Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix: Remote desktop started to report a certificate error

Certificate error on RDP connection in Windows 10

Quick Answer: Check the Event Viewer logs for certificate errors and update or renew the certificate as needed.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. 🔍 Why This Happens
  2. 🚀 How to Resolve This Issue
  3. ✨ Wrapping Up

Remote Desktop (RDP) connections can be affected by certificate errors, which can occur when the trust in the root certificate authority is compromised. This issue typically affects users who have been connecting to Windows machines via RDP for an extended period, such as several months.

This error can be frustrating because it prevents users from accessing their remote desktop sessions, causing downtime and productivity loss. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to resolve this issue.

🔍 Why This Happens

  • The primary reason for certificate errors in RDP connections is the expiration or revocation of the server's SSL/TLS certificate. This can happen when the certificate has not been renewed or updated after its expiration date.
  • Another possible cause is a change in the root certificate authority, which can lead to trust issues and certificate errors.

🚀 How to Resolve This Issue

Update Server Certificate

  1. Step 1: Step 1: Check the server's current certificate status by opening the Command Prompt as an administrator and running the command `get-cert` followed by the IP address of the remote machine. This will display information about the current certificate, including its expiration date.
  2. Step 2: Step 2: If the certificate has expired or is invalid, obtain a new SSL/TLS certificate from the server's Certificate Authority (CA) or an online certificate authority. Make sure to select the correct certificate type and follow the CA's instructions for generating and installing the new certificate.
  3. Step 3: Step 3: After obtaining the new certificate, update the server's SSL/TLS configuration to use the new certificate. This may involve updating the registry settings or modifying the RDP connection settings.

Disable Certificate Verification

  1. Step 1: Step 1: Open the Remote Desktop Connection settings and disable certificate verification by unchecking the box next to 'Verify the server's identity (SSL/TLS)'. This will allow you to connect to the remote machine without verifying the server's certificate.
  2. Step 2: Step 2: However, keep in mind that disabling certificate verification can pose security risks if the server's certificate is compromised. It's recommended to update the server's SSL/TLS certificate instead of relying on this workaround.

✨ Wrapping Up

To resolve a certificate error when connecting to a Windows machine via RDP, try updating the server's SSL/TLS certificate or disabling certificate verification as a temporary workaround. If you're unable to obtain a new certificate, consider consulting with your network administrator or IT department for assistance.

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