ERROR_EVALUATION_EXPIRATION - 622 (0x26E)
{Windows Evaluation Notification} The evaluation period for this installation of Windows has expired. This system will shutdown in 1 hour. To restore access to this installation of Windows, please upgrade this installation using a licensed distribution of this product.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
This error code indicates that the evaluation period for a Windows installation has expired. The system will automatically shut down in one hour to prevent unauthorized use beyond the evaluation period.
Error Details
The specific message associated with this error is: {Windows Evaluation Notification} The evaluation period for this installation of Windows has expired. This system will shutdown in 1 hour. To restore access to this installation of Windows, please upgrade this installation using a licensed distribution of this product.
Usage Context
This error typically occurs on systems that are running an evaluation version of Windows, such as the Windows Evaluation Edition or a trial version obtained through certain channels.
Developer Interpretation
Developers should be aware that this error is not related to any specific file system operations, permission issues, parameter validation, data integrity checks, resource limits, or unsupported capabilities. It is a generic error indicating an expiration condition for the evaluation license.
Related Errors
- ERROR_LICENSE_VIOLATION (1326): This error may be encountered if there are licensing issues beyond just the evaluation period.
- ERROR_PRODUCT_UNLICENSED (0x80070002): Indicates that a product is not licensed, which could include expired evaluations or other licensing problems.
FAQ
Q: Can this error occur on non-evaluation versions of Windows?
A: No, this specific error is only relevant to evaluation versions. Non-evaluation versions do not have an expiration period and will operate normally without such restrictions.
Q: Is there a way to extend the evaluation period?
A: The evaluation period cannot be extended once it has expired. Users must purchase a legitimate license from Microsoft or another authorized reseller to continue using the system.
Summary
The ERROR_EVALUATION_EXPIRATION error is a specific condition indicating that an evaluation version of Windows has reached its expiration date. Developers should understand this as a licensing issue and not related to any other technical aspects of the operating system.