How to Fix the "Remote Procedure Call Failed" Error in Windows

The "Remote Procedure Call Failed" error in Windows can appear for various reasons, making it difficult to access files and programs. This issue is often caused by misconfigured system services or network and remote access settings. In this guide, we'll go through the main steps to troubleshoot and fix this error.

Causes of the "Remote Procedure Call Failed" Error

Several common causes can lead to this error:

  • Conflicts between Windows services, especially RPC (Remote Procedure Call) and related services.
  • Incorrect network or security settings that prevent remote access to files.
  • Antivirus or firewall malfunctions that may block access to certain services.
  • Registry errors impacting the proper functioning of remote procedure calls.

Methods to Fix the "Remote Procedure Call Failed" Error

1. Restart the RPC Service

The RPC service handles remote procedure calls, so if it fails, this error can occur. To restart the RPC service:

  1. Open the Start menu, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. In the services list, find Remote Procedure Call (RPC) and double-click it.
  3. Ensure the startup type is set to Automatic, then click Restart.

2. Check Your Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Some antivirus programs or firewalls may block access to essential services, leading to this error. Temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall to see if the issue is resolved. If the error disappears, adjust firewall settings to allow the RPC and related services through.

3. Check System Files

Sometimes, corrupted system files are to blame for the error. To check and repair system files, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the scan to complete and then restart your computer.

4. Restore the System Registry

The error might stem from a damaged registry affecting remote calls. To restore registry settings:

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Back up the registry by selecting File → Export.
  3. Check and correct keys related to RPC under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\RpcSs and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\DcomLaunch.

5. Update Drivers and the System

Outdated drivers or operating system versions can cause issues with remote procedures. Ensure you have the latest Windows updates and driver versions:

  1. Go to Settings → Update & Security.
  2. Check for updates and install any available updates.