Your Credentials Did Not Work in Remote Desktop on Windows Server 2012

Your Credentials Did Not Work in Remote Desktop on Windows Server 2012

/ Knowledgebase, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

Encountering the “Your credentials did not work” error when attempting to use Remote Desktop to connect to a Windows Server 2012 machine can be frustrating. This issue typically occurs due to misconfigurations or security restrictions. In this guide, we’ll delve into the possible causes and provide step-by-step solutions to your credentials did not work in Remote Desktop on Windows Server 2012 to resolve the issue effectively.

Understanding the Error

The “Your credentials did not work” error is triggered when the provided username and password are rejected by the target machine. This can happen due to incorrect credentials, changes in security policies, or issues related to user permissions and system configurations.

Let’s explore the common reasons behind this error:

  1. Incorrect Username or Password: Typos or forgotten credentials are frequent culprits.
  2. User Account Restrictions: The account may not have the necessary permissions to log in remotely.
  3. Network or Firewall Settings: Network misconfigurations or overly restrictive firewall rules can block access.
  4. Security Policy Restrictions: Server-side security policies may prevent certain types of connections.
  5. Credential Caching Issues: Stored credentials on the client machine may conflict with updated ones.

Now, let’s discuss the step-by-step solutions.

Your Credentials Did Not Work in Remote Desktop on Windows Server 2012 Solutions to Fix the Error

1. Verify Credentials

Begin by ensuring that the username and password you’re using are correct.

  • Check Username Format: Use the correct format, such as DOMAIN\Username for domain accounts or just Username for local accounts.
  • Reset the Password: If there’s any doubt, reset the password via the server’s local administrator account or the domain controller.

2. Enable Remote Desktop Access for the User

If the user account isn’t configured to allow remote access, follow these steps:

  1. Sign in to the server using an account with administrative privileges.
  2. Run to Control Panel > System & Security > System.
  3. Click Remote settings in the left panel.
  4. Under the Remote Desktop section, ensure that the option Allow connections from computers running any version of Remote Desktop or a more secure option is selected.
  5. Click Select Users & make sure the intended user is added.

3. Check Group Policy Settings

Incorrect Group Policy configurations can restrict remote logins. Here’s how to check and fix them:

  1. Press the Win button + R and type gpedit.msc, & press Enter.
  2. Navigate to Personal Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > User Rights Assignment.
  3. Double-click Allow log on through Remote Desktop Services and ensure the user or group is included.
  4. Checking Deny log-on through Remote Desktop Services to ensure the user or group isn’t listed.

4. Update Network Level Authentication Settings

Network Level Authentication (NLA) adds security but can sometimes cause login issues. To disable or configure NLA:

  1. Open Server Manager and go to Local Server.
  2. Find the Remote Desktop section and click Disabled or Enabled as applicable.
  3. Uncheck the box for Allow connections only from computers running Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication if you suspect it’s causing the issue.
  4. Test the connection again.

5. Verify Firewall Rules

Ensure that the server’s firewall allows Remote Desktop connections:

  1. Open Windows Firewall with Advanced Security from the Control Panel or by typing wf.msc in the Run dialog.
  2. Click Inbound Rules and locate rules for Remote Desktop (TCP-In).
  3. Make sure these rules are enabled and set to allow connections.
  4. If the server is behind a network firewall, ensure the necessary port (default 3389) is open.

6. Check Account Lockout Policies

Account lockout policies can temporarily block a user after repeated failed login attempts:

  1. Open Group Policy Management (for domain accounts) or Local Security Policy (for local accounts).
  2. Navigate to Account Policies > Account Lockout Policy.
  3. Check the settings for lockout duration and reset thresholds. Adjust if necessary to avoid unintended lockouts.

7. Clear Cached Credentials on the Client

Cached credentials can interfere if they don’t match the server’s requirements. To clear them:

  1. Open Credential Manager on the client machine.
  2. Locate and remove any stored credentials related to the target server.
  3. Retry the connection with updated credentials.

8. Check Time Synchronization

Time mismatches between the client and server can cause authentication failures:

  1. Ensure both machines are synchronized with the same time source.
  2. Use the command w32tm /resync to force synchronization.

9. Review Event Logs

The Event Viewer can provide detailed information about login failures:

  1. Open Event Viewer on the server.
  2. Navigate to Windows Logs > Security.
  3. Look for events related to login failures (e.g., Event ID 4625).
  4. Use the details to identify specific causes.

10. Reset Remote Desktop Configuration

If none of the above methods work, consider resetting the Remote Desktop configuration:

  1. Open a PowerShell window with administrative privileges.
  2. Run the command:
    Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_TerminalServiceSetting -Namespace root\cimv2\TerminalServices | Invoke-WmiMethod -Name SetAllowTSConnections -ArgumentList 1
  3. Restart the server.

11. Update Windows Server

Outdated server versions may have unresolved issues:

  1. Open Server Manager and navigate to Windows Update.
  2. Check for and install any pending updates.
  3. Reboot the server after updating.

Preventing Future Issues

To avoid similar issues in the future, implement the following best practices:

  • Regularly update both client and server operating systems.
  • Use a password manager to store and retrieve credentials accurately.
  • Document any changes made to server configurations.
  • Test Remote Desktop settings after updates or security changes.

Conclusion

The “Your credentials did not work” error in Windows Server 2012 Remote Desktop connections can stem from various issues, ranging from incorrect credentials to configuration mismatches. By systematically troubleshooting and implementing the steps outlined above, you can quickly identify and resolve the root cause. Always ensure your system’s security and accessibility are balanced for optimal performance.

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