ERROR_LOGIN_WKSTA_RESTRICTION - 1240 (0x4D8)
The account is not authorized to log in from this station.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Background
The error code ERROR_LOGIN_WKSTA_RESTRICTION (1240, 0x4D8) is a specific Windows API error that indicates an access restriction related to user login. This error typically occurs when a user attempts to log in from a workstation where their account has not been explicitly authorized.
Error Details
The ERROR_LOGIN_WKSTA_RESTRICTION error code signifies that the security context of the user attempting to log in does not permit them to access the specified workstation. This can be due to various factors, such as group policy settings, local security policies, or domain-level restrictions.
Common Causes
- Group Policy Settings: The user's account may have been configured through Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to restrict login from certain workstations.
- Local Security Policies: Local security policies on the workstation might enforce restrictions that prevent the user from logging in.
- Domain-Level Restrictions: Domain-level policies or settings could be in place, preventing the user's account from being used on this particular workstation.
Real-World Context
This error is commonly encountered in enterprise environments where strict access controls are implemented. It can also occur in scenarios where a user attempts to log in from an unauthorized machine, such as when using a public or guest computer.
Is This Error Critical?
The criticality of this error depends on the context and the specific security policies in place. While it is not necessarily a system-critical issue, it can impact user productivity if users are unable to access their accounts from certain workstations.
How to Diagnose
To diagnose the cause of ERROR_LOGIN_WKSTA_RESTRICTION, follow these steps:
- Review Group Policy Settings: Check GPOs that might be affecting login permissions for the user's account.
- Verify Local Security Policies: Ensure that no local policies on the workstation are restricting the user from logging in.
- Check Domain-Level Restrictions: Confirm if there are any domain-level policies or restrictions that could be preventing the user from accessing their account.
How to Resolve
To resolve this issue, consider the following steps:
- Correct Parameter Usage: Ensure that all parameters used for login attempts are correct and valid.
- Adjust Operation Context: If the error is due to a specific workstation restriction, consult with system administrators or IT personnel to adjust the security policies accordingly.
- Restore Data: In cases where data corruption might be an issue, restore any necessary files or configurations that could have been altered.
- Retry Operation with Valid Inputs: Attempt logging in again with valid credentials and ensure that all required parameters are correctly set.
Developer Notes
Developers should handle this error by providing appropriate user feedback and logging the event for further analysis. Applications should also be designed to gracefully handle such errors without crashing or causing system instability.
Related Errors
ERROR_LOGON_FAILURE(1326, 0x52A): Indicates a failure in logon credentials.ERROR_ACCOUNT_RESTRICTION(1510, 0x5F6): General account restriction error.
FAQ
Q: What does the ERROR_LOGIN_WKSTA_RESTRICTION mean?
A: This error indicates that the user's account is not authorized to log in from the specified workstation due to security policies or restrictions.
Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?
A: Ensure that your Group Policy settings, local security policies, and domain-level configurations are correctly set up to allow users to log in from all necessary workstations.
Summary
The ERROR_LOGIN_WKSTA_RESTRICTION (1240, 0x4D8) error is a specific permission-based issue that occurs when a user attempts to log in from a workstation where their account has not been explicitly authorized. This error can be diagnosed and resolved by reviewing security policies and adjusting them as necessary.