Status Bad Impersonation Level in Edge: How to Fix it

Performing a system restore will do the trick!

Browsers » Edge

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by Vladimir Popescu 

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Key notes

  • The STATUS_BAD_IMPERSONATION_LEVEL error primarily affects Microsoft Edge but other operations too may be impacted.
  • As per reports, a bug in a newer version of Windows triggered the error.
  • To fix things, update the OS or perform a system restore, amongst other solutions. 
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A wide number of users have reported seeing the error message STATUS_BAD_IMPERSONATION_LEVEL on Microsoft Edge and while performing operations in Windows 10 after installing the latest OS updates.

This error seems to affect users of Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Server 2008 R2, and Windows Server 2012 as well. In these cases, the error stops Windows from booting up normally.

It seems that the issue might be caused by a conflict between Windows’ latest patches and some antivirus software installed on their PC. So, let’s head directly to the solutions!

How can I fix the STATUS_BAD_IMPERSONATION_LEVEL error?

1. Check Windows Update for any new patches

  1. Click on the Start button, type in Update, and select the Check for updates option.Windows update - Status bad impersonation level
  2. If any updates are available, they’ll be downloaded automatically.
  3. Once the updates are downloaded, restart your PC to install them.

A quick fix for STATUS_BAD_IMPERSONATION_LEVEL in Edge is to install the latest updates. Since the problem was triggered by a bug, a patch for it will be released in the later versions.

2. Restore your PC back to the version before installing the April patch

  1. Click on the Start button, type System Restore, and press Enter.
  2. Click on System Restore.System restore - Status bad impersonation level
  3. Select Choose a different restore point, and click Next.choose a different restore point
  4. Find a restore point created before the latest patch update, select it, and then follow the on-screen instructions to restore your PC to the previous backup.

If you keep getting the Status_Bad_Impersonation_Level (0xc00000a5) error in Windows, performing a system restore works best. And it doesn’t affect the personal files stored on the PC.

3. Uninstall the conflicting antivirus software

  1. Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and select Apps & Features.
  2. Select your antivirus and click Uninstall.uninstalling antivirus software - status bad impersonation level
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions and delete the software.
  4. Restart your PC.
  5. Check to see if the issue is resolved.

Users reported this problem with Sophos, Avast, or ArcaBit, so if you’re using any of these, be sure to uninstall the application.

In this article, we explored some of the best methods to try and solve the STATUS_BAD_IMPERSONATION_LEVEL error. And you should have Microsoft Edge up and running now!

Before you leave, do check some quick tips to increase the Internet speed in Windows.

Feel free to let us know if this guide helped you solve your issue by using the comment section below.

More about the topics: Microsoft Edge issues, windows 10

Vladimir Popescu

Vladimir Popescu Shield

Being an artist his entire life while also playing handball at a professional level, Vladimir has also developed a passion for all things computer-related. With an innate fascination for research and analysis, and realizing many other people share his passion for this subject, he delved into writing Windows-related articles, so other people can also benefit from the acquired information. When not writing kick-ass articles, Vladimir likes to spend his time doing Crossfit and creating art.

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