ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_GETSPIFAIL - 13857 (0x3621)
Failed to obtain new SPI for the inbound SA from IPsec driver. The most common cause for this is that the driver does not have the correct filter. Check your policy to verify the filters.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_GETSPIFAIL error (13857, 0x3621) indicates a failure in the Windows IPsec driver to obtain a new Security Parameter Index (SPI) for an inbound Security Association (SA). This error typically suggests that the driver is unable to allocate or retrieve the necessary SPI due to misconfigured policy filters.
Error Details
This error is specific to the IPsec subsystem and occurs when the system attempts to establish a new inbound SA but fails to get the required SPI from the IPsec driver. The SPI is crucial for uniquely identifying an SA, which is essential for secure communication.
Usage Context
This error can occur in scenarios where IPsec policies are being applied or updated on the system. It may be encountered during network communications that require IPsec encryption and authentication.
Developer Interpretation
Developers should interpret this error as a failure to allocate or retrieve an SPI for an inbound SA, which is necessary for establishing secure communication channels. This error typically indicates issues with the IPsec policy configuration or driver behavior.
Related Errors
ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_NEGOTIATION_FAILED(13856, 0x3620): Indicates a failure in the IKE negotiation process.ERROR_IPSEC_KEYMAIN_NOT_FOUND(13859, 0x3623): Suggests that the keying module could not be found.
FAQ
Q: What does ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_GETSPIFAIL mean?
A: It indicates a failure to obtain an SPI for an inbound SA from the IPsec driver. This usually points to misconfigured policy filters or issues with the IPsec driver.
Q: How can I troubleshoot this error?
A: Verify that your IPsec policies are correctly configured and that the necessary filters are in place. Ensure that the IPsec driver is functioning properly.
Summary
The ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_GETSPIFAIL error (13857, 0x3621) signifies a failure to obtain an SPI for an inbound SA from the IPsec driver. This typically points to issues with policy configuration or driver behavior and should be addressed by verifying the IPsec policies.