Knowledge

ERROR_INVALID_MONITOR_HANDLE - 1461 (0x5B5)

Invalid monitor handle.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Meaning

The ERROR_INVALID_MONITOR_HANDLE (0x5B5) is a specific error code indicating that an invalid monitor handle was used in a Windows API call. Monitor handles are identifiers for display devices, and their validity is crucial for operations related to screen settings or display management.

Error Details

This error typically occurs when the application attempts to perform an operation on a display device using a handle that does not correspond to any valid monitor. This can happen due to various reasons such as incorrect initialization of handles, invalid input parameters, or changes in system state (e.g., removal or addition of monitors).

Usage Context

This error is relevant primarily within the context of Windows API functions related to display devices and screen settings. Common APIs that might return this error include EnumDisplayDevices, ChangeDisplaySettingsEx, and GetMonitorInfo.

Developer Interpretation

When encountering ERROR_INVALID_MONITOR_HANDLE, developers should ensure that they are using valid monitor handles for the operations being performed. This involves:

  • Properly initializing handle values before use.
  • Validating the existence of a display device corresponding to the handle.
  • Handling cases where monitors may be added or removed, which can invalidate existing handles.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_MONITOR_INVALID: Indicates an invalid monitor identifier was used in a call.
  • ERROR_DEVICE_NOT_CONNECTED: Occurs when attempting to access a disconnected monitor.
  • ERROR_NO_MONITORS: No display devices are available for operation.

FAQ

Q: What does ERROR_INVALID_MONITOR_HANDLE mean?

A: It indicates that an invalid handle was used in a call related to a display device. Ensure the handle is valid and corresponds to an existing monitor.

Q: How can I prevent this error?

A: Validate the existence of the monitor before performing operations, and ensure handles are properly initialized.

Summary

ERROR_INVALID_MONITOR_HANDLE (0x5B5) signifies that a display device handle used in a Windows API call is invalid. Developers should validate monitor handles to avoid this error.