Knowledge

ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_QM_EXPIRED - 13895 (0x3647)

Quick mode SA was expired by IPsec driver.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Background

The ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_QM_EXPIRED error code (13895, 0x3647) indicates that a quick mode Security Association (SA) has expired within the Internet Key Exchange (IKE) protocol implementation of the Windows operating system. This error is specific to the IPsec subsystem and is related to the lifecycle management of security associations in IPsec.

Error Details

The ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_QM_EXPIRED error signifies that a quick mode SA, which is used for establishing secure communication channels between peers, has reached its expiration time as defined by the IKE protocol. This can occur due to various reasons such as reaching the predefined lifetime of the SA or encountering operational constraints.

Common Causes

  • Exceeding Lifetime Limits: The quick mode SA may have exceeded its configured lifetime limit, leading to its automatic deletion and subsequent expiration.
  • Operational Constraints: Certain operational conditions might trigger the expiration of the SA before its natural end, such as network policy changes or security updates.

Real-World Context

In a typical IPsec setup, quick mode SAs are established during the initial phase of establishing a secure tunnel. These SAs are used for exchanging keying material and other necessary parameters to ensure the security of subsequent data exchanges. When an SA expires, it must be renegotiated or renewed to maintain the security context.

Is This Error Critical?

The ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_QM_EXPIRED error is not inherently critical but can impact the continuity of secure communication if not addressed promptly. It typically indicates that a necessary security association has been terminated and needs to be re-established.

How to Diagnose

To diagnose this issue, follow these steps:

  1. Review Operation Context: Ensure that all relevant IPsec policies and configurations are correctly set up and enforced.
  2. Validate Parameters: Check the parameters used in establishing SAs, such as lifetime values and security policies.
  3. Confirm Object Types: Verify that the correct types of objects (e.g., Security Associations) are being managed according to the expected lifecycle.
  4. Verify Input Data: Ensure that all input data for SA establishment is valid and up-to-date.
  5. Check Limits or Constraints: Confirm that there are no operational constraints, such as network policy changes, affecting the SA's lifetime.

How to Resolve

To resolve this issue, consider these practical steps:

  1. Correct Parameter Usage: Ensure that all parameters used in establishing SAs are within acceptable limits and correctly configured.
  2. Adjust Operation Context: If operational constraints are identified, adjust the context or policies accordingly.
  3. Restore Data: If data corruption is suspected, restore from a known good backup if available.
  4. Retry Operation with Valid Inputs: Attempt to re-establish the SA using valid inputs and parameters.

Developer Notes

Developers should ensure that their applications handle IPsec SAs correctly by implementing appropriate lifecycle management strategies. This includes monitoring SA expiration times and ensuring timely renegotiation or renewal of SAs as necessary.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_QM_REKEