8220 is an account and permission result. Microsoft’s system-code table describes this value as: “The requested policy information is only in the directory service.”
Code reference and safe checks
Read the exact screen and operation before selecting a repair. This page does not run commands or collect files, keys or logs.
What this value means
Microsoft’s system-code table describes this value as: “The requested policy information is only in the directory service.”
ERROR_POLICY_ONLY_IN_DS is a Win32 system result, usually returned to an application or API caller. It is not a Windows blue-screen code or a diagnosis of the whole PC.
| Code | 8220 |
|---|---|
| Hex form | 0x201C |
| Symbol | ERROR_POLICY_ONLY_IN_DS |
| Windows family | Win32 system codes |
| Source level | Microsoft code and symbol entry |
Safe next steps
- For 8220 (ERROR_POLICY_ONLY_IN_DS), check which account and application reported the code, and whether the account is permitted to perform that specific action.
- Use the official account or organization recovery path. Do not share passwords, tokens, product keys, or recovery keys with a code-lookup site.
- For a work or school device, ask IT to inspect policy and audit logs before changing permissions.
After one step, repeat the original operation and record whether this same code returns. A different code needs a fresh interpretation.
What this code cannot prove
The source establishes the identifier and reference meaning. It does not establish the cause on your specific PC.
Stop before changing security, licensing, directory or production settings on a managed device; involve the responsible administrator.
Official reference and verification
Source type: Microsoft code and symbol entry. Checked against the source set on Nov 2, 2026.
The reference gives the meaning of this identifier. It does not inspect your PC or guarantee that one repair will work.