ERROR_EFS_NOT_ALLOWED_IN_TRANSACTION - 6831 (0x1AAF)
The encryption operation could not be completed because a transaction is active.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The error code ERROR_EFS_NOT_ALLOWED_IN_TRANSACTION (6831, 0x1AAF) is returned when an attempt to perform an encryption operation fails because a transaction is currently active. This indicates that the system's state does not allow for the requested operation during the current transaction context.
Error Details
This error code is specific to operations involving Encrypted File System (EFS). EFS requires certain conditions to be met before it can encrypt or decrypt files, and these conditions are violated when a transaction is active. Transactions in Windows typically involve database-like operations where changes must be committed atomically.
Usage Context
This error code is relevant in scenarios where EFS encryption or decryption is attempted within the context of an active transaction. It is important to understand that transactions can affect the state of the system and certain file system operations, particularly those involving data integrity and consistency.
Developer Interpretation
Developers should be aware that attempting to perform EFS-related operations during a transaction will result in this error. This behavior ensures that file system operations do not interfere with the atomicity and integrity requirements of transactions. Developers must ensure that such operations are performed outside the scope of any active transactions.
Related Errors
ERROR_EFS_NOT_ALLOWED(0x80092013): Indicates a general failure related to EFS, which may include this specific transaction scenario.ERROR_TRANSACTION_IN_PROGRESS(0x406A): Indicates that a transaction is currently in progress, which can lead to theERROR_EFS_NOT_ALLOWED_IN_TRANSACTIONerror if an EFS operation is attempted.
FAQ
Q: What does ERROR_EFS_NOT_ALLOWED_IN_TRANSACTION mean?
A: This error indicates that an attempt to perform an EFS-related operation was made during an active transaction, which is not allowed. Ensure that such operations are performed outside the scope of any transactions.
Q: How can I resolve this issue?
A: Review your code to ensure that EFS operations are not being executed within the context of a transaction. Perform these operations in a non-transactional environment or wait for the current transaction to complete before attempting the operation again.
Summary
The ERROR_EFS_NOT_ALLOWED_IN_TRANSACTION error (6831, 0x1AAF) is specific to EFS operations that are attempted during an active transaction. Developers should ensure that such operations are performed outside of any transactions to avoid this error and maintain the integrity of their file system operations.