ERROR_INVALID_SUB_AUTHORITY - 1335 (0x537)
The subauthority part of a security ID is invalid for this particular use.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The ERROR_INVALID_SUB_AUTHORITY error code indicates that the subauthority part of a security identifier (SID) is invalid for the specific operation being performed. This typically occurs when an application or system component attempts to use a SID with an incorrect or unsupported subauthority value.
Error Details
A security ID in Windows consists of a revision number, a subauthority count, and one or more subauthorities. The subauthority values are used by the operating system for various access control mechanisms. When a subauthority is invalid, it can lead to permission-related issues during operations such as file access, registry manipulation, or other security-sensitive actions.
Usage Context
This error typically arises in scenarios where an application attempts to manipulate SIDs directly, either through API calls like SetSecurityInfo or GetSecurityInfo, or when the system encounters a malformed SID during security checks. It is important for developers to ensure that any SIDs used are valid and correctly formatted.
Developer Interpretation
When encountering this error, it indicates that there is an issue with the subauthority part of a security ID. Developers should validate the SIDs being used in their applications to ensure they meet the required format and constraints. This can involve checking the revision number, subauthority count, and individual subauthority values.
Related Errors
ERROR_INVALID_SID(1301): Indicates an invalid SID overall.ERROR_INVALID_SECURITY_DESCRIPTOR(2546): Suggests a problem with the security descriptor structure as a whole.
FAQ
Q: What causes this error?
A: This error is typically caused by using an incorrect or unsupported subauthority value in a security ID. It can also occur if the SID revision number or subauthority count is invalid.
Q: How can I resolve this issue?
A: Ensure that any SIDs used are valid and correctly formatted according to Windows standards. Validate the revision number, subauthority count, and individual subauthority values before performing security-sensitive operations.
Summary
The ERROR_INVALID_SUB_AUTHORITY error code is a specific indication of an invalid subauthority value in a security ID. Developers should ensure that SIDs used in their applications are correctly formatted to avoid this issue.