Fix WinRM Error 2150858770 On Windows Server 2012

Aug 8, 2025 by ADMIN 50 views

WinRM Fails with Error 2150858770: A Comprehensive Guide

Hey guys! Ever faced the frustrating WinRM error 2150858770 while trying to manage your Windows Server 2012? It's a real head-scratcher, especially when things seem to work fine through PowerShell but go haywire with Server Manager. Let's dive into the depths of this issue, explore potential causes, and arm you with effective solutions. Trust me; by the end of this guide, you'll be well-equipped to tackle this beast!

Understanding the Error

At its core, the WinRM (Windows Remote Management) service allows administrators to execute commands remotely. Error 2150858770 typically indicates that something is amiss with the WinRM configuration or its ability to communicate properly. But why does it sometimes manifest only when using the Server Manager? Well, Server Manager relies heavily on WinRM to install features and roles. When it hangs on "Starting Installation," it suggests that the initial WinRM handshake is failing. This could stem from a variety of reasons, including incorrect configuration, network issues, or even corrupted system files. Understanding the root cause is the first step towards resolution.

Common Causes

Several factors can trigger this error:

Incorrect WinRM Configuration: WinRM might not be configured correctly to accept remote connections. This includes settings like the allowed hosts, authentication methods, and listening ports. A misconfigured WinRM can effectively block Server Manager from initiating installations, even if PowerShell seems to work via different routes.
Network Connectivity Issues: If the server cannot communicate properly with the domain or other necessary resources, WinRM operations can fail. Firewalls, DNS resolution problems, or even basic network cable issues can disrupt WinRM's ability to function correctly.
Firewall Interference: The Windows Firewall (or any other firewall) might be blocking the WinRM ports (typically 5985 for HTTP and 5986 for HTTPS). Even if WinRM is correctly configured, a restrictive firewall can prevent the necessary communication, leading to the error.
Corrupted System Files: System file corruption can sometimes lead to erratic behavior in core services like WinRM. Corrupted files can disrupt normal operations and throw unexpected errors, including the dreaded 2150858770.
Group Policy Conflicts: Group Policies can sometimes override local WinRM settings, leading to conflicts and unexpected behavior. If a GPO is enforcing specific WinRM configurations that are incompatible with your setup, you might encounter this error.

Diagnosing the Issue

Before jumping into solutions, let’s arm ourselves with some diagnostic tools to pinpoint the exact cause. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Check WinRM Configuration

First off, let's ensure WinRM is configured correctly. Open a command prompt as an administrator and run the following command:

winrm quickconfig

This command performs basic WinRM configuration. If it reports any errors, address them accordingly. Next, check the WinRM configuration settings using:

winrm get winrm/config

Review the output, paying close attention to settings like MaxTimeoutms, MaxEnvelopeSizekb, and AllowUnencrypted. Ensure these values are appropriate for your environment.

2. Test Network Connectivity

Verify that the server can communicate with the necessary resources. Use ping to test basic network connectivity to the domain controller and other servers. Also, check DNS resolution using nslookup. If DNS is not resolving correctly, WinRM operations will likely fail.

3. Examine Firewall Settings

Ensure that the Windows Firewall (or any other firewall) is not blocking WinRM traffic. The default WinRM ports are 5985 (HTTP) and 5986 (HTTPS). You can check the firewall rules using the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security console or via PowerShell:

Get-NetFirewallRule -Name "WINRM-*"

If the rules are missing or misconfigured, create new rules to allow WinRM traffic.

4. Check Event Logs

Dive into the Event Logs to uncover any related errors. Check the Application and System logs for WinRM-related events. These logs often contain valuable clues about the cause of the error.

5. Use WinRM Troubleshooting Tools

WinRM provides some built-in troubleshooting tools. Try using the winrm enumerate command to test WinRM connectivity to a remote server:

winrm enumerate winrm/config -remote:your_remote_server

Replace your_remote_server with the name of the server you are trying to manage. If this command fails, it indicates a problem with WinRM connectivity to that specific server.

