ERROR_DS_PROTOCOL_ERROR 0x80072021

Error code 8225 · HRESULT 0x80072021

WINDOWS

A protocol error occurred.

Windows troubleshooting diagram: Device Manager warning and a system file scan
Windows errors: check drivers, system files and Event Viewer, in that order.

What it means

ERROR_DS_PROTOCOL_ERROR is a Windows error code (system error 8225, returned as HRESULT 0x80072021) reported by Windows. Its official message is: “A protocol error occurred.”

How to fix ERROR_DS_PROTOCOL_ERROR

  1. Reboot once — many one-off system codes disappear with a clean restart
  2. Repair system files: 'sfc /scannow' then 'DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth'
  3. Find the source in Event Viewer → System: filter for this exact code and open its provider link

Related errors

ERROR_DS_OPERATIONS_ERRORERROR_DS_TIMELIMIT_EXCEEDEDERROR_DS_SIZELIMIT_EXCEEDEDERROR_DS_ADMIN_LIMIT_EXCEEDEDERROR_NO_PROMOTION_ACTIVEERROR_PROMOTION_ACTIVEERROR_DS_COMPARE_FALSE

Source: Microsoft WinError.h

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