GetCurrentThreadEffectiveToken function (processthreadsapi.h)

Retrieves a pseudo-handle that you can use as a shorthand way to refer to the token that is currently in effect for the thread, which is the thread token if one exists and the process token otherwise.

Syntax

HANDLE GetCurrentThreadEffectiveToken();

Return value

A pseudo-handle that you can use as a shorthand way to refer to the token that is currently in effect for the thread.

Remarks

A pseudo-handle is a special constant that can function as the effective token for the current thread. The calling thread can use a pseudo-handle to specify the effective token for that thread whenever a token handle is required. Child processes do not inherit pseudo-handles.

Starting in Windows 8, this pseudo-handle has only TOKEN_QUERY and TOKEN_QUERY_SOURCE access rights.

The pseudo-handle cannot be duplicated by the DuplicateHandle function or the DuplicateToken function.

You do not need to close the pseudo-handle when you no longer need it. If you call the CloseHandle function with a pseudo-handle, the function has no effect.

Requirements

Requirement	Value
Minimum supported client	Windows 8 [desktop apps	UWP apps]
Minimum supported server	Windows Server 2012 [desktop apps	UWP apps]
Target Platform	Windows
Header	processthreadsapi.h

See also

Access Rights for Access-Token Objects

GetCurrentProcessToken

GetCurrentThreadToken