Solutions to Fix WinRM Error 2150858770

Alright, now that we've diagnosed the potential causes, let's get down to brass tacks and explore the solutions. Here are several approaches you can take to resolve the WinRM error:

1. Reconfigure WinRM

Sometimes, a simple reconfiguration can do the trick. Use the following commands to reset WinRM to its default settings:

winrm configsdcl
winrm quickconfig

After running these commands, restart the WinRM service:

Restart-Service WinRM

This can often resolve issues caused by misconfigured settings. Ensure that the WinRM service is running under an account that has the appropriate permissions.

2. Adjust Firewall Settings

Ensure that the Windows Firewall is configured to allow WinRM traffic. You can do this through the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security console or via PowerShell. Create inbound and outbound rules for ports 5985 (HTTP) and 5986 (HTTPS). A properly configured firewall is crucial for seamless WinRM communication. Pay special attention to the allowed profiles (Domain, Private, Public) and ensure they align with your network configuration.

3. Repair Corrupted System Files

Corrupted system files can wreak havoc on WinRM. Use the System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan for and repair any corrupted files:

sfc /scannow

This command scans all protected system files and replaces corrupted files with a cached copy. After the scan completes, restart the server.

4. Check Group Policy Settings

Group Policy settings can sometimes override local WinRM configurations. Use the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) to review any GPOs that apply to the server. Look for settings related to WinRM and ensure they are not conflicting with your desired configuration. If you find conflicting settings, either modify the GPO or create an exception for the server.

5. Increase WinRM Timeouts

In some cases, the default WinRM timeouts might be too short, especially when installing features on a busy server. Increase the WinRM timeouts using the following commands:

winrm set winrm/config @{MaxTimeoutms = "1800000"}
winrm set winrm/config/service @{MaxConcurrentOperations = "4294967295"}
winrm set winrm/config/service @{MaxSessions = "4294967295"}
winrm set winrm/config/service @{MaxOperationsPerSession = "4294967295"}

These commands increase the maximum timeout to 30 minutes (1800000 milliseconds) and set high values for concurrent operations and sessions. After adjusting the timeouts, restart the WinRM service.

6. Check Authentication Settings

Authentication issues can also cause WinRM errors. Ensure that the authentication settings are correctly configured. You can check the authentication settings using the following command:

winrm get winrm/config/service/auth

Verify that the authentication methods are appropriate for your environment. For example, if you are using Kerberos, ensure that the server is properly joined to the domain and that Kerberos authentication is working correctly. You may also need to enable CredSSP if you are managing remote servers that are not in the same domain.

7. Review Event Logs for Clues

Dive into the Event Logs to uncover any related errors. The Application and System logs often contain valuable clues about the cause of the WinRM issue. Filter the logs for WinRM-related events and look for any error messages or warnings that might provide insights into the problem.

8. Ensure Correct SPNs

Service Principal Names (SPNs) are crucial for Kerberos authentication. If the SPNs are not correctly registered, Kerberos authentication can fail, leading to WinRM errors. Use the setspn command to manage SPNs. For example, to register an SPN for the WinRM service, you can use the following command:

setspn -s HTTP/your_server_name your_server_account

Replace your_server_name with the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) of the server and your_server_account with the account under which the WinRM service is running.

9. Update Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupted network drivers can sometimes cause connectivity issues that affect WinRM. Ensure that the network drivers are up to date. Download the latest drivers from the manufacturer's website and install them on the server.

10. Consult Microsoft Support

If all else fails, don't hesitate to reach out to Microsoft Support. They have a wealth of knowledge and resources to help you troubleshoot complex WinRM issues.

Preventing Future Issues

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to help prevent WinRM errors in the future:

Regularly Monitor WinRM: Keep an eye on the WinRM service and related event logs to catch any potential issues early.
Keep Systems Updated: Ensure that your servers are up to date with the latest security patches and updates.
Proper Network Configuration: Maintain a well-configured and stable network environment.
Document Configurations: Keep detailed records of your WinRM configurations and any changes you make.

Conclusion

Dealing with WinRM error 2150858770 can be a daunting task, but with a systematic approach, you can conquer it. By understanding the common causes, diagnosing the issue, and applying the appropriate solutions, you can restore WinRM functionality and keep your Windows Server 2012 running smoothly. Remember to stay proactive, monitor your systems, and keep your configurations in check. Happy administering, folks!