ERROR_BAD_IMPERSONATION_LEVEL - 1346 (0x542)
Either a required impersonation level was not provided, or the provided impersonation level is invalid.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The ERROR_BAD_IMPERSONATION_LEVEL error code indicates that a required impersonation level was not provided, or the provided impersonation level is invalid. This error typically occurs in scenarios where an application attempts to perform operations requiring specific security contexts, but the necessary impersonation level is missing or incorrect.
Error Details
This error can be encountered when:
- An API call requires a specific impersonation level for security reasons.
- The caller does not have the appropriate permissions or context to execute the operation.
The impersonation level determines how much of the calling process's security context is passed to the called function. Common levels include SecurityImpersonation, DelegateImpersonation, and PrimaryToken.
Usage Context
This error can occur in various contexts, such as:
- File system operations requiring elevated permissions.
- Network operations where specific impersonation levels are required for authentication or authorization.
- Security-sensitive API calls that require a specific token level to be set.
Developer Interpretation
When encountering this error, developers should ensure the following:
- The correct impersonation level is provided when making API calls requiring security context.
- The calling process has sufficient permissions and tokens to perform the required operation.
- The operation's context matches the expected security requirements.
Related Errors
ERROR_INVALID_PARAMETER: Occurs if a parameter passed to an API call is invalid or incorrect.ERROR_ACCESS_DENIED: Indicates that access was denied due to insufficient privileges, which might be related but not directly caused by impersonation issues.
FAQ
Q: What does the ERROR_BAD_IMPERSONATION_LEVEL error mean?
A: It indicates that a required impersonation level was not provided or is invalid for the operation being performed.
Q: How can I resolve this issue?
A: Ensure that the correct impersonation level is set and that the calling process has sufficient permissions to perform the operation.
Summary
The ERROR_BAD_IMPERSONATION_LEVEL error signifies a problem with the security context or impersonation level required for an operation. Developers should verify the correctness of the impersonation level and ensure that the necessary permissions are in place.