ERROR_MEMBER_NOT_IN_GROUP - 1321 (0x529)

The specified user account is not a member of the specified group account.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Meaning

The ERROR_MEMBER_NOT_IN_GROUP error code indicates that a user account is not a member of the specified group account. This error typically occurs during operations involving group membership checks, such as adding or removing users from groups.

Error Details

  • Error Name: ERROR_MEMBER_NOT_IN_GROUP
  • Numeric Code: 1321 (0x529)
  • Short Description: The specified user account is not a member of the specified group account.

This error suggests that the operation attempted to modify or query membership in a group for which the user does not have sufficient privileges. It can also indicate an incorrect specification of either the user or group accounts involved in the operation.

Usage Context

The ERROR_MEMBER_NOT_IN_GROUP is commonly encountered in scenarios such as:

  • Adding or removing users from groups.
  • Checking membership status for a specific user within a group.
  • Modifying group policies that involve user or group membership.

Developer Interpretation

When encountering this error, developers should ensure the following:

  • The specified user account and group account are correctly identified and exist in the system.
  • The operation being performed has sufficient privileges to modify or query group memberships.
  • There are no typos or incorrect identifiers in the user or group names.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_GROUP_NOT_FOUND (1345, 0x549): Indicates that the specified group account does not exist.
  • ERROR_USER_ACCOUNT_DISABLED (2228, 0x8B4): The user account is disabled and cannot be used to log on.

FAQ

Q: What causes this error?

A: This error typically occurs when a user or group name specified in an operation does not match any existing accounts in the system. It can also occur if the operation lacks sufficient privileges to modify or query group memberships.

Q: How can I resolve this issue?

A: Ensure that the user and group names are correctly specified, and that the operation has the necessary permissions to perform the required actions.

Summary

The ERROR_MEMBER_NOT_IN_GROUP error code is a specific technical indicator used in Windows systems when an operation involving group membership fails due to the absence of the specified user account within the group. Developers should focus on verifying the correctness and existence of both user and group accounts, as well as ensuring that operations have sufficient privileges.