Fix Remote Connection Issue: An Authentication Error Has Occurred with Code 0x80004005

The Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a proprietary protocol developed by Microsoft. It provides a user with a graphical interface giving users the ability to connect to remote Windows PCs over the internet or on a local network. This connection gives them full access to the tools and software installed on these PCs. In this guide, we will discuss how to “Fix Remote Connection Issue: An Authentication Error Has Occurred with Code 0x80004005”. Please see Resolve Account restrictions are preventing this user from signing in: User Account Password has expired. The various Ansible Authentication Options, and how to fix “The following error occurred attempting to rename the computer Account already exists”.

Note: When attempting to Remote Desktop (RDP) to a Windows machine, you may receive an error. In my case, this error is not related to the Network Level Authentication (NLA) feature since the “Function Requested Is Not Supported” was not included in the error message.

It is important for you to be aware of your environment. And be able to apply a fix to issues and not just every fix suggested on the internet. They might not be applicable to you. You may be interested in this: How to Check What Files Are Taking Up Space on Windows 11.

Reason for the error

For me, this error was prompted due to incorrect credentials entered. Since this server was moved into a different domain, the connection needs to happen with the right domain credentials. Below is the error that was prompted when the remote connection was initiated.

Upon hitting the see details button, you will find more information such as the Error code, Extended error code, timestamp and activity ID. Click on OK to close this window. Learn how to Disable credential Prompts for Remote Desktop Connections.

Please see Failed to run the action install Operating System: Lifetouch deployment failed, Return Code = -2147467259 0x80004005 when installing Windows image via MDT, and Error code 15601: How to resolve DISM unspecified error when removing preinstalled packages.

Resolve Authentication Error Code 0x80004005

Now that we have been able to determine the error for this error. Launch the Remote desktop connection once again. This time, click on the show option.

Note: Ensure that you are using the full domain username in this form domain\username or username@domain.com for example.

On the general tab, enter the computer (server) name, and the username in the SAM or UPN format. I will go with the SAM account format. When you are done, click on Connect.

You will be prompted to enter your password. Enter your password and click on the OK button. Please see Remote Desktop cannot find the computer this in the specified network: Verify the computer name and domain that you are trying to connect.

As you can see, the connection is successful. Please see Cannot find the computer: Fix the following error occurred while using Kerberos authentication, and how to enable dark theme in Windows 11.

I hope you found this blog post helpful on how to “Fix Remote Connection Issue: An Authentication Error Has Occurred with Code 0x80004005”. Please let me know in the comment section if you have any questions.