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Microsoft 365 Error Codes

How to Troubleshoot SharePoint Error HRESULT 0x80131904

Maira MehtabMaira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users need to resolve an error preventing them from accessing SharePoint sites that contain multiple lists.

Product
SharePoint Online
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Accessing a SharePoint site or page containing multiple lists during active workflows.
Observed behavior
The system displays an 'Exception from HRESULT: 0x80131904' error message, typically due to SharePoint Online service limits or throttling.
Before you start

Verify if the error occurs consistently for all users or is isolated to specific lists, as this helps determine if it is a tenant-wide throttling issue.

Solution 1Recommended

Review Usage Patterns for SharePoint Throttling

Determine if the error is caused by exceeding SharePoint service limits and adjust usage patterns.

SharePoint Online uses throttling to maintain optimal performance across all tenants. When a site with multiple lists exceeds the allowed number of requests, it triggers the HRESULT 0x80131904 error.

1
Monitor error occurrences

Check whether the error happens during peak usage times, affects specific users, or only triggers when accessing certain large lists.

2
Review official guidance

Consult Microsoft's official documentation regarding HRESULT 0x80131904 and implement strategies to avoid throttling, such as reducing the number of simultaneous list queries.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Exception from HRESULT 0x80131904 mean?

This error code typically indicates that your SharePoint site is experiencing throttling or has hit backend service limits. It is often triggered when a site containing multiple lists generates excessive server requests in a short period.

Can I fix SharePoint throttling issues myself?

As a standard user, you cannot disable or bypass throttling. You can mitigate it by reducing the number of requests or optimizing list views, but persistent issues require your IT administrator to contact Microsoft Support for backend adjustments.

Why does SharePoint Online throttle requests?

Microsoft employs throttling in SharePoint Online to prevent any single user or tenant from consuming too many resources. This ensures reliable performance, speed, and uptime for everyone sharing the cloud infrastructure.