ERROR_PWD_HISTORY_CONFLICT - 617 (0x269)
You have attempted to change your password to one that you have used in the past. The policy of your user account does not allow this. Please select a password that you have not previously used.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The error code ERROR_PWD_HISTORY_CONFLICT with the numeric value 617 and hexadecimal representation 0x269 indicates that a user attempted to change their password to one that has been used in the past. This action is not allowed by the policy associated with the user's account.
Error Details
This error typically occurs when an application or system service attempts to modify a user's password, and the new password conflicts with previously used passwords as defined by the account's password history policy. The specific policy that disallows this action is not detailed in the error message itself but can be inferred from the context of the operation.
Usage Context
This error code is relevant to applications or services that handle user authentication and require password changes, such as during user profile management or system maintenance tasks. It is important for developers to ensure that their applications comply with the password history policy enforced by the operating system.
Developer Interpretation
Developers should interpret this error code as a violation of the account's password history policy. When encountering this error, it indicates that the new password chosen by the user or specified in an application does not meet the criteria set by the policy for acceptable password changes. This could include requirements such as minimum password age, maximum number of unique passwords allowed, and other constraints.
Related Errors
- ERROR_PASSWORD_MUST_CHANGE (0x80070451): Indicates that a user must change their password before it can be used for authentication.
- ERROR_PASSWORD_EXPIRED (0xC000026D): Indicates that the user's password has expired and needs to be changed.
FAQ
Q: What does the ERROR_PWD_HISTORY_CONFLICT error mean?
A: It means that a new password chosen by the user or specified in an application conflicts with previously used passwords as defined by the account's password history policy.
Q: How can I resolve this issue?
A: Ensure that the new password meets the criteria set by the password history policy. This may include using a password that has not been used within a certain number of days or ensuring that enough unique passwords have been used since the last change.
Summary
The ERROR_PWD_HISTORY_CONFLICT error code is indicative of a violation of the user account's password history policy, preventing the use of previously used passwords. Developers should ensure their applications comply with these policies to avoid encountering this error and provide appropriate feedback to users.