The value of ST_MAX_HANDLE_COUNT determines the maximum number of handles that can be allocated. This constant must be greater than 0. Based on this value, the handle management module utilizes a memory block with a size equal to the product of the given value and the size of the PVOID type.

The size of the HANDLE type is either 16 or 32 bits, depending on the maximum number of handles. If the count is less than 65,535, the HANDLE type is 16-bit; otherwise, it is 32-bit.