Event ID: 10036 Distributed COM [Fix]

Uninstall the most recent Windows updates to resolve the issue

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

The event ID 10036 is a Windows server issue whereby as soon as you install Microsoft updates, you’ll notice a spike in this error. It is accompanied by a message that saysthe server-side authentication level policy does not allow the user to activate DCOM server.

From face value, it seems that the updates are the cause behind this error, but as we dig deeper, you’ll find out that it’s more complicated. Let’s have a closer look at what this means.

What is DistributedCOM error 10036?

Distributed COM (DCOM) is an application programming interface that allows software components to communicate over a network.

You may have encountered aproblem while trying to install Windows updatesbecause the updates are corrupt or there are problems with your network configuration settings.

It is why we recommend that you won’t be quick to install updates as soon as they are released.

Now, for the DistributedCOM error 10036, you’ll likely spot it on your Windows server right after installing an update. It further details that the user cannot activate the DCOM server despite being a domain administrator.

You’ll be prompted toraiseactivationauthenticationlevelto make any changes.

This is very strange behavior and could happen due to one of the following reasons:

How do I resolve event ID 10036?

Attempt the following basic checks before any advanced troubleshooting:

1. Uninstall the recent Windows update

Since most of the reports indicate that a patch-related update is causing this issue, uninstalling it should fix the issue, but if it doesn’t, proceed to the next step.

2. Disable Registry key

Since a significant number of users upvoted this as the best solution to resolve the event ID 10036 error, you may have to edit the registry. It appears that Microsoft applied some hardening changes to Windows updates after discovering a vulnerability.

Editing the registry will disable the hardening and possibly eliminate the error. To cushion you against any after-effects, we recommend you quicklybackup your registryorcreate a restore point.

If it doesn’t work out, no damage will be done, and you can revert to your earlier position. You should also keep checking for new updates, as such vulnerabilities that require hardening are usually catastrophic.

You may also run into anotherevent ID 5145 error, so don’t hesitate to check out our guide on how to fix it.

And with that, we sign out here but let us know of any other worthy solution you may have encountered for this error in the comment section below.

Event ID: 10036 Distributed COM [Fix]#

What is DistributedCOM error 10036?#

How do I resolve event ID 10036?#

1. Uninstall the recent Windows update#

2. Disable Registry key#

Event ID: 10036 Distributed COM [Fix]

What is DistributedCOM error 10036?

How do I resolve event ID 10036?

1. Uninstall the recent Windows update

2. Disable Registry key