When attempting to install applications in Microsoft Windows 10, some users may experience an error that says “A referral was returned from the server”. To solve this problem, try these steps.
Fix 1 – Registry Setting
Download and run referralfix.zip and run referralfix.reg to automatically apply these changes to your computer.
- Hold the Windows Key and press “R“.
- Type “regedit“, then press “Enter” to bring up the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ System.
- Open “ValidateAdminCodeSignatures” and set “Value data” to “0“
- Open “EnableUIADesktopToggle” and set the “Value data” to “0“.
Fix 2 – Group Policy
- Hold the Windows Key and press “R“.
- Type “gpedit.msc“, then press “Enter” to bring up the Local Group Policy Editor.
- Expand “Computer Configuration” > “Windows Settings” > “Security Settings” > “Local Policies” > “Security Options“.
- Change the “User Account Control: Only elevate executable that are signed and validated.” policy to “Disabled“.
henazo says
the reg key change worked for me right away, thanks!
Pix says
It dind’t work for me. I’m still with the message “A referral was returned from the server” in msra.exe and quickassist.exe applications.
G B says
settings as described, but quickassist still gives “A referral was returned from the server”. Tried running as admin too.
Buda says
Thank you very much
You guys deserve a corona(beer):-)
ali says
thank you
Tim Ros says
My registry was already set to zero and windows home does not have a gpedit.msc
My error is a referral about and AMDDVR.exe
Fade says
Just had to leave a comment and say thank you.
andres says
thanks now it is working
Bhanu Pratap Singh says
Great !! Thanks it worked for me
Yogi says
great #1 worked for me
David says
My settings were already set to “0” and disabled. I get the error when I try to install my Logitech mouse driver.
Merca Loday says
Thanks, Tip #1 worked great
Big Smoke says
thx thx thxxxxxxxxxxxx , the only site that helped me thank you thank you from all of my heart , i was can’t do anything in my pc , now i can thxxxxxxx,
tam says
thank you so much. it worked for me
Diana says
THANKSS!!! When i first saw the post i was like:Naaaah, i will try but i am sure it will not work , BUT IT WORKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!O M G THANKS!!!!!!!!!!
Peter Smedley says
on opening gpedit.msc — “Windows cannot find ‘gpedit.msc’ ??