There Are Currently No Logon Servers Available [Server 2016]

What Does “No Logon Servers Available” Mean in Windows Server 2016?

The error “No logon servers available to service the logon request” in Windows Server 2016 indicates that the system is unable to contact a Domain Controller (DC) to authenticate a user. Since domain authentication is required for most corporate environments, this failure can block users from logging in, accessing network resources, applying Group Policy, or mounting shared drives.

This error is not a simple login issue. It signals a breakdown somewhere in the Active Directory authentication chain, which may involve DNS, network connectivity, time synchronization, or trust relationships between the client and the domain. This commonly occurs when:

How to Fix “No Logon Servers Available” in Server 2016 (7 Methods)

When this error occurs, the objective is to restore the authentication path between the client and the domain controller. These methods repair a specific layer of the domain logon process.

Fix 1: Verify Domain Controller Availability

This method confirms your system can locate and communicate with a functioning domain controller, which is required for any domain authentication.

Step 1. Type cmd in the Start menu and select Run as administrator.

Step 2. In the Command Prompt window, type nltest /dsgetdc:yourdomain.local to find a working domain controller.

Step 3. Type ping dc01.yourdomain.local to test connectivity to the domain controller.

If no domain controller is found or the ping fails, fix the network (ping IP address) or DC availability before continuing.

Fix 2: Check and Repair DNS Settings

DNS is the foundation of Active Directory. Incorrect DNS settings are the most common cause of the “no logon servers available”error.

Step 1. Open Network Connections. Then, right-click the network adapter and select Properties.

Step 2. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4).

Step 3. In the Properties window, set Preferred DNS server to the IP address of your domain controller.

Step 4. Remove any public DNS servers (8.8.8.8, 1.1.1.1, etc.).

Step 5. Open CMD as administrator. Type the ipconfig commands to flush and re-register DNS.

• ipconfig /flushdns
• ipconfig /registerdns

Step 6. Then, type nslook command to verify DNS resolution.

nslookup yourdomain.local

Fix 3: Reset Secure Channel using NLTEST

A broken trust relationship (e.g., after system restore, improper cloning, etc) prevents the computer from authenticating even when the network and domain controllers are functioning normally.

Step 1. Run CMD as administrator. In the Command Prompt window, type the nltest command to verifythe secure channel.

nltest /sc_verify:yourdomain.local

Step 2. If verification fails, reset the secure channel and restart the PC.

nltest /sc_reset:yourdomain.local

Fix 4: Sync System Time and Kerberos Authentication

Kerberos authentication fails if the system time differs from the domain controller, blocking all logon attempts.

Step 1. Run CMD as administrator. Type w32tm /query /status to check the current time status.

Step 2. Then, type w32tm /resync to resynchronize with the domain time source.

Step 3. Type net start w32time to ensure the Windows Time service is running.

Fix 5: Restart Critical Network and AD Services

These services handle authentication, DNS queries, and network identity. Restarting them clears stalled states and restores connectivity.

Step 1. Run CMD as administrator.

Step 2. Then, type the following commands to restart critical network and AD services:

• For Netlogon service: net stop netlogon && net start netlogon
• For DNS Client service: net stop dnscache && net start dnscache
• For Workstation service: net stop workstation && net start workstation

Step 3. Reboot the server and attempt login again.

Fix 6: Check Event Viewer and Netlogon Logs

Event Viewerand Netlogon logs reveal exactly where the authentication process is breaking down. Go ahead and check them now!

Step 1. Open Event Viewer. Then, navigate to Windows Logs >System, or Security subsequently. Look for errors from:

• Netlogo
• Kerberos
• GroupPolicy
• LSA (Local Security Authority)

Step 2. Open CMD as administrator. Enable detailed Netlogon logging, type:

nltest /dbflag:2080ffff

Step 3. Reproduce the logon failure, then open:

C:\Windows\debug\netlogon.log

This log provides granular insight into domain controller discovery, secure channel negotiation, and credential verification. Disable logging afterward:

nltest /dbflag:0x0

#7: Rejoin the Domain Safely without Data Loss

When trust repair fails, rebuilding the computer’s domain identity is the most reliable and permanent solution. It refreshes the machine account, regenerates security identifiers, and restores a clean authentication channel -all without affecting user files, installed applications, or server roles.

Step 1. On the login screen, select Other User and type the local admin credentials.

Step 2. Open the System Properties window. Under the Computer Name tab, click Change… to switch to a workgroup.

• In the Member of section, select Workgroup.
• Enter a temporary workgroup name, e.g., WORKGROUP, and click OK. Enter the domain credentials when prompted.

Step 3. Restart the server and log back in using the local administrator account.

Step 4. Rejoin your domain in the System Properties window. You need to enter the domain name and credentials.

Step 5. Restart once more and sign in with domain credentials.

Backup Critical Files in Server 2016 to Prevent Any Loss

Even if you receive the “there are currently no logon servers available to service the logon request” error, you still can log into  Windows Server 2016 with a local admin account and access your files, usually under C:\Users\.

If you don’t want to lose data due to improper repair, it’s suggested to back up any critical files beforehand. AOMEI Backupper Server is a reliable server backup software that can help you, even enabling continuous backups.

Step 1. Open AOMEI Backupper after installing. Then, go to Backup > File Backup.

Step 2. Click Select Source > Add File/Folder to browse and select files and folders. Then, click the PC icon to add a destination.

⚠️Notes:
◾ Click Add Source to add two or more folders.
◾ Click Local Drive, Network Share, etc., to add a new location. Or select an existing location (if it exists).

Step 3. Confirm the backup settings and click Start Backup.

For continuous data protection, you can enable schedule backup and combine it with multiple fast, space-saving features

• Schedule: Include Daily, Weekly, Monthly (By date), Event triggers, etc., up to 7 options available.
• Incremental backup or differential backup: Backup only changed files, saving significant space and time, especially over the long term.
• Compression: Use Normal compression by default. Alternatively, switch to High compression to reduce image file size.
• Enable automatic backup cleanup to delete old backups automatically.

Conclusion

This article describes possible reasons and 7 solutions to fix no logon servers available issues through the entire process. Don’t forget to backup critical files before repairs to prevent any loss. Reliable server backup software - AOMEI Backupper Server is recommended for a clean design and robust features.