A Fatal Error Occurred While Creating a TLS Client Credential. The Internal Error State Is 10013: How to Fix 

Encountering the error message “a fatal error occurred while creating a TLS client credential. The internal error state is 10013” can be frustrating, especially when working with secure communications. This error typically occurs when there are issues with Transport Layer Security (TLS), a protocol that ensures secure communication over networks. Common in environments requiring secure connections, such as websites, servers, or email clients, this error may prevent users from establishing a secure handshake between clients and servers.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the root causes of a fatal error occurred while creating a TLS client credential. The internal error state is 10013 and provide solutions to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. Whether you are an IT professional, system administrator, or simply troubleshooting a connection problem, this guide will walk you through the necessary steps to resolve this TLS-related error.

What is the Error: A Fatal Error Occurred While Creating a TLS Client Credential. The Internal Error State Is 10013?

The error “a fatal error occurred while creating a TLS client credential. The internal error state is 10013” signifies a failure in creating a secure connection between a client and a server using TLS (Transport Layer Security). TLS is crucial in ensuring encrypted communication, and when this process fails, it often results in security or connection problems.

This error message indicates that the system was unable to establish a TLS handshake due to misconfigurations, corrupted files, outdated protocols, or incorrect registry settings. Without fixing this issue, secure data transmission cannot proceed, leaving your communications vulnerable to interception.

Understanding the nature of the error is the first step toward resolving it. In the following sections, we’ll break down the common causes and solutions for this TLS error.

Why Does the Error Occur: A Fatal Error Occurred While Creating a TLS Client Credential?

Several factors contribute to the occurrence of this error, and pinpointing the specific cause in your system is crucial for applying the right solution. Below are the most common causes:

1. Outdated or Unsupported TLS Versions

TLS versions, such as TLS 1.0, TLS 1.1, and the latest TLS 1.2 or TLS 1.3, ensure secure communication over networks. If the system is configured to use an outdated or unsupported TLS version, it can trigger a fatal error occurred while creating a TLS client credential.

2. Misconfigured Registry Settings

Registry settings control how TLS protocols and security certificates are managed on a Windows machine. Incorrect configurations in these registry settings can result in the system failing to create a TLS client credential.

3. Corrupted or Expired Certificates

TLS relies on security certificates to authenticate and encrypt communication. If the certificate is expired, corrupted, or improperly installed, the handshake process fails, leading to the error.

4. Incompatible Encryption Algorithms

If the encryption algorithms used for the TLS handshake between the client and the server are incompatible or misconfigured, the error can occur. This typically happens when outdated or insecure algorithms are still in use.

5. Issues with Windows Security Settings

Some versions of Windows have security policies that may block TLS protocols, especially if certain updates are missing or if the group policy settings are configured to restrict secure protocols.

How to Fix A Fatal Error Occurred While Creating a TLS Client Credential. The Internal Error State Is 10013

Solution 1: Enable Supported TLS Versions

In many cases, enabling the correct TLS version can resolve the error. TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3 are recommended for modern security, while TLS 1.0 and 1.1 have been deprecated due to security vulnerabilities.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type inetcpl.cpl and press Enter to open the Internet Properties window.
3. Navigate to the Advanced tab.
4. Scroll down to the Security section and check the boxes for Use TLS 1.2 and Use TLS 1.3.
5. Uncheck Use SSL 2.0, SSL 3.0, or TLS 1.0 to disable insecure protocols.
6. Click Apply and OK.

Restart your system and try reconnecting. Ensuring that the latest TLS versions are enabled reduces the chance of encountering outdated protocol errors.

Solution 2: Modify Registry Settings for TLS

Misconfigured registry settings often lead to TLS credential errors. Modifying the registry to ensure proper configuration of the TLS protocol is essential.

1. Press Windows + R and type regedit to open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to the following path:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SecurityProviders\SCHANNEL\Protocols.
3. Under Protocols, create new keys for TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3 if they are missing.
4. Ensure the Enabled DWORD (32-bit) value is set to 1 for each version.
5. If keys for outdated versions (like TLS 1.0 or SSL) exist, set their values to 0 to disable them.

Exit the Registry Editor, reboot your system, and attempt the connection again.

Solution 3: Install or Update Security Certificates

Security certificates play a key role in the TLS handshake process. Expired or improperly installed certificates can cause the error.

1. Go to Control Panel and open Internet Options.
2. In the Content tab, click on Certificates.
3. Check the installed certificates and ensure they are valid (not expired or corrupted).
4. If needed, reinstall the certificates from a trusted certificate authority (CA).

Correctly installed certificates will allow the TLS handshake to proceed smoothly, resolving the credential error.

Solution 4: Update Windows and Security Settings

In some cases, missing Windows updates can cause issues with security protocols, including TLS. Ensure your system is up-to-date:

1. Open Settings and navigate to Update & Security.
2. Click on Check for updates and install any available updates.
3. Also, check your group policies to ensure that secure protocols are not being blocked.

Once updates are installed, restart your system and attempt to create the TLS connection again.

Solution 5: Ensure Encryption Compatibility

Ensuring that the client and server use compatible encryption algorithms during the TLS handshake is crucial.

1. Confirm the encryption algorithms supported by both the client and the server.
2. Modify the configuration to use strong, compatible algorithms such as AES256 or SHA-256.
3. Disable outdated encryption methods like MD5 or RC4, which can cause compatibility issues.

This step ensures that the encryption algorithms used during the handshake are strong and compatible, helping to prevent the error.

Conclusion: Resolving A Fatal Error Occurred While Creating a TLS Client Credential

Dealing with a fatal error occurred while creating a TLS client credential. The internal error state is 10013 can be daunting, but by identifying the root causes and applying the correct fixes, you can restore secure communication. Whether the issue is outdated TLS versions, misconfigured registry settings, or incompatible encryption algorithms, taking a systematic approach to troubleshooting will resolve the error efficiently.

Maintaining your system’s security protocols and keeping certificates updated will prevent this error from recurring. Ensuring compatibility across encryption algorithms and keeping your Windows system current are essential practices for secure TLS connections.

FAQs

Q: What causes the error “A fatal error occurred while creating a TLS client credential. The internal error state is 10013”?
A. This error typically results from outdated TLS versions, misconfigured registry settings, expired certificates, or incompatible encryption algorithms.

Q: How can I fix the TLS client credential error?
A. You can resolve the error by enabling the latest TLS versions, modifying registry settings, updating security certificates, and ensuring encryption compatibility.

Q: Why do outdated TLS versions cause this error?
A. Older TLS versions like 1.0 and 1.1 are considered insecure and are often blocked. Enabling TLS 1.2 or 1.3 resolves this issue.

Q: Can expired certificates trigger this error?
A. Yes, if the TLS handshake involves an expired or invalid certificate, the connection will fail, causing the error.

Q: How do encryption algorithms impact the TLS handshake?
A. Incompatible or outdated encryption algorithms can prevent the handshake from succeeding. Ensuring strong encryption (such as AES256) is critical for establishing secure connections.