| Previous | Next |
| ERROR_GRAPHICS_INVALID_PATH_CONTENT_TYPE | ERROR_GRAPHICS_UNASSIGNED_MODESET_ALREADY_EXISTS |
ERROR_GRAPHICS_INVALID_COPYPROTECTION_TYPE
Interpret the result in its owning layer: graphics invalid copyprotection type
The useful interpretation of ERROR_GRAPHICS_INVALID_COPYPROTECTION_TYPE (0xC026234F) starts at the vidpn boundary: the requested copy-protection type is invalid for the present path descriptor. In practical terms, inspect VidPN path copy-protection selection before changing application-wide graphics settings.
Keep VidPN metadata separate from OPM negotiation
The copy-protection field in a present path must be a recognized type; it is not a shortcut for forcing HDCP, ACP or another OPM protection level. Record the connector, content classification, requested path field and the actual OPM capability result. In the A/B test, submit a documented neutral or supported path value and negotiate protection through the protected-output interface separately. This prevents a malformed enum from being misdiagnosed as an HDCP hardware failure.
Capture before recreating objects
| Capture item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Object identity | VidPN path copy-protection selection |
| Rejected condition | the requested copy-protection type is invalid for the present path descriptor |
| What to capture | protection enum, connector, content type, OPM capability and target mode |
| Current graph state | VidPN, topology, source and target mode sets, and the present path connecting them |
| Supporting trace | source and target IDs, topology generation, path descriptors, pinned modes, mode-set handles and monitor timing data |
Reproduce one variable at a time
- Capture the failing state. Record protection enum, connector, content type, OPM capability and target mode.
- Remove the invalid type or select one reported for the output.
The comparison with ERROR_GRAPHICS_OPM_NOT_SUPPORTED is especially useful: ERROR_GRAPHICS_OPM_NOT_SUPPORTED indicates the output protection subsystem is unavailable.
Recovery contract
Negotiate output protection through OPM and keep VidPN metadata within documented enums.
- debug-layer, ETW or driver diagnostics no longer report the rejected VidPN path copy-protection selection contract during the same scenario.
Implementation notes
Log source and target IDs, topology generation, path descriptors, pinned modes, mode-set handles and monitor timing data.
A production fallback should be explicit: pause rendering, re-enumerate, rebuild one cache entry, recreate a device, or decline a protected path only when this layer calls for that action. Reinstalling every display component, deleting all caches or forcing a resolution change is not an evidence-based fix.
Technical references
- Microsoft: Introduction to Video Present Networks — background for the VidPN path copy-protection selection.
- Microsoft: VidPN objects and interfaces
- Microsoft: Enumerating cofunctional VidPN modes
- Microsoft: Determining VidPN support
Looking for a different code? Search another status or error code.