How To Fix The “A Referral Was Returned From The Server” Error

To use your Windows PC efficiently, you need to install and use different apps. But what if you are trying to install an app and are not able to do so because of unexpected errors?

One such error faced by some Windows users is “A referral was returned from the server”. The error message ussuaul occur due to network connectivity issues, server misconfigurations, DNS problems, permission restrictions, or unavailable/inaccessible resources.This article has accumulated expert-recommended methods on how to fix this error and enable the installation of apps on your PC.

Also read: How To Re-Register Microsoft Store Apps On Windows PC

Expert-Recommended Fixes On How to Resolve “A Referral Was Returned From The Server”

By resolving the underlying issue, users can overcome this error and restore smooth operation on their Windows PC.

Method 1: Disable User Account Control

UAC is a security feature that asks users to authorize changes to the PC that different apps might try to make. When an application attempts to launch with elevated privileges (as Administrator), a UAC prompt is presented by default in Windows 11, and it requests the user’s consent. However, the actions listed below can be used to disable it:

Step 1: Press Win + R to open the RUN box and type “regedit” followed by Enter.

Step 2: Copy and paste the following path into the address bar:

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

Step 3: Locate the EnableLUA setting on the right side of the Registry window.

Step 4: Double-click it and update the value data to 0 from 1, then click OK.

Step 5: Exit The Registry Editor and reboot your PC.

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Method 2: Run The Program As Administrator

If you run a program as administrator, the respective program will launch in an elevated mode with full access to system resources. Here is how to run any program in admin mode.

Step 1: Make right-click on the program’s shortcut.

Step 2: Choose Properties from the context menu.

Step 3: Click on the Compatibility tab.

Step 4: Select the checkbox next to Run This Program As An Administrator.

Step 5: Click on Apply and then click on OK.

Launch the program through the shortcut by double-clicking it and checking if the issue has been resolved.

Also Read: How to Fix the “Specified User Does Not Have a Valid Profile” App Error

Method 3:  Use The Registry To Turn Off The Cryptographic Signature Enforcement.

The Cryptographic Signature Enforcement policy is related to the apps that require admin privileges. In this case, you need to turn off this policy as there might be a change that the app you intend to run does not require admin rights but is still asking for it. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Open the RUN box by pressing Win + R.

Step 2: Type “regedit” and press Enter.

Step 3: If you get a UAC box then click on Yes.

Step 4: Copy and paste the following path into the address bar of the Windows Registry.

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

Step 5: Locate ValidateAdminCodeSignatures in the right panel and double-click on it.

Step 6: Under Value data, replace “1” with “0” and click on OK.

Step 7: Now locate EnableUIADesktopToggle and double-click on it. Repeat Step number 6.

Step 8: Close the Registry Editor and reboot your PC.

Also Read: How to fix the “This app is preventing shutdown” error

Method 4: Use The Group Policy Editor To Disable Public Key Infrastructure

To rectify the issue, you can turn off the public key infrastructure signature check policy setting. This policy setting requires apps requiring administrative capabilities to pass public key infrastructure signature checks. Here is how to disable PKI Signature Checks:

Step 1: Open Run by pressing Win + R.

Step 2: To open Group Policy Editor, enter gpedit.msc and press OK.

Step 3: Go to the following policy setting:

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

Step 4: Find User Account Control in the right pane.

Step 5: Make right-click and choose Properties from the context menu options.

Step 6: Choose Disabled in the Properties dialogue box and click OK to save the modifications.

Step 7: Reboot your PC. Try launching the application again to see if the issue has been fixed.

Also Read: How to Fix the “Class Not Registered” Photos App Error

Ultimate Solutions for Fixing the “A Referral Was Returned From The Server” Issue

Interactive applications that need administrator privileges to launch or install frequently cause this problem. You can temporarily turn off User Account Control on your PC to solve the issue. Disable Cryptographic Signature Enforcement and Public Key Infrastructure Signature Checks on your machine to fix the problem if it still occurs.

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