⚠️ 2 verified solutions available for Error 1264 — Last updated 2026-03-13
Error 1264 📋

Fix ERROR_DOWNGRADE_DETECTED — Windows Error Code 1264

Error 1264 (ERROR_DOWNGRADE_DETECTED) is a Windows Configuration error that occurs when the kerberos protocol encountered an error while attempting to utilize the smartcard subsystem.. This guide provides step-by-step solutions to resolve this issue.

🏷️ Code: 1264 📛 ERROR_DOWNGRADE_DETECTED 📅 Updated: 2026-03-13 ⏱️ 2 Solutions

🎮 Common Scenario: Are you experiencing Error 1264 while launching or installing Photoshop? The solutions below directly address the system interactions specific to this application.

⚡ Quick Fix

Restore Registry from Backup: Press Win+R, type rstrui.exe, press Enter

👇 See all 2 solutions below

The Ultimate Auto-Fix Script

Download our advanced, custom-built Smart Diagnostic Script (.bat). It safely creates a System Restore Point, applies targeted fixes based on advanced diagnostics for Error 1264, and generates a detailed HTML repair report.

✓ Safe & Verified ✓ Restore Point Protected ✓ HTML Report Included
⚠️
CRITICAL INSTRUCTION: Once downloaded, you MUST right-click the file and select "Run as Administrator". If opened normally, it will not function.
📑 Table of Contents
What is Error 1264? Common Causes Step-by-Step Solutions Prevention Tips Related Errors

💡 What is Error 1264?

Windows System Error Code 1264, known as ERROR_DOWNGRADE_DETECTED, is a Configuration error that occurs during system configuration and registry. The error indicates that: The Kerberos protocol encountered an error while attempting to utilize the smartcard subsystem. When this error is encountered, the Windows operating system was unable to complete the requested operation within the configuration management subsystem. The error code 1264 is returned by the GetLastError() function and provides developers with a specific identifier to diagnose the root cause of the failure. The symbolic name ERROR_DOWNGRADE_DETECTED maps directly to this numeric code and is commonly referenced in Microsoft documentation, developer forums, and system logs. Understanding this error and its context within system configuration and registry is essential for effective troubleshooting.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • Registry entries are corrupted
  • Config files are missing or malformed
  • A recent update changed system settings
  • Software version incompatibility
📚 Comprehensive Guide

Advanced Network Troubleshooting: DNS Flushes, Winsock Resets, and Adapter Fixes

The ultimate encyclopedia on resolving Windows network stack failures, TCP/IP corruption, Winsock errors, and DNS cache poisoning.

Read the full guide →

✅ Step-by-Step Solutions

1 Restore Registry from Backup
  1. Press Win+R, type rstrui.exe, press Enter
  2. Select a restore point before Error 1264 (ERROR_DOWNGRADE_DETECTED) started
  3. Follow the wizard to restore system configuration
  4. Restart your computer
Advertisement
[AdSense In-Article Ad Generator]
Show Advanced Solutions (1 more)
2 Reset Application Settings
  1. Open Settings → Apps → Apps & Features
  2. Find the app → Advanced options → Reset
  3. This restores default configuration without uninstalling

🎬 Video Tutorials

▶️ Watch Video Tutorials
How To Fix Windows Configuration Error
Open on YouTube →

💻 Diagnostic Command

Run this PowerShell command to find related events in your system log:

Get-EventLog -LogName System -Newest 20 | Where-Object {$_.Message -like "*1264*" -or $_.Message -like "*ERROR_DOWNGRADE_DETECTED*"} | Format-List

💡 Open PowerShell as Administrator, paste the command above, and press Enter.

🛡️ Prevention Tips

  • Back up registry before editing
  • Use built-in tools, not manual edits
  • Document all system configuration changes
Was this helpful?
Last updated: 2026-03-13
📖
Based on Official Microsoft Documentation
Solutions Tested on Windows 10 & 11
Error codes sourced from Microsoft Win32 SDK. Updated 2026-03-13.
🔧 Diagnose Your Error