Check the option Allow remote connections to this computer below Remote Desktop.

5. Make sure you uncheck the option Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication (recommended).

 

System Properties Allow Remote Connections Min

 



 

6. Click on Apply and then on OK to save the setting changes. Now check whether the error is fixed.

 

Fix 4 – Flush DNS Cache

 

1. Open Run (Windows + R). Type cmd and press Shift + Ctrl + Enter to open Command Prompt as administrator.

 

Run Cmd Min

 

2. Type the command below to flush the DNS cache.

ipconfig /flushdns

3. Once the operation completes successfully, check if the issue is resolved after resetting the connection.

 

Cmd Ipconfig Command Min

 

 

Thanks for reading.

You must now be able to connect to a remote computer without any issues. Comment and let us know the fix that worked for you.