How to Fix the Error “A Referral Was Returned From The Server” in Windows 10

fix error ''a referral was returned from the server''

When trying to install new programs, update drivers, reinstall operating systems and so on, many users always received a common error message that says “A referral was returned from the server”. I think you must be very depressed and helpless when encountered in this situation. To solve this problem, how to do it? Here’s a look at how to fix the error “A referral was returned from the server” in Windows 10.

4 ways to fix the error “A referral was returned from the server” in Windows 10

Way 1: Fix the error by uninstalling Windows updates

Step 1: Go to Settings app in Windows 10.

Step 2: In the Settings page, select Update & Security.

select Update & Security

Step 3: Click View installed update history.

click view installed update history

Step 4: choose Uninstall updates.

uninstall Windows 10 updates

Step 5: This window displays a list of recent Windows updates installed. Please right-click and delete the latest update.

These steps should be helpful in resolving the issue.

Way 2: Fix the error through disabling/turning off User Account Control Settings

Step 1: Access Control Panel in Windows 10.

Step 2: In the Control Panel window, go to User Accounts and choose Change User Account Control settings from the 4 options.

change user account control settings

Step 3: In the User Account Control Settings dialog box, drag the slider into the lower position, and click OK to completely disable UAC.

disable UAC

Step 4: Restart the system to make sure the error is solved.

Way 3: Fix the error using Local Group Policy Editor

Step 1: Launch Local Group Policy Editor in Windows 10.

Step 2: In the Local Group Policy Editor window, navigate to these paths one by one:

Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options.

Then find the “User Account Control: Only elevate executables that are signed and validated” option in the right pane, and double-click it.

double-click it

Step 3: A new window pops up, check the Disabled box and click OK.

check Disabled box

Step 4: Restart Computer to check if it is working.

Way 4: Fix the error via opening Registry Editor

Step 1: Open Registry Editor in Windows 10.

Step 2: In the Registry Editor window, go to the following paths:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ System

Find ValidateAdminCodeSignatures and EnableUIADesktopToggle, then double them to pop up their window, and change their Value data into 0.

change their value data into 0

Step 3: Close the Registry Editor window and restart your computer to check if it can work flawlessly.

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About the Author: Darren