[2024] How to Run Remote Desktop with Network Level Authentication

Network Level Authentication is a security feature that enhances the safety and security of remote desktop connections. In essence, it requires users to authenticate themselves before a remote session is established. This feature is invaluable when you prioritize privacy since it mitigates the risk of unauthorized access and cyber-attacks.

In this article, we will delve into what NLA is, how to run a remote desktop with Network Level Authentication, as well as how to disable it, and possible fixes for some of its common issues.

Part 1. What Is Network Level Authentication?

Network Level Authentication (NLA) is an authentication method that authenticates the identity of the user to the network before they are able to connect to a device remotely. The main difference between NLA and other authentication methods is that the authentication takes place before a full connection is made, instead of asking for credentials once it has been established. If you prioritize your privacy, you should use remote desktop with Network Level Authentication.

NLA functions as a gatekeeper for Remote Desktop Services, since it verifies the users trying to access the device remotely. In more detail, the key functions of RDP Network Level Authentication are the following:

Part 2. How Do I Run a Remote Desktop with NLA?

Running a remote desktop with Network Level Authentication requires a few setup steps to make sure that both the client and the host devices are configured properly. Here is how you can use RDP Network Level Authentication in a few simple steps:

Step 1 – Ensure that Your System Supports NLA

Before enabling NLA, remember to check that both devices support Network Level Authentication. To be more precise, NLA is supported in Windows Vista and later versions for clients, and Windows Server 2008 and later versions for hosts.

Step 2 – Enable Remote Desktop on the Host Computer

Step 3 – Enable Network Level Authentication

Step 4 – Set Up the Client Computer

Part 3. How to Fix the Remote Computer Requires Network Level Authentication?

Despite its benefits, you might sometimes encounter issues with NLA. One of the most common error messages you might get is "The remote computer requires Network Level Authentication, which your computer does not support". In this case, there are a couple of possible fixes that you can try:

1Check your Internet Connection and Run a Network Troubleshooter

The first thing you should check when you get this error message is the status of your connection as it affects NLA. Check that the cables are connected correctly, restart your router, and unplug and replug the cables. If the issue persists, then you can also try a network troubleshooter. The steps for running the troubleshooter are the following:

2Configure NLA in the Local Group Policy Editor

To solve this error, you might also need to disable NLA using the Group Policy Editor. You can do that by following these steps:

3Restart your Network Adapters

Another reason why you might get this error message is because your network might not be working properly. Therefore, you can restart your networks to fix it. Here is how to do it:

Part 4. How Do I Turn off Remote Desktop Network Level Authentication?

In the previous section, we have briefly mentioned that disabling RDP Network Level Authentication might solve the error message you are getting. However, there might be other cases, where you may need to disable it. Namely, you might want to do it for compatibility issues or troubleshooting. In this section, we are going to show you more ways to turn off Network Level Authentication, in addition to disabling it with the Local Group Policy Editor we have explained in the previous section.

1Disable NLA via System Properties

2Disable NLA via PowerShell

3Disable NLA via Windows Registry