What is Windows Error 1394 (ERROR_NO_USER_SESSION_KEY)?

Error 1394 (ERROR_NO_USER_SESSION_KEY) is a Windows Security & Privileges error that occurs when there is no user session key for the specified logon session.. This guide provides step-by-step solutions to resolve this issue.

What causes Error 1394?

User account lacks required permissions. Group Policy restricts access. Authentication credentials expired. UAC is blocking the action

How do I fix Error 1394 (ERROR_NO_USER_SESSION_KEY)?

Run as Administrator: Right-click the application → 'Run as administrator'. If Error 1394 (ERROR_NO_USER_SESSION_KEY) resolves, it's a permissions issue. For permanent fix, right-click → Properties → Compatibility → check 'Run as administrator'

Fix ERROR_NO_USER_SESSION_KEY — Windows Error Code 1394

🎮 Common Scenario: Are you experiencing Error 1394 while launching or installing Elden Ring? The solutions below directly address the system interactions specific to this application.

⚡ Quick Fix

Run as Administrator: Right-click the application → 'Run as administrator'

👇 See all 2 solutions below

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Download our advanced, custom-built Smart Diagnostic Script (.bat). It safely creates a System Restore Point, applies targeted fixes based on advanced diagnostics for Error 1394, and generates a detailed HTML repair report.

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📑 Table of Contents

What is Error 1394? Common Causes Step-by-Step Solutions Prevention Tips Related Errors

💡 What is Error 1394?

Windows System Error Code 1394, known as ERROR_NO_USER_SESSION_KEY, is a Security & Privileges error that occurs during security, authentication, and user privileges. The error indicates that: There is no user session key for the specified logon session. When this error is encountered, the Windows operating system was unable to complete the requested operation within the security services subsystem. The error code 1394 is returned by the GetLastError() function and provides developers with a specific identifier to diagnose the root cause of the failure. The symbolic name ERROR_NO_USER_SESSION_KEY maps directly to this numeric code and is commonly referenced in Microsoft documentation, developer forums, and system logs. Understanding this error and its context within security, authentication, and user privileges is essential for effective troubleshooting.

⚠️ Common Causes

User account lacks required permissions
Group Policy restricts access
Authentication credentials expired
UAC is blocking the action

✅ Step-by-Step Solutions

1 Run as Administrator

Right-click the application → 'Run as administrator'
If Error 1394 (ERROR_NO_USER_SESSION_KEY) resolves, it's a permissions issue
For permanent fix, right-click → Properties → Compatibility → check 'Run as administrator'

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Show Advanced Solutions (1 more)

2 Check User Account Permissions

Open Computer Management (compmgmt.msc)
Navigate to Local Users and Groups → Users
Verify your account is in the Administrators group
If not, add it and log off/on

🎬 Video Tutorials

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How To Fix Windows Permission Access Denied

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💻 Diagnostic Command

Run this PowerShell command to find related events in your system log:

Get-EventLog -LogName System -Newest 20 | Where-Object {$_.Message -like "*1394*" -or $_.Message -like "*ERROR_NO_USER_SESSION_KEY*"} | Format-List

💡 Open PowerShell as Administrator, paste the command above, and press Enter.

🛡️ Prevention Tips

Apply least-privilege principle
Audit user accounts regularly
Keep security policies and AV updated

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Last updated: 2026-03-13

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Based on Official Microsoft Documentation

Solutions Tested on Windows 10 & 11

Error codes sourced from Microsoft Win32 SDK. Updated 2026-03-13.