How to Fix Windows Cryptographic Services Error (Object Was Not Found) – Error Code 2148073489

If you are getting the following error while logging into Windows applications or user accounts:

The Windows Cryptographic Service Provider reported an error:
Object was not found.
Error Code: 2148073489

This issue usually happens because of corrupted cryptographic keys, damaged user profiles, missing certificates, or Windows crypto service problems.

Common Symptoms

• User login not working
• Application authentication failure
• Certificate-related errors
• Works properly on Administrator account only
• Outlook or Office login issues
• Cryptographic Services error popup

Main Cause

In most cases, the user cryptographic profile becomes corrupted. Windows cannot access the required encryption keys or certificates.

Solution 1: Reset User Cryptographic Profile

Step 1: Login with Administrator Account

Login using a local administrator or domain admin account.

Step 2: Rename Crypto Folder

Navigate to:

 C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Crypto 

Rename:

 Crypto → Crypto_old 

Or rename only:

 C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Crypto\RSA 

to:

 RSA_old 

Step 3: Rename Protect Folder

Go to:

 C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Protect 

Rename:

 Protect → Protect_old 

Step 4: Restart Cryptographic Services

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

 net stop cryptsvc net start cryptsvc 

Step 5: Restart Computer

After reboot, login with the affected user account again.

Windows will automatically recreate fresh cryptographic keys and folders.

Solution 2: Run System File Checker

Open CMD as Administrator:

 sfc /scannow 

Then run:

 DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth 

Solution 3: Check Date and Time

Incorrect system date or time can also cause certificate and cryptographic errors.

• Right-click date and time
• Select Adjust Date/Time
• Enable automatic time synchronization

Solution 4: Create New User Profile

If the issue still exists only for one user account, create a new Windows profile and migrate user data.

Important Notes

• Do not delete BitLocker keys
• Backup important certificates before changes
• Check antivirus or DLP software restrictions
• Ensure Windows updates are installed

Conclusion

Error Code 2148073489 is commonly related to corrupted user cryptographic data. Resetting the user crypto profile usually resolves the issue quickly. If the problem continues, creating a new Windows user profile is the best permanent solution.