ERROR_SHUTDOWN_USERS_LOGGED_ON - 1191 (0x4A7)
The system shutdown cannot be initiated because there are other users logged on to the computer.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The error code ERROR_SHUTDOWN_USERS_LOGGED_ON with the numeric value 1191 and hexadecimal representation 0x4A7 indicates that a system shutdown operation cannot be initiated because there are users currently logged on to the computer. This error is specific to scenarios where the operating system requires exclusive access for shutting down, such as when performing a safe shutdown or reboot.
Error Details
This error code is returned by the Windows API and is typically encountered in situations where an application or system service attempts to initiate a shutdown operation while users are actively using the computer. The presence of logged-on users can prevent the system from shutting down, as it may be necessary for all user sessions to terminate gracefully before proceeding with the shutdown.
Usage Context
This error code is relevant in scenarios where an application or service attempts to initiate a system shutdown through API calls such as ExitWindowsEx or SystemShutdown. It is important to handle this error appropriately, as it may indicate that users need to be prompted to log off or save their work before the system can proceed with the shutdown.
Developer Interpretation
When encountering this error code, developers should consider the following:
- Review Operation Context: Ensure that no user sessions are active and that all necessary operations have been completed before attempting a shutdown.
- Validate Parameters: Check if any parameters passed to the API calls are valid and appropriate for the intended operation.
- Confirm Object Types: Verify that the object types being manipulated (e.g., processes, threads) align with the expected behavior of the shutdown operation.
Related Errors
ERROR_SHUTDOWN_IN_PROGRESS(1074): Indicates that a shutdown is already in progress and cannot be interrupted.ERROR_INVALID_PARAMETER(1258): Occurs when an invalid parameter is passed to a system call, which may include incorrect parameters for initiating a shutdown.
FAQ
Q: Can this error occur on all Windows versions?
A: Yes, this error can occur in various versions of Windows where the operating system requires exclusive access during shutdown operations.
Q: How should developers handle this error?
A: Developers should implement logic to prompt users to save their work and log off before attempting a shutdown again. This ensures that all user sessions are properly terminated, allowing the system to proceed with the shutdown operation without encountering this error.
Summary
The ERROR_SHUTDOWN_USERS_LOGGED_ON (1191) error code is specific to scenarios where an application or service attempts to initiate a system shutdown while users are logged on. Developers should handle this error by ensuring that all user sessions are terminated before attempting the shutdown again, thus avoiding potential issues and ensuring a smooth system operation.