ERROR_DS_SHUTTING_DOWN 0x800720AC

Error code 8364 · HRESULT 0x800720AC

WINDOWS

The operation could not be performed because the directory service is shutting down.

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_SHUTTING_DOWN is a Windows error code (system error 8364, returned as HRESULT 0x800720AC) reported by Windows. Its official message is: “The operation could not be performed because the directory service is shutting down.”

How to fix ERROR_DS_SHUTTING_DOWN

  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_NO_CROSSREF_FOR_NCERROR_DS_UNKNOWN_OPERATIONERROR_DS_INVALID_ROLE_OWNERERROR_DS_NOT_ON_BACKLINKERROR_DS_OBJ_GUID_EXISTSERROR_DS_COULDNT_CONTACT_FSMOERROR_DS_INVALID_DMD

Source: Microsoft WinError.h

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