Windows
Broken MFA link blocks Remote Desktop sign-in
Remote Desktop and Azure Virtual Desktop sign-in was failing because the MFA authentication link was broken. Resetting MFA and linking Microsoft Authenticator again restored access.
Killed once by someone from XL.net, on 2025-10-28.
Affects
Apps
- Remote Desktop
- Azure Virtual Desktop
- Microsoft Authenticator
What you see
- Cannot log in to Remote Desktop
- Microsoft Authenticator is not working
- Cannot log in to Azure Virtual Desktop
Why it happens
Likely Broken authentication link in the MFA setup
When it shows up
A user cannot complete Remote Desktop or Azure Virtual Desktop sign-in and the Microsoft Authenticator link is no longer working.
You are in this case if:
- Microsoft Authenticator enrollment is broken or no longer linked
- Azure Virtual Desktop sign-in stops at MFA
1 fix below
The steps that killed it
The steps are behind a quick check
There are two ways in and both take a few seconds. Signing in opens the steps on every bug page; so does reading the picture.
Or answer this
Drawing a picture for you.
Can't read it? Sign in instead.
Someone from XL.net killed this on a Windows computer on 2025-10-28. It is written up from that one repair, so it cites no outside page.