ERROR_PRIVILEGE_NOT_HELD - 1314 (0x522)
A required privilege is not held by the client.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The ERROR_PRIVILEGE_NOT_HELD error code indicates that a required privilege is not held by the client attempting to perform an operation. Privileges are security-related capabilities that can be granted or denied to users, processes, and threads in Windows operating systems.
Error Details
This error typically occurs when a process attempts to execute an operation that requires a specific privilege which has not been enabled for the current user or the executing thread. The error is returned by various system functions such as AdjustTokenPrivileges and SeAssignPrimaryToken, among others, indicating that the necessary privilege is missing.
Usage Context
This error can appear in scenarios where an application attempts to perform actions that require elevated privileges, such as modifying system settings or accessing protected resources. It may also occur when a service or driver tries to access certain kernel objects or perform operations that are restricted without the appropriate privilege.
Developer Interpretation
When encountering ERROR_PRIVILEGE_NOT_HELD, developers should ensure that their application has the necessary privileges to execute the intended operation. This can be achieved by adjusting the security context of the process or thread, or by elevating the user's permissions through mechanisms such as UAC (User Account Control) prompts.
Related Errors
ERROR_PRIVILEGE_NOT_GRANTED- A required privilege is not granted.ERROR_PRIVILEGE_NOT_HELD- A required privilege is not held by the client. (This is the same error, just a different phrasing)
FAQ
Q: What does ERROR_PRIVILEGE_NOT_HELD mean?
A: It means that the operation attempted requires a privilege that has not been granted to the current user or thread.
Q: How can I resolve this issue?
A: Ensure that your application is running with the necessary privileges. You may need to adjust the security context of the process, or request elevation through UAC prompts if applicable.
Summary
ERROR_PRIVILEGE_NOT_HELD is a specific error code indicating that a required privilege is missing for an operation. Developers should ensure their applications have the appropriate privileges and handle such errors by adjusting security contexts or requesting user consent where necessary.