Could not start executor. Provider could not perform the action since the context was acquired as silent

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What causes the UiPath error 'Provider could not perform the action since the context was acquired as silent' (0x80090022)? when triggering a job from Orchestrator.

Issue Description

This error occurs when the UiPath Robot attempts to start an executor but fails due to a silent context acquisition issue. The error is specifically related to smart card authentication and certificate operations in a silent context.

Error Message

"Could not start executor. Provider could not perform the action since the context was acquired as silent. (0x80090022)"

Detailed Error Information

From the UiPath ServiceMode-Robot.log file:

[ERROR] [UiPath.Service.Host] [Session.ISessionProcessLauncher] [24.10.9.0] [runId_0_USERNAME]

StartProcessInMonitoredSession failed. System.Security.Authentication.AuthenticationException: Logon failed for user DOMAIN\USERNAME. Reason: 2148073506=2148073506=0x80090022 : Provider could not perform the action since the context was acquired as silent.

Root Cause

Possible Causes

This error occurs when the UiPath Robot attempts to start an executor but fails due to cryptographic operations being attempted in a silent context. The error code 0x80090022 (NTE_SILENT_CONTEXT) specifically indicates that a cryptographic operation requiring user interaction was attempted in a non-interactive session.

Primary factors

  • Smart card authentication is being used, but cannot be accessed in a silent/non-interactive context
  • Certificate operations are being attempted without the required user interaction capabilities
  • The UiPath Robot service is running in a non-interactive session that conflicts with authentication requirements

Resolution

  1. Verify Smart Card Authentication Configuration
    1. Review the UiPath Orchestrator smart card authentication settings.
    2. Ensure the smart card is properly inserted and recognized by the system.
  2. Check nCipher CSP Status & Configuration
    1. Review the Windows Event Viewer for nCipher CSP related errors.
    2. Look for the error: "ERROR: openkey_set_protection Unable to autoload softcardset in silent mode"
    3. Work with the security team to configure nCipher CSP to allow operations in the required context.
    4. Consider updating or reinstalling nCipher CSP if issues persist.
  3. Review Certificate Status and Accessibility
    1. Ensure all required certificates are present, valid, and accessible in the context where the UiPath Robot service is running.
    2. Use the Certificates MMC snap-in(certmgr.msc), to inspect certificate status and permissions.
    3. Ensure the certificates required for smart card authentication are accessible to the UiPath Robot service account.
  4. Update UiPath Robot
    1. Ensure the latest version of UiPath Robot (24.10.9.0 or newer) is in use.
    2. Check the UiPath Release Notes for any known issues or fixes related to this error.

If the issue persists after attempting the resolution steps above, please contact UiPath Support with: