Remote Desktop is a powerful feature in Windows 11 that allows you to connect to another computer remotely. However, sometimes you may encounter the error message, “Remote Desktop cannot verify the identity of the remote computer.” This can prevent you from establishing a connection.
This error often relates to security settings, certificates, or network issues. Fixing it can be straightforward if you follow the correct steps carefully. In this guide, we will walk you through simple, step-by-step solutions to resolve this problem.
Whether you are a beginner or have some technical experience, these instructions are designed to be easy to understand and follow. Let’s get started on fixing the Remote Desktop identity verification error on Windows 11.
By the end of this article, you should be able to connect without any identity verification issues.
Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks
Before diving into the troubleshooting steps, make sure the following conditions are met. These quick checks can save you time and help identify the cause faster.
- Check your internet connection: Ensure both the local and remote computers have stable network connections.
- Verify Remote Desktop is enabled: On the remote PC, go to
Settings > System > Remote Desktopand make sure the feature is turned on. - Confirm the remote computer’s name or IP address: Use the correct address when connecting.
- Ensure both devices are on compatible Windows versions: Remote Desktop connections work best between professional or enterprise editions.
Step 1: Restart Remote Desktop and Your Devices
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best one. Restarting your devices can clear temporary glitches that cause verification errors.
- Close the Remote Desktop app on your computer.
- Restart your local computer and the remote computer.
- After both devices restart, try connecting again.
Restarting helps because it refreshes network connections and system processes that might have been stuck or corrupted.
Step 2: Use the Remote Desktop IP Address Instead of the Hostname
The error can appear if your computer cannot resolve the remote PC’s hostname correctly. Using the IP address directly avoids this problem.
- Find the remote computer’s IP address:
- On the remote PC, open Command Prompt by pressing
Win + R, typecmd, and press Enter. - Type
ipconfigand press Enter. - Look for the IPv4 address under the active network adapter. It will look like
192.168.x.xor similar. - On your local computer, open Remote Desktop and enter this IP address instead of the computer name.
- Try connecting again.
This method bypasses DNS (Domain Name System) issues that might cause identity verification problems.
Step 3: Edit the Remote Desktop Connection Settings
Adjusting the Remote Desktop client settings can help bypass strict certificate checks causing the error.
- Open the Remote Desktop app on your Windows 11 PC.
- Click on the Show Options button to expand connection settings.
- Go to the Advanced tab.
- Under Server Authentication, select Connect and don’t warn me from the dropdown menu.
- Click Connect and see if the error persists.
This option tells Remote Desktop to ignore identity verification warnings temporarily. While not recommended for permanent use, it allows you to connect while troubleshooting further.
Step 4: Update or Install Remote Desktop Certificates
The identity verification error often relates to certificate issues. Updating or installing the correct certificate on the remote PC can solve this.
- On the remote PC, press
Win + R, typemmc, and press Enter to open the Microsoft Management Console. - Click File > Add/Remove Snap-in.
- Select Certificates and click Add.
- Choose Computer account, then Next, and select Local computer.
- Click Finish and then OK.
- Navigate to Remote Desktop certificates under Remote Desktop or Personal > Certificates.
- If certificates look expired or invalid, you may need to renew or request new ones from your IT administrator.
Proper certificates ensure secure connections and allow Remote Desktop to verify the identity of the remote machine.
Step 5: Modify Group Policy Settings to Allow Connections Without Certificate Verification
For advanced users or network administrators, changing Group Policy settings can relax certificate verification requirements.
- Press
Win + R, typegpedit.msc, and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor. - Navigate to:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Security - Find the policy named Require use of specific security layer for remote (RDP) connections.
- Double-click on it and set it to Disabled or Not Configured to allow negotiation of security layers.
- Next, locate Require user authentication for remote connections by using Network Level Authentication and set it to Disabled if you want to disable strict authentication temporarily.
- Click Apply and OK.
- Restart the remote PC and try connecting again.
Note: Disabling these policies may reduce security, so use this method with caution and only if you trust the remote network environment.
Alternative Method: Use Remote Desktop Web Access
If you are still facing issues, you can try accessing the remote computer using Remote Desktop Web Access (RD Web Access). This method uses a web browser to connect and can bypass some client-side issues.
RD Web Access requires setup on the remote server and is typically used in enterprise environments. If you have access, ask your IT administrator for RD Web Access URL and instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does Remote Desktop show “Cannot verify the identity” error?
This error usually occurs because the Remote Desktop client cannot verify the remote PC’s security certificate. It might be due to expired certificates, mismatched hostnames, or network restrictions.
Is it safe to bypass the identity verification warning?
Bypassing the warning reduces security and can expose your connection to risks. Only do this on trusted networks and if you understand the implications.
Can antivirus or firewall cause this error?
Yes, some antivirus programs or firewall settings can block certificate verification or remote desktop ports, causing this error. Temporarily disabling them or adding exceptions may help.
Do I need administrator rights to fix this error?
Some steps, like editing Group Policy or managing certificates, require administrator privileges on the remote or local PC.
Will updating Windows 11 fix the Remote Desktop identity issue?
Sometimes, Windows updates include fixes for Remote Desktop bugs and security improvements. Keeping your system updated is always recommended.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the above solutions and still cannot fix the error, consider these options:
- Contact your system administrator or IT support: They may have specific policies or tools to resolve the issue.
- Visit Microsoft’s official support page for Remote Desktop: Microsoft Remote Desktop Support
- Use alternative remote access tools: If Remote Desktop continues to fail, tools like TeamViewer or AnyDesk can be temporary alternatives.
Conclusion
The “Remote Desktop cannot verify the identity” error on Windows 11 is commonly caused by certificate or network-related issues. By following the steps in this guide, you can systematically troubleshoot and fix the problem.
Start with simple fixes like restarting devices and using IP addresses, then move to adjusting settings and certificates if needed. Always be cautious when changing security-related settings to maintain a safe remote connection.
If problems persist, seek help from IT professionals or official Microsoft support. With patience and these detailed instructions, you should be able to restore your Remote Desktop functionality smoothly.