Resolving IDCRL Error in PowerShell

Introduction

Recently, I encountered a perplexing error while testing a background PowerShell script: "Identity client runtime library (IDCRL) did not get a response from the login server". This error can be quite misleading and challenging to diagnose.

After conducting extensive research, I identified several potential causes and solutions for this issue.

Probable Causes

  • Invalid Credentials
  • MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication)
  • Manage Security Defaults

Solutions
 

Invalid Credentials

Ensure that your credentials are correct, especially if you are using variables in your script. Double-check your username and password for any typos or errors.

MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication)

If MFA is enabled on the account you are using, it may interfere with background PowerShell scripts. To disable MFA for the user:

  1. Go to the Microsoft 365 admin center.
  2. Navigate to Users > Active users.
  3. Select the user and click on Manage multifactor authentication.
  4. Select the user again and choose Disable multi-factor authentication.
    MFA
    Factor

Manage Security Defaults

If your tenant was created on or after October 22, 2019, security defaults may be enabled. Security defaults are designed to protect users but can cause issues with background jobs.

To disable security defaults.

  1. Sign in to the Azure portal as a security administrator, Conditional Access administrator, or global administrator.
  2. Navigate to Azure Active Directory > Properties.
  3. Select Manage security defaults.
  4. Set Security defaults to Disabled.
  5. Click Save.
    Save

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the "Identity client runtime library (IDCRL) did not get a response from the login server" error in your PowerShell scripts. If you continue to experience issues, further investigation into your specific environment and configurations may be necessary.

Conclusion

Resolving the "Identity client runtime library (IDCRL) did not get a response from the login server" error in PowerShell requires careful consideration of authentication settings and security configurations within your Microsoft 365 environment.

By addressing potential issues such as invalid credentials, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) settings, and managing security defaults, you can ensure that your PowerShell scripts run smoothly without encountering authentication errors.

Remember to regularly review and adjust security settings based on your organization's needs to maintain a balance between security and operational efficiency.

Implementing these solutions will help you effectively manage and troubleshoot PowerShell scripts, ensuring reliable performance in your IT operations.

Happy scripting!

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