ERROR_POLICY_ONLY_IN_DS - 8220 (0x201C)
The requested policy information is only in the directory service.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The error code ERROR_POLICY_ONLY_IN_DS (8220, 0x201C) indicates that the requested policy information is available only in the directory service. This means that the system cannot find or retrieve the required policy data from local sources and must rely on the directory service for this information.
Error Details
This error typically occurs when a Windows application or service attempts to access policy settings that are stored exclusively within an Active Directory domain controller or another directory service. The policy in question is not present locally, necessitating retrieval from the networked directory service.
Usage Context
The ERROR_POLICY_ONLY_IN_DS error can arise in various scenarios where local policy information is insufficient or unavailable. Common contexts include:
- Accessing group policies that are defined and managed by a domain controller.
- Retrieving security settings for objects stored within an Active Directory forest.
- Configuring applications to use centralized policy management solutions.
Developer Interpretation
Developers should interpret this error as an indication that the requested policy information is not available locally. This can be due to several reasons, such as the absence of a local policy file or the need for network connectivity to access directory service policies. Developers should ensure that their applications are designed to handle such scenarios gracefully by providing fallback mechanisms or prompting users to connect to the appropriate domain controller.
Related Errors
ERROR_NO_SUCH_POLICY(2198, 0x876)ERROR_INVALID_POLICY_INFO(2194, 0x872)ERROR_POLICY_NOT_FOUND(2195, 0x873)
FAQ
Q: What does the ERROR_POLICY_ONLY_IN_DS error mean?
A: This error indicates that the requested policy information is available only in the directory service and not locally.
Q: How can I handle this error in my application?
A: Ensure your application checks for network connectivity and attempts to retrieve policies from the directory service if local policies are unavailable.
Summary
The ERROR_POLICY_ONLY_IN_DS error (8220, 0x201C) is a generic reference indicating that requested policy information is only available in the directory service. Developers should design their applications to handle such scenarios by ensuring network connectivity and providing fallback mechanisms for accessing policies from centralized sources.