How to Fix “Fatal Error Occurred While Creating a TLS Client Credential” on Windows 11

If you encounter the error message “Fatal Error Occurred While Creating a TLS Client Credential” on your Windows 11 device, it can be frustrating. This error typically relates to issues with the system’s security protocols or certificates. Fortunately, there are several straightforward ways to fix it.

This guide will walk you through easy-to-follow steps to resolve this problem. You don’t need to be a technical expert, as each step is explained in simple terms. By following the instructions carefully, you should be able to restore normal system function quickly.

TLS (Transport Layer Security) is an important protocol that helps keep your internet connections secure. When your computer can’t create a TLS client credential, it usually means something is wrong with how Windows handles encryption or certificates.

Let’s explore the solutions starting from the simplest checks to more advanced fixes, so you can get your system back to working smoothly.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before diving into detailed troubleshooting, make sure you do the following basic checks:

Restart your computer: Sometimes a simple reboot can clear temporary glitches causing the error.
Check your Windows updates: Ensure your system is fully updated, as Microsoft often releases security fixes that address TLS-related issues.
Verify date and time settings: Incorrect system date and time can cause certificate validation failures.
Run a quick antivirus scan: Malware can interfere with system security protocols, so it’s worth ruling that out.

If these checks don’t solve the problem, continue with the troubleshooting steps below.

Step 1: Update Windows and Security Certificates

Keeping Windows updated is crucial because updates often include fixes for security protocols like TLS. To check for updates:

Click on the Start menu and select Settings.
Go to Windows Update on the left pane.
Click Check for updates and allow Windows to download and install any available updates.
Restart your computer if prompted.

Updating your system ensures you have the latest security certificates and system files necessary for TLS to work properly.

Step 2: Check and Correct Your Date & Time Settings

TLS certificates rely heavily on accurate date and time settings. If your computer’s clock is off, validation will fail.

Open Settings and click on Time & Language.
Select Date & Time.
Make sure Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically are turned on.
If they are already on but the time is incorrect, toggle them off and set the correct time and time zone manually.

After correcting the time, try your operation again to see if the error persists.

Step 3: Reset the TLS Settings in Internet Options

The TLS protocols and security settings can sometimes get misconfigured. Resetting them to default can fix related errors.

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type inetcpl.cpl and press Enter to open Internet Properties.
Go to the Advanced tab.
Scroll down to the Security section.
Ensure that Use TLS 1.2 and Use TLS 1.3 are checked. Uncheck older protocols like SSL 2.0 and SSL 3.0 if enabled.
Click Apply and then OK.
Restart your computer.

This step ensures that Windows is using the recommended modern TLS protocols for secure connections.

Step 4: Clear the SSL State

Sometimes cached SSL data can cause conflicts with TLS credentials. Clearing the SSL state can help reset these caches.

Open Internet Properties again by pressing Windows + R and typing inetcpl.cpl.
On the Content tab, click on Clear SSL state.
Click OK.
Restart your computer.

This process removes any stored SSL certificates that might be causing the error.

Step 5: Use System File Checker to Repair Corrupted System Files

Corrupted or missing system files can prevent your computer from creating TLS credentials properly. The System File Checker (SFC) tool scans and repairs these files.

Click on the Start menu, type cmd.
Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

sfc /scannow

The scan may take some time. If any corrupt files are found, the tool will attempt to repair them automatically.

After the process completes, restart your computer and check if the error is resolved.

Step 6: Update or Reinstall Network Drivers

Network drivers control how your computer connects to the internet and handle security protocols. Outdated or faulty drivers can cause TLS errors.

Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
Expand the Network adapters section.
Right-click your network adapter and choose Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers and follow prompts.
If no update is found or the problem persists, you can choose Uninstall device and then restart your computer to let Windows reinstall the driver automatically.

Drivers that are properly updated ensure your system can securely negotiate TLS connections without errors.

Alternative Method: Modify Group Policy to Enable TLS

If the above steps don’t help, you can try enabling TLS protocols via Group Policy Editor. This is an advanced option and mostly recommended for users comfortable with system configurations.

Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > SSL Configuration Settings.
Double-click SSL Cipher Suite Order.
Set it to Not Configured or configure it to include strong TLS cipher suites.
Click Apply and then OK.
Restart your computer.

Note: Group Policy Editor is not available in Windows 11 Home edition by default.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes the “Fatal Error Occurred While Creating a TLS Client Credential”?

This error is usually caused by corrupted system files, outdated security certificates, misconfigured TLS settings, or network driver issues.

Is this error dangerous for my computer?

The error itself is not harmful but indicates that your system may not be able to establish secure connections, which can affect browsing, email, or other secure communications.

Can antivirus software cause this error?

Yes, some antivirus or firewall programs can interfere with TLS operations. Temporarily disabling them for testing can help identify if they are the cause.

Do I need to be an expert to fix this error?

Not at all. Most of the steps involve simple actions like updating Windows, adjusting settings, or running built-in tools. Just follow the instructions carefully.

Will resetting TLS settings affect my internet security?

No, resetting TLS settings to their recommended defaults ensures your computer uses the most secure protocols available.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still encounter the error, consider these final options:

Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Network Adapter.
Perform a System Restore: If the error started recently, restoring your system to an earlier point can undo problematic changes.
Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support website for personalized help.
Consider a clean Windows reinstall: This is a last resort if system corruption is severe.

Conclusion

The “Fatal Error Occurred While Creating a TLS Client Credential” on Windows 11 can be fixed by following a series of straightforward steps. Starting with basic system updates and time corrections, moving through resetting TLS settings, clearing SSL cache, and repairing system files, most users can resolve the issue themselves. Updating network drivers and adjusting advanced settings provide further solutions for persistent cases.

Always remember to keep your system updated and maintain accurate date and time settings, as these simple factors play a big role in TLS security. If the problem continues, don’t hesitate to seek professional support or use official Microsoft tools. With patience and attention to detail, you can restore your system’s secure connectivity efficiently.