Problem

When querying a web service using the WCF Test Client you might encounter the below error message. In this article I’ll show you how to resolve this issue.

The maximum message size quota for incoming messages (65536) has been exceeded.

Error message screenshot

Solution

The MaxReceivedMessageSize property of the binding element specifies the maximum number of bytes that can be received. By default this value is limited to 65536 bytes. More information can be found here

To fix the issue, you simply need to increase the value of the MaxReceivedMessageSize property.

  1. Close all WCF Test Client instances and open a new WCF Test Client instance
  2. Register your web service endpoint
  3. Underneath the endpoint methods you’ll notice a node called ‘Config File’. Right click and edit the config file.
  4. Navigate to the default Binding that is created and increase the value of the ‘MaxReceivedMessageSize’ setting (in bytes) e.g. 2000000000.
  5. Execute your web service method. The error should no longer appear.

Shane Bartholomeusz

Shane Bartholomeusz

G’day, I’m a technical solutions consultant based in Perth, Australia that specialises in the Microsoft technology stack, including .NET, Dynamics 365, Azure and general web development etc.

This blog is my place to share my thoughts, helpful solutions and just random nerdy stuff.
Shane Bartholomeusz

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