This article addresses a specific issue encountered by users who updated their Windows 11 machines to the April 2024 cumulative update. The problem manifests as the inability to connect to Wi-Fi networks secured with certificate-based 802.1x authentication. This issue seems to affect specific HP Elitebook models (860 G9 and G10) but not others (x360 G2).
Understanding the Problem
802.1x is a security protocol used in Wi-Fi networks for user authentication. It leverages certificates instead of passwords, offering enhanced security. The April 2024 update for Windows 11 appears to have introduced a bug that hinders certificate-based authentication for certain network configurations, particularly on specific HP Elitebook models.
Symptoms:
- Inability to connect to Wi-Fi networks requiring certificate-based 802.1x authentication (after installing the April 2024 update on Windows 11).
- Password-based Wi-Fi connections function normally.
- Error code: 0x80070285
- EAP Reason code: 0x285
- EAP Cause String: Internal Authentication Error
- EAP Error Code: 0x285
Troubleshooting Steps:
Here are several approaches to troubleshoot this issue and potentially regain connectivity to your 802.1x Wi-Fi network:
Verify Network Configuration:
- Ensure your network administrator has provided you with the correct certificate for connecting to the Wi-Fi network.
- Double-check that the certificate is installed correctly on your Windows 11 machine.
- Confirm with your network administrator if any recent network configuration changes might impact compatibility.
Windows Update Management:
- Option A: Uninstall the April 2024 Update (if possible):
- If feasible within your organization’s IT policies, consider temporarily uninstalling the April 2024 update. This might resolve the issue if it’s definitively linked to the update. However, be aware of potential security implications and re-installation of the update at a later date when a fix is available.
- Option B: Defer Updates (if applicable):
- If uninstalling the update isn’t an option, consider deferring further updates for a period to see if Microsoft releases a patch addressing this specific bug.
Network Adapter Driver Updates:
- Visit the HP website and download the latest Wi-Fi network adapter drivers specifically designed for your Elitebook model and compatible with Windows 11. Installing the most recent drivers might resolve compatibility issues introduced by the April 2024 update.
- Group Policy Editor (For Network Administrators):
- (This step requires administrative privileges)
- If you’re a network administrator, explore using Group Policy Editor to configure specific settings for certificate validation on domain-joined machines. Consult relevant Microsoft documentation for detailed guidance on this approach.
Windows Registry Edit (Advanced Users – Proceed with Caution):
- (This step carries potential risks and should only be attempted by advanced users with proper backups)
- A potential workaround involves modifying a specific registry key. However, due to the delicate nature of registry edits, it’s strongly recommended to create a system restore point before proceeding.
- The specific registry key and its value modification might differ based on your system configuration. Refer to trusted tech forums or consult a qualified IT professional for precise instructions on this approach.
Additional Considerations:
- If none of the above solutions work, consider reporting the issue to Microsoft through their official channels. This helps raise awareness and expedite the development of a fix.
- Explore alternative authentication methods supported by your Wi-Fi network (if available). Some networks might offer fallback options like PEAP (Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol) with MS-CHAPv2 for user authentication.
Conclusion
The inability to connect to certificate-based 802.1x Wi-Fi networks on specific HP EliteBook models after the April 2024 update for Windows 11 can be a frustrating issue. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you might be able to regain connectivity. However, the most permanent solution likely lies in a future Windows update from Microsoft that addresses this specific bug.
Note:
This article refrains from including specific registry key modifications or code snippets due to the potential for variations and risks involved. It’s crucial to rely on trustworthy sources and exercise caution when making system modifications.
By following these guidelines and staying updated on potential fixes from Microsoft, you should be able to resolve this issue and regain secure.
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