ERROR_AMBIGUOUS_SYSTEM_DEVICE - 15250 (0x3B92)
The requested system device cannot be identified due to multiple indistinguishable devices potentially matching the identification criteria.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The error code ERROR_AMBIGUOUS_SYSTEM_DEVICE indicates that the system is unable to uniquely identify a requested device due to multiple devices potentially matching the specified criteria. This can occur in scenarios where there are multiple hardware components with similar or identical identifiers, making it impossible for the operating system to determine which specific device is being referenced.
Error Details
The error ERROR_AMBIGUOUS_SYSTEM_DEVICE (15250, 0x3B92) is a generic return code that signifies an issue in identifying a particular hardware component. It suggests that the system has encountered a situation where multiple devices could match the given criteria, leading to ambiguity and preventing the correct device from being selected.
Usage Context
This error can occur in various contexts within the Windows operating system, particularly when dealing with device drivers or hardware configuration. For example, it might be triggered during the initialization of a device driver if the system cannot uniquely identify which specific device is being initialized based on the provided criteria.
Developer Interpretation
Developers should interpret this error as an indication that the specified identification criteria are insufficient to uniquely determine the target device. This could result from incorrect or incomplete input parameters, hardware configurations where multiple devices share similar identifiers, or issues with driver initialization logic. Developers should ensure that their code provides sufficient and unique identifying information for each device to avoid such ambiguities.
Related Errors
ERROR_NO_SUCH_DEVICE(196607, 0x00482F)ERROR_INVALID_PARAMETER(1258, 0x0004FC)ERROR_BAD_DEV_TYPE(1306, 0x00051A)
FAQ
Q: What causes the ERROR_AMBIGUOUS_SYSTEM_DEVICE error?
A: The error occurs when multiple devices match the specified identification criteria, making it impossible for the system to uniquely identify a specific device.
Q: How can I resolve this issue?
A: Ensure that your device drivers and hardware configurations provide unique identifiers. Review and correct any ambiguous or incomplete input parameters in your code.
Summary
The ERROR_AMBIGUOUS_SYSTEM_DEVICE error (15250, 0x3B92) is a generic return code indicating an issue with identifying a specific device due to multiple potential matches. Developers should ensure that their applications provide unique and sufficient identification criteria for each hardware component to avoid such ambiguities.