ERROR_DS_SENSITIVE_GROUP_VIOLATION - 8505 (0x2139)
Only an administrator can modify the membership list of an administrative group.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The error code ERROR_DS_SENSITIVE_GROUP_VIOLATION with the numeric value 8505 and hexadecimal representation 0x2139 indicates that an attempt was made to modify the membership list of a sensitive administrative group, which is restricted to administrators only.
Error Details
This error typically occurs in scenarios where a non-administrator user or process attempts to add or remove members from specific administrative groups. These groups are considered sensitive and require elevated privileges for modifications due to their critical nature in maintaining system integrity and security.
Usage Context
The context of this error is primarily related to group management operations within the Active Directory service, which is a component of Windows Server environments. It applies specifically to actions such as adding or removing users from administrative groups like Domain Admins, Enterprise Admins, etc., where only administrators are permitted to make changes.
Developer Interpretation
Developers should interpret this error code when their application attempts to modify group membership lists and fails due to insufficient permissions. This error is indicative of a permission violation, highlighting that the operation was attempted by a user or process without the necessary administrative privileges.
Related Errors
ERROR_ACCESS_DENIED(5) - Occurs when an attempt is made to perform an operation that requires higher privileges than those currently held.ERROR_LOGON_FAILURE(1326) - May be encountered if the user attempting the operation does not have a valid account or credentials.
FAQ
Q: What causes this error?
A: This error occurs when a non-administrator attempts to modify the membership of sensitive administrative groups in Active Directory.
Q: How can I resolve this issue?
A: Ensure that the user performing the operation has administrator privileges or use an elevated command prompt or PowerShell session.
Summary
ERROR_DS_SENSITIVE_GROUP_VIOLATION (8505) is a specific permission-related error indicating that only administrators are allowed to modify the membership of sensitive administrative groups. Developers should handle this error by ensuring proper user permissions and validating the operation context.