The most common cause of this issue is the failure of the Group Policy Client service to start properly. Other causes include corrupted system files, improper configuration of Windows services, or issues with the Windows Registry. Additionally, this error can prevent standard users from logging into the system, leaving only administrative accounts accessible for troubleshooting
1. Use the Registry Editor
If these settings are incorrect or missing due to system errors or malfunctions during updates, it can result in the inability of your system to connect to the Group Policy Client service, thus preventing user logins. By following the outlined registry modifications, you’ll be realigning the necessary configurations, which can help restore normal service operation and resolve the login issues.
2. Perform a Clean Boot
This troubleshooting approach can figure out whether a third-party software is disrupting the Group Policy Client service. By starting with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, you effectively remove any interference from non-critical applications, which can solve this connection issue. If this fix works and the error message disappears, you’ll know that the reason was a background application, and you can then proceed to pinpoint the exact source by re-enabling services and programs one by one.
3. Reset the Winsock Catalog
This essential Windows component is responsible for handling network input and output requests for programs that access the internet. Corruption or misconfiguration within Winsock can disrupt the communication between your system services and the network, possibly causing the error. By resetting it, you return these settings to their default state, potentially fixing any glitches that prevent services like the Group Policy Client from functioning correctly.
4. Turn off Fast Startup (For Windows 10 Only)
Fast startup can sometimes interfere with system services and cause errors, such as the one with the Group Policy Client service. By disabling Fast Startup, the system undergoes a more complete shutdown process, potentially resolving service-related issues that occur during the boot sequence. This step makes sure that all services start from scratch, thus potentially fixing errors caused by incomplete or corrupted initializations.
5. Manually Create Registry Keys and Values
Manually creating registry keys and values makes sure that all necessary registry entries for the Group Policy Client service are correctly configured. This service relies on specific registry keys to run properly; if these keys are missing or corrupted, the service may fail to start. This can restore the service’s functionality, allowing your system to once again support group policies effectively. Note: Before making any registry changes, it’s important to back up the registry database. So it can be reverted to the previous functioning state in case of errors.
6. Start the System Event Notification Service
This service manages event notifications for system events, covering various components crucial to group policies. If accidental changes or updates turn this service off, restoring it to Automatic and activating it could repair communication pathways, making sure that group policy-related services and tasks operate smoothly once more.
