Share this article
Improve this guide
Windows Security Smart Card Error: 7 Ways to Fix it
Clearing the SSL state and certificates is the easiest fix
5 min. read
Published onJuly 11, 2024
published onJuly 11, 2024
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
To fix various driver issues on your PC, you will need a dedicated tool to find the freshest and the original drivers. You can use PC HelpSoft Driver Updater to do it in 3 easy steps:
If Windows Security throws aSmart Carderror or pop-up on your screen, it’s likely due to a misconfiguration. Surprisingly, the error even appears for users who have never had a smart card!
The problem arises due to corrupt SSL certificates or saved web credentials, issues with the smart card driver, or a buggy Windows update.
As for users who do use a smart card to access important apps and websites, the Windows Security error message reads,The smart card cannot perform the requested operation or the operation requires a different smart card. In this case, try unplugging the smart card and reconnecting it to a different port, and if that doesn’t work, move on to the solutions listed next!
How can I fix the Windows Security smart card error?
1. Clear the SSL certificates
In 9 out of 10 cases, clearing the SSL state and deleting saved certificates fixed Windows Security’sSmart Carderror and allowed you to use the smart card to access the website/webmail it was intended for without throwing any further pop-ups.
2. Reinstall the smart card drivers
If the smart card has a warning sign next to its icon in the Device Manager, it indicates driver corruption. Here, you will need toreinstall the device driverfor Windows Security to stop throwing error messages likeA communication error occurred with the smart card.
3. Update the smart card driver
If the Windows Security error message reads,The smart card requires drivers that are not present on the system. Please try another smart card or contact your administrator,updating the driverswill do the trick!
In case Windows can’t find a better version, head to the manufacturer’s website, andmanually install the driver. Or, for a seamless and error-free installation experience, use atop-rated driver updater tool.
4. Disable smart card login
4.1 Via Registry
4.2 Via Local Group Policy Editor
5. Delete all saved web credentials
6. Uninstall the last Windows update
For roughly 2 out of 5 users, the problem started after installing a new version of Windows. And in this case,uninstalling the Windows updatedid the trick. Remember, you may have to uninstall a few updates to get things back on track!
7. Factory reset the PC
When nothing else works, the last option is toreset the PC to factory defaults. During reset, you can choose theKeep my filesoption to prevent them from being deleted. Still, I would recommend backing them on an external storage drive in case the reset runs into an error and corrupts the stored data.
After you are done with the reset (it may take upto an hour), there won’t be Windows SecuritySmart Cardpop-up errors anymore.
When I once started receiving these pop-ups, deleting the SSL state and certificates fixed things in no time. However, it could be a different solution for you. So, try them all!
Before you leave, discover some quick tips tomake your Windows PC run faster than ever.
Which fix worked for you? Share with our readers in the comments section.
More about the topics:Windows 11,Windows Security
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
