Windows Security logs record every successful and failed sign-in attempt on your computer. If you open Event Viewer, you may notice events such as Event ID 4625 (Failed Logon), Event ID 4624 (Successful Logon), Event ID 4648, Event ID 4771, or similar authentication-related entries. While these events are normal in many situations, repeated failed logon events may indicate an incorrect password, account lockout, network authentication issues, scheduled tasks using outdated credentials, or even unauthorized attempts to access your computer.
The Event ID 4625 log is generated whenever Windows denies a logon attempt. It doesn’t always mean someone is trying to hack your PC. The failed sign-in could be caused by an application, Windows service, mapped network drive, Remote Desktop connection, or a scheduled task using old login credentials. Understanding the cause of these events is essential before attempting to fix the problem.
This guide explains the best methods to troubleshoot and fix recurring Windows Failed Logon events, including Event IDs 4625, 4624, and related authentication errors in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
What Causes Windows Failed Logon Events?
Windows records authentication activity for security and auditing purposes. A failed logon event is created whenever an authentication request is rejected.
Common causes include:
- Incorrect username or password
- Expired account password
- Disabled or locked user account
- Windows service using outdated credentials
- Scheduled Task with incorrect password
- Remote Desktop authentication failures
- Network share authentication issues
- Microsoft account synchronization problems
- Domain or Active Directory authentication issues
- Unauthorized login attempts
Method 1: Review the Event Details
Before making any changes, examine the Event Viewer log to identify the source of the failed logon. The event details often reveal the account name, logon type, source computer, status code, and process responsible for the authentication attempt.
Understanding these details helps determine whether the event is harmless or requires further investigation.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + X.
- Select Event Viewer.
- Expand Windows Logs.
- Click Security.
- Locate Event ID 4625.
- Double-click the event.
- Review the Account Name, Logon Type, Failure Reason, and Source Network Address.
- Note any recurring usernames or devices.
This information will help identify the cause of the failed logon.
Method 2: Verify Your Password
The most common cause of failed logon events is an incorrect password. A recently changed password may not have been updated in saved credentials or applications.
Ensure that you can successfully sign in using your current password.
Follow these steps:
- Sign out of Windows.
- Sign back in using your current password.
- If using a Microsoft account, verify your password online.
- Update saved passwords if you recently changed them.
- Restart the computer.
If the failed logon events stop, outdated credentials were likely the cause.
Method 3: Check Credential Manager
Windows Credential Manager stores saved usernames and passwords for network resources, applications, and remote connections. Incorrect stored credentials can generate repeated authentication failures.
Removing outdated credentials forces Windows to request updated login information.
Follow these steps:
- Open Control Panel.
- Click Credential Manager.
- Select Windows Credentials.
- Review the saved entries.
- Remove outdated or incorrect credentials.
- Restart the computer.
- Re-enter the correct credentials when prompted.
Monitor Event Viewer to see whether new failed logon events continue.
Method 4: Update Scheduled Tasks
Scheduled Tasks configured to run under a user account may continue attempting to authenticate with an old password after the password has been changed.
Updating the stored credentials resolves these repeated authentication failures.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + R.
- Type taskschd.msc and press Enter.
- Review scheduled tasks.
- Look for tasks running under your user account.
- Open the task properties.
- Update the account password if necessary.
- Save the changes.
- Restart the computer.
Check Event Viewer after the task runs again.
Method 5: Verify Windows Services
Some Windows services use dedicated user accounts instead of the Local System account. If those credentials become outdated, Windows repeatedly logs failed authentication attempts.
Updating the service credentials can eliminate recurring Event ID 4625 entries.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + R.
- Type services.msc.
- Press Enter.
- Double-click the affected service.
- Open the Log On tab.
- Verify the configured account.
- Update the password if required.
- Restart the service.
If the service was causing authentication failures, the events should stop.
Method 6: Check Remote Desktop Connections
Repeated failed Remote Desktop login attempts can generate numerous Event ID 4625 entries, especially if incorrect credentials are used or automated login attempts occur.
Reviewing Remote Desktop settings helps identify whether remote authentication is involved.
Follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Go to System > Remote Desktop.
- Verify whether Remote Desktop is enabled.
- Disable it temporarily if not needed.
- Review recent remote login attempts.
- Restart the computer.
If the failed events stop, Remote Desktop authentication was likely involved.
Method 7: Scan for Malware
Some malware attempts to access user accounts or network resources using invalid credentials, generating repeated failed logon events.
Running a full security scan helps rule out malicious activity.
Follow these steps:
- Open Windows Security.
- Select Virus & threat protection.
- Click Scan options.
- Choose Full scan.
- Click Scan now.
- Wait for the scan to finish.
- Remove any detected threats.
- Restart the computer.
Review Event Viewer again after the scan.
Method 8: Check Account Lockout and Security Policies
Security policies may automatically lock accounts after multiple failed sign-in attempts. Reviewing these settings can help determine whether legitimate users are being locked out unnecessarily.
On managed or domain-joined devices, these settings may be controlled by your administrator.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + R.
- Type secpol.msc and press Enter (available on supported editions).
- Expand Account Policies.
- Select Account Lockout Policy.
- Review the configured lockout settings.
- Verify that they match your organization’s requirements.
- Close the Local Security Policy console.
- Restart the computer if changes were made.
If you’re using a Home edition of Windows, these settings may not be available.
Method 9: Review Domain or Network Authentication
If your computer is connected to a business or school network, failed logon events may originate from domain authentication problems, expired passwords, or Active Directory synchronization issues.
In these cases, the issue is often outside the local computer and requires administrative review.
Follow these steps:
- Verify that the computer is connected to the correct network.
- Confirm that your account password has not expired.
- Sign out and sign back into your account.
- Disconnect and reconnect to the domain or work network if instructed.
- Contact your IT administrator if the problem continues.
- Provide the relevant Event ID numbers and timestamps.
- Allow the administrator to review authentication logs on the server.
This helps identify domain-side authentication problems that cannot be fixed locally.
Conclusion
Windows Failed Logon events such as Event ID 4625 are not always signs of a security breach. In many cases, they are caused by incorrect passwords, outdated saved credentials, scheduled tasks, Windows services, or network authentication problems. Start by reviewing the event details to identify the affected account and logon type, then update saved credentials, scheduled tasks, and services that may still be using old passwords. If Remote Desktop or domain authentication is involved, review those settings or consult your IT administrator. Running a malware scan is also recommended to rule out unauthorized activity. By identifying the source of the failed authentication attempts, you can stop recurring logon errors while maintaining the security of your Windows 11 or Windows 10 system.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does Event ID 4625 mean?
Event ID 4625 indicates that Windows rejected a logon attempt because authentication failed. The failure may be caused by incorrect credentials, disabled accounts, expired passwords, or other authentication issues.
2. Is Event ID 4624 an error?
No. Event ID 4624 records a successful logon and is a normal Windows Security log entry.
3. Should I worry about repeated Event ID 4625 entries?
Repeated failures should be investigated. They may be caused by outdated saved credentials, scheduled tasks, Windows services, Remote Desktop attempts, or unauthorized login attempts.
4. Can malware generate failed logon events?
Yes. Some types of malware or unauthorized software may attempt repeated authentication using invalid credentials, which can generate Event ID 4625 entries in the Security log.
