Lorene Melone
How to Fix the Fatal Error While Creating a TLS Client Credential in Windows
This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide for troubleshooting and resolving the “fatal error occurred while creating a TLS client credential” issue that can arise on Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems. Whether you’re a business professional or a casual user, successfully addressing this error is crucial for maintaining secure communication. This guide will cover step-by-step solutions to restore functionality and prevent this error from occurring in the future.
Step 1: Check Windows Updates
Begin by ensuring that your Windows operating system is up-to-date, as missing updates can lead to security and stability issues.
- Open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I.
- Navigate to Update & Security.
- Click on Windows Update and select Check for updates.
- Install any available updates and reboot your system.
Step 2: Verify Registry Settings
Incorrect registry settings can cause TLS credential issues. Modifying the registry requires caution; ensure to back up your registry first.
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type
regedit, and press Enter. - Navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Schannel\Protocols. - Check for the existence of the TLS 1.2 key. If not, create it by right-clicking on
Protocols> Select New > Key and name it TLS 1.2. - Under TLS 1.2, create two new keys named Client and Server.
- For both keys, create a new DWORD (32-bit) value named Enabled and set its value to
1. - Exit the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
Step 3: Check Security Software Settings
Sometimes, third-party security software may restrict TLS communication.
- Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall software to see if the issue persists.
- If the error resolves, consider reconfiguring the security software settings or switching to a different solution.
Step 4: Reinstall TLS Protocols
If all else fails, you may need to reinstall TLS protocols on your system.
- Open the Control Panel and navigate to Programs > Turn Windows features on or off.
- Scroll and check Data Center Management, then click OK.
- Follow the prompts to complete the installation, and restart your system afterward.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here are some additional tips and common pitfalls to watch for:
- Always back up important data before making registry changes.
- Ensure that you are logged in as an administrator to perform these actions.
- Regularly check for Windows updates to avoid similar issues in the future.
Conclusion
Fixing the “fatal error occurred while creating a TLS client credential” can significantly enhance your system’s security and functionality. By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to resolve the issue efficiently. For further reading, consider checking out our guides on Windows security management and troubleshooting network errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the error Event ID 36871 mean?
Event ID 36871 indicates a failure in creating a TLS client credential, often due to misconfigurations or missing updates.
Can this error affect my network security?
Yes, encountering this error can lead to compromised security for communications between clients and servers.
How can I prevent this error in the future?
Regularly update your Windows operating system and maintain proper configurations of your security settings to mitigate potential problems.