How to Fix ERROR_PWD_HISTORY_CONFLICT

The ERROR_PWD_HISTORY_CONFLICT with error code 617 (0x269) and description You have attempted to change your password to one that you have used in the past. The policy of your user account does not allow this. Please select a password that you have not previously used, appears when you try to change the password to one that you have used earlier and the password policy doesn’t allow that.

To fix it, you can try using a password that meets complexity requirements, including uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

How can I fix ERROR_PWD_HISTORY_CONFLICT?

1. Check the password history settings

NOTE

This method only works for those with administrative access using a commercial or professional Windows version.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
2. Type gpedit.msc and click OK to open the Group Policy Management tool.
3. Navigate to this path: Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Account Policies > Password Policy
4. Look for the Enforce password policy option and double-click it.
5. Check the number of passwords being remembered. If necessary, modify this number, then click Apply and OK to save the changes.

2. Delete the cached credentials

1. Press the Windows key, type control panel in the search box, and click Open from the list of options.
2. Select Category for View by and click User Accounts.
3. Under Credentials Manager, select Manage Windows Credentials.
4. Delete any stored credentials related to your account.

The best practice to avoid the ERROR_PWD_HISTORY_CONFLICT is to use a password manager, which can keep track of your passwords. It can also generate new, strong, and unique passwords compliant with password policies if you want to change them and avoid reusing the old ones.

3. Check domain password policy for conflict

1. Press the Windows key, type cmd in the search box, and Run as administrator from the list of options to launch Command Prompt with elevated rights.
2. To review the applied policies under the Password policy, copy & paste the following command and hit Enter: gpresult /h report.html
3. Once report.html is downloaded, check the policies and make changes in them via Group Policy Management.

In conclusion, to fix the ERROR_PWD_HISTORY_CONFLICT, check the password history settings, delete cached credentials, use a password manager, or check the domain password policy.

In case you are wondering how to find & view saved passwords on Windows 11, read this guide to learn more.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this BSoD error, feel free to mention them in the comments section below.