[Solved] You run aws ec2 describe-instances --profile test and get an error: "Unable to locate credentials". Your ~/.aws/config contains:[profile test] region=us-west-1What is the most probable cause? | AWS

AWS - CLI

You run aws ec2 describe-instances --profile test and get an error: "Unable to locate credentials". Your ~/.aws/config contains:

[profile test]
region=us-west-1

What is the most probable cause?

AThe region <code>us-west-1</code> is invalid

BThe <code>test</code> profile is missing credentials in the <code>~/.aws/credentials</code> file

CThe AWS CLI version is outdated

DThe <code>test</code> profile is not referenced in the config file

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution:

Step 1: Check config vs credentials files
The config file can specify region but credentials must be in ~/.aws/credentials.
Step 2: Missing credentials cause error
If credentials are missing for the profile, the CLI cannot authenticate and throws this error.
Final Answer:
The test profile is missing credentials in the ~/.aws/credentials file -> Option B
Quick Check:
Credentials must be present for profile authentication [OK]

Quick Trick: Config sets region; credentials file stores keys [OK]

Common Mistakes:

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You run aws ec2 describe-instances --profile test and get an error: "Unable to locate credentials". Your ~/.aws/config contains: