Using SharePoint Designer 2013, I create and publish a simple custom workflow (2013 platform). I get the following within the error message:

“There was no endpoint listening at net.pipe://localhost/SecurityTokenServiceApplication/appsts.svc that could accept the message.”

Background:

• I am able to browse to http://localhost:32843/SecurityTokenServiceApplication/securitytoken.svc with no issues or errors showing.
• I have installed Worfklow Manager (and update) on a WFE server in a 3 tier setup.
• I am trying to publish this through a domain account which was not used to install, but is still local administrator and Site Collection administrator.
• The net.pipe binding exists in IIS web site for SharePoint Web Services
• Windows Server 2012, installed all WF updates, SP server updates, SP Designer update

Solution:

Windows Services -> Start the Net.Pipe Listener Adapter service

Service Description: Receives activation requests over the net.pipe protocol and passes them to the Windows Process Activation Service.

I just stumbled upon this service by associating the name “Net.Pipe” and the error message containing “There was no endpoint listening at net.pipe://…”

What is “net.pipe”?

“netNamedPipeBinding binding, which provides cross-process communication on the same machine. Named pipes do not work across machines.”