ERROR_DS_AUTHORIZATION_FAILED - 8599 (0x2197)
The directory service failed to authorize the request.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The ERROR_DS_AUTHORIZATION_FAILED error code indicates that a request to the directory service was denied due to insufficient authorization. This typically occurs when the security context of the user or process does not have sufficient permissions to perform the requested operation.
Error Details
This error is specific to operations involving Active Directory and other directory services within the Windows environment. It signifies that the system could not verify the necessary credentials or access rights required for the operation to proceed successfully.
Usage Context
The ERROR_DS_AUTHORIZATION_FAILED error can be encountered in various scenarios, such as when attempting to modify user attributes, access protected resources, or perform administrative tasks within an Active Directory domain. It is a generic permission-related error that does not specify the exact nature of the failure but indicates that authorization was denied.
Developer Interpretation
When encountering this error, developers should focus on ensuring that the security context has the appropriate permissions to execute the requested operation. This may involve verifying user roles, group memberships, and access control lists (ACLs) associated with the directory service objects involved in the request.
Related Errors
ERROR_DS_OBJECT_NOT_FOUND(0x80072030): The object being accessed does not exist.ERROR_DS_NO_ATTRIBUTE_OR_VALUE_EXISTS(0x8007204D): No attribute or value exists for the specified operation.
FAQ
Q: What causes this error?
A: This error typically occurs when the security context lacks sufficient permissions to perform the requested operation. It could be due to incorrect user roles, missing group memberships, or misconfigured access control lists (ACLs).
Q: How can I resolve it?
A: Ensure that the security context has the necessary permissions and that the object being accessed exists and is correctly configured.
Summary
The ERROR_DS_AUTHORIZATION_FAILED error code indicates a failure in authorization within the directory service. Developers should focus on verifying user roles, group memberships, and access control settings to resolve this issue.