Unable to start Kestrel. Internal.Cryptography.CryptoThrowHelper+WindowsCryptographicException: Cannot find the requested object. at Internal.Cryptography.Pal.CertificatePal.FromBlobOrFile(ReadOnlySpan`1 rawData, String fileName, SafePasswordHandle password, X509KeyStorageFlags keyStorageFlags)

Unable to start Kestrel. Internal.Cryptography.CryptoThrowHelper+WindowsCryptographicException: Cannot find the requested object. at Internal.Cryptography.Pal.CertificatePal.FromBlobOrFile(ReadOnlySpan`1 rawData, String fileName, SafePasswordHandle password, X509KeyStorageFlags keyStorageFlags)

Introduction

Kestrel is a popular open-source web server that is used for hosting websites and web applications. It is known for its high performance, scalability, and flexibility. However, sometimes users may encounter issues while starting Kestrel, such as the "Internal.Cryptography.CryptoThrowHelper+WindowsCryptographicException Cannot find the requested object" error. In this blog post, we will explore the causes of this error and provide solutions to help you resolve it.

What is WindowsCryptographicException?

The WindowsCryptographicException is a type of exception that is thrown when there is an issue with the Windows Cryptography API. This API provides cryptographic services for Windows operating systems, including encryption, decryption, hashing, and digital signatures. The WindowsCryptographicException can be caused by a variety of issues, such as missing or corrupted cryptographic components, incorrect configuration settings, or compatibility issues with other software.

Causes of the "Internal.Cryptography.CryptoThrowHelper+WindowsCryptographicException Cannot find the requested object" error

There are several possible causes of this error when starting Kestrel. Some of the most common causes include

1. Missing or corrupted cryptographic components
The Windows Cryptography API requires certain cryptographic components to be installed and configured properly in order to function correctly. If these components are missing or corrupted, you may encounter the "Internal.Cryptography.CryptoThrowHelper+WindowsCryptographicException Cannot find the requested object" error when starting Kestrel.

2. Incorrect configuration settings
The Windows Cryptography API has several configuration options that must be set correctly in order for it to work properly. If these settings are incorrect, you may encounter the "Internal.Cryptography.CryptoThrowHelper+WindowsCryptographicException Cannot find the requested object" error when starting Kestrel.

3. Compatibility issues with other software
The Windows Cryptography API may not be compatible with certain other software that is installed on your system. If you are using software that conflicts with the Windows Cryptography API, you may encounter the "Internal.Cryptography.CryptoThrowHelper+WindowsCryptographicException Cannot find the requested object" error when starting Kestrel.

Solutions to resolve the "Internal.Cryptography.CryptoThrowHelper+WindowsCryptographicException Cannot find the requested object" error

There are several solutions that you can try to resolve the "Internal.Cryptography.CryptoThrowHelper+WindowsCryptographicException Cannot find the requested object" error when starting Kestrel. Some of the most effective solutions include

1. Check for missing or corrupted cryptographic components
The first step in resolving this error is to check for any missing or corrupted cryptographic components on your system. You can do this by running the "cryptohostinfo" command in an elevated command prompt and checking for any errors or warnings that are displayed. If you find any issues, you may need to install or repair the affected components.

2. Check configuration settings
The next step is to check your Windows Cryptography API configuration settings to ensure that they are set correctly. You can do this by opening the "Local Group Policy Editor" and navigating to the "Computer Configuration" > "Administrative Templates" > "Cryptography" > "Windows Cryptography" section. Here, you can review and adjust the relevant settings as needed.

3. Check for compatibility issues
If you are using software that conflicts with the Windows Cryptography API, you may need to resolve these issues before starting Kestrel. This could involve uninstalling or disabling conflicting software, or updating it to a version that is compatible with the Windows Cryptography API.

4. Repair the Windows Cryptography API
If none of the above solutions work, you may need to repair the Windows Cryptography API itself. You can do this by running the "cryptosrv.msc" tool in an elevated command prompt and selecting the affected cryptographic component(s). From here, you can choose to repair or reinstall the component(s) as needed.

Conclusion

The "Internal.Cryptography.CryptoThrowHelper+WindowsCryptographicException Cannot find the requested object" error can be a frustrating issue for Kestrel users. However, by following the solutions outlined in this blog post, you should be able to resolve the issue and start your web server successfully. Remember to always check for missing or corrupted cryptographic components, review configuration settings, check for compatibility issues, and repair the Windows Cryptography API if necessary. With these steps in mind, you can ensure that your Kestrel server