How To Resolve the “Cryptographic Services Failed While Processing” Error in Windows 11

The infamous “Cryptographic Services failed while processing the OnIdentity() call in the System Writer Object” error pops up a lot in Windows event logs. At first glance, it sounds pretty serious, but quite often, it’s just due to permission hiccups messing with the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS).Sure, it might not crash your backups immediately, but over time, these permission issues could lead to security risks or system bugs. This isn’t a quick “restart and forget, ” so understanding how to tweak permissions, fix driver issues, and check system settings can help stop it from snowballing.

How to Fix the Cryptographic Services Permission Errors in Windows

Method 1: Fix Permissions on the mslldp.sys Driver

Usually, incorrect permissions on the mslldp.sys driver trigger this error. Because this driver’s permissions are critical for network discovery and other functions, if they’re wrong, VSS can get confused. This fix works if the error points toward that driver, especially in event logs.

Here’s the lowdown:

• Run Command Prompt as administrator: Hit Windows key + X and pick Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin). You need admin rights for all these fancy permission changes.
• Check current security settings: Type sc sdshow mslldp. Save that output somewhere safe — just copy and paste into a text file. On one setup it works fine, on another it might be totally different.
• Update the security descriptor: Normally, it looks something like S-1-5-...; But if permissions are weak, try adding (A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;SU). You’ll have to tweak the string, so a sample method is to find the existing string and append this after the existing permissions, just before the S: section.
• Apply the new descriptor: Use sc sdset mslldp [YourModifiedDescriptor], replacing [YourModifiedDescriptor] with your new string. If you mess up the string, the driver might be inaccessible, so be cautious.
• Verify permissions: Download accesschk.exe from Sysinternals, then run accesschk.exe -c mslldp. Check if R NT AUTHORITY\SERVICE shows up under permissions; that means the driver can now be accessed properly.

Sometimes, Windows is weird about permissions, so expect a restart or two to see changes really take effect. Also, some say this fix needs to be reapplied after Windows updates, so keep an eye out.

Method 2: Fix Permissions on Key System Folders

When VSS throws errors, it might be because it can’t properly access certain system directories. These directories are critical for shadow copying and cryptographic functions. Fixing their permissions often clears up the errors.

Best approach? Take ownership and set permissions manually:

• Open Command Prompt as admin: Same as above, Win + X then select Windows Terminal (Admin)

takeown /f "%windir%\winsxs\temp\PendingRenames" /a icacls "%windir%\winsxs\temp\PendingRenames" /grant "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM:(RX)" icacls "%windir%\winsxs\temp\PendingRenames" /grant "NT SERVICE\TrustedInstaller:(F)" icacls "%windir%\winsxs\temp\PendingRenames" /grant "BUILTIN\Users:(RX)" takeown /f "%windir%\winsxs\filemaps" /a icacls "%windir%\winsxs\filemaps\*" /grant "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM:(RX)" icacls "%windir%\winsxs\filemaps\*" /grant "NT SERVICE\TrustedInstaller:(F)" icacls "%windir%\winsxs\filemaps\*" /grant "BUILTIN\Users:(RX)"

This might feel a little heavy-handed, but these directories are often the root of the permission screwups. After doing this, restart the cryptographic service:

• Stop and restart cryptsvc: Run net stop cryptsvc then net start cryptsvc

Finally, check the VSS system writer:

• List VSS writers: Run vssadmin list writers. Look for “System Writer” — if its state says “[1] Stable, ” you’re in the clear. If not, give it more time or troubleshoot further.

Method 3: Tweak Group Policies, Security Software, and Windows Updates

Sometimes, third-party security tools or group policy settings block the actions needed for VSS and cryptographic services. These can cause the error even if your permissions look okay.

Here’s what to do:

1. Review Group Policies: Search for gpedit.msc, then check any policies under Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings that control account permissions or service restrictions.
2. Disable security software temporarily: Security suites can interfere with system services. Try disabling them briefly to see if the error clears up. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
3. Make sure Windows is fully up-to-date: Go to Settings > Windows Update and install any pending updates. Sometimes, bugs are fixed in newer builds that resolve these cryptographic issues.

Wrap-up

Permission problems are a heavy part of why these cryptographic errors happen. Fixing driver permissions, adjusting system folder access, and making sure nothing’s blocking service operations helps a lot. The process isn’t magic, and sometimes it feels like trial-and-error, but these steps have helped plenty of folks regain stability and get VSS working without throwing errors.

Summary

• Check and fix permissions on mslldp.sys driver
• Take ownership and set permissions on critical system directories
• Review group policies and disable interfering security software
• Ensure Windows is up-to-date

Fingers crossed this helps

Hopefully, this shaves off a few hours of frustration. Fixing permission issues can be a pain, but at least it’s usually the root cause. On some machines, a reboot or two is enough to solidify everything, while others might need a little more finesse. Good luck troubleshooting this mess — it’s worth it once everything’s running smoothly again.