Fix for ERROR_MAX_SESSIONS_REACHED 353 (0x161) – Complete Solution

The Windows system error ERROR_MAX_SESSIONS_REACHED, identified by code 353 (0x161), signifies that the limit on active sessions has been achieved. This pertains to both internal and external sessions, although it’s predominantly related to the internal ones.

The displayed error message states: The maximum limit of sessions has been reached.

Before diving into potential solutions, it’s advisable to restart your computer, apply any pending Windows updates, and remove any applications that could be limiting the number of sessions allowed by others!

How to Resolve ERROR_MAX_SESSIONS_REACHED in Windows?

1. Close Processes Using Task Manager

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch Task Manager and identify the application responsible for the error.
2. Highlight the application and click on End task.
   

   

3. Additionally, terminate any non-essential processes running in the background.
4. Afterward, restart the application that caused the error and see if the issue persists.

2. Review Settings of the Affected Program

The ERROR_MAX_SESSIONS_REACHED is frequently caused by improperly configured settings within the software rather than limitations set by Windows, as noted in SAP scenarios.

Inspect the settings of the relevant program for inconsistencies or conflicts and rectify them. If the problem remains unresolved, reaching out to the program’s customer support is recommended.

3. Repair Corrupted System Files

1. Open Search by pressing Windows + S, type Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
2. Click on Yes when prompted by User Account Control (UAC).
3. Enter the following DISM commands one at a time, confirming with Enter after each:

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

4. Next, run the SFC scan command: sfc /scannow
   

   

5. Finally, restart your computer to implement the changes.

If you encounter the 353 (0x161) error due to damaged system files, executing the DISM and SFC scans will restore these files to their version cached in the system!

4. Reinstall the Problematic Program

1. Press Windows + R to run the command, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
2. Locate the affected application in the list and click on Uninstall.
   

   

3. Follow the subsequent instructions to finish the uninstallation and then restart your computer.
4. Afterward, download and install the application directly from the manufacturer’s official site.

If simply uninstalling the application doesn’t resolve ERROR_MAX_SESSIONS_REACHED 353 (0x161), residual files may be interfering with the new installation and causing session restrictions. In such cases, utilize a reliable uninstallation tool to remove any remnants from the previous install!

5. Execute a System Restore

1. Press Windows + S to search, type Create a restore point, and select the corresponding result.
2. Click on the System Restore button.
   

   

3. If applicable, select the option to Choose a different restore point, then click Next.
   

   

4. Choose the earliest restore point in the list and click Next.
   

   

5. Review the restore information, click Finish, and confirm the restoration.

When all else fails, performing a system restore can revert your PC to a prior stable configuration, prior to the emergence of the error. Ensure you select a restore point from before the issue began.

One of these strategies should effectively resolve the ERROR_MAX_SESSIONS_REACHED issue in Windows. If the error continues, consider reaching out to the official support of the affected application for further assistance.

If you have any questions or want to share which solution worked for you, feel free to leave a comment below.

Author: Egor Kostenko

My goal is to make complex technical topics simple and accessible. On this site, I gather unique and useful content that not only solves users’ problems but also helps them better understand the capabilities of Windows.