# Could not start MFA process

When setting up MFA in Defguard, you may see the following error in the desktop client after entering the code: **"Could not start MFA process"**.

The client debug logs may also show:

```
Failed to deserialize the JSON body into the target type: code: invalid type: string "005325", expected u32 at line 1 column 268.
```

This error means one or more components are running an outdated version that is incompatible with the current API contract. Check and update the following:

* Defguard core
* Defguard Edge Component
* Desktop client application

All three must be on compatible versions. Update them to the latest stable releases and retry.

Download links: <https://defguard.net/download/>


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.defguard.net/support-1/troubleshooting-guides/desktop-client/could-not-start-mfa-process.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
