ERROR_MAX_SESSIONS_REACHED 0x80070161

Error code 353 · HRESULT 0x80070161

WINDOWS

The maximum number of sessions has been reached.

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_MAX_SESSIONS_REACHED is a Windows error code (system error 353, returned as HRESULT 0x80070161) reported by Windows. Its official message is: “The maximum number of sessions has been reached.”

How to fix ERROR_MAX_SESSIONS_REACHED

  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_MAX_THRDS_REACHEDERROR_FAIL_RESTARTERROR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED_EDPERROR_FAIL_SHUTDOWNERROR_BAD_EXE_FORMATERROR_FILENAME_EXCED_RANGEERROR_ELEVATION_REQUIREDERROR_UNRECOGNIZED_VOLUME

Source: Microsoft WinError.h

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