ERROR_CLUSTER_EVICT_INVALID_REQUEST - 5939 (0x1733)
Eviction of this node is invalid at this time. Due to quorum requirements node eviction will result in cluster shutdown. If it is the last node in the cluster, destroy cluster command should be used.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The error code ERROR_CLUSTER_EVICT_INVALID_REQUEST indicates that the operation to evict a specific node from a Windows Failover Cluster is not valid at this time. This error typically arises due to quorum requirements, which are necessary for maintaining cluster stability and ensuring data integrity.
Error Details
- Error Name: ERROR_CLUSTER_EVICT_INVALID_REQUEST
- Numeric Code: 5939 (0x1733)
- Short Description: Eviction of this node is invalid at this time. Node eviction will result in cluster shutdown if it is the last node.
Usage Context
This error code is specific to Windows Failover Clusters and occurs when an attempt is made to remove a node from the cluster, but the operation would violate quorum requirements or lead to a cluster shutdown scenario.
Developer Interpretation
When encountering this error, developers should understand that the current state of the cluster does not allow for the specified node eviction. This could be due to several factors such as the node being critical to maintaining quorum, or it being the last remaining node in the cluster. In such cases, alternative actions may need to be taken, such as using a destroy cluster command if the node is the only one left.
Related Errors
- ERROR_CLUSTER_SHUTTING_DOWN (0x8024D016): Indicates that the cluster is in the process of shutting down and cannot perform certain operations.
- ERROR_NOT_QUORUM_NODE (0x80240037): Occurs when a node attempts to perform an operation that requires quorum but does not have sufficient membership.
FAQ
Q: What causes this error?
A: This error typically occurs due to the cluster's quorum requirements, which prevent the eviction of nodes critical for maintaining cluster stability. It may also occur if the node being evicted is the last remaining node in the cluster.
Q: How can I resolve this issue?
A: If the node cannot be safely evicted, consider using a destroy cluster command to terminate the cluster and then recreate it with appropriate configurations. Ensure that all necessary data is backed up before performing such actions.
Summary
The ERROR_CLUSTER_EVICT_INVALID_REQUEST error indicates an invalid operation for evicting a node from a Windows Failover Cluster due to quorum requirements or critical state. Developers should handle this error by understanding the cluster's current state and taking appropriate action, such as using alternative commands like destroy cluster, if necessary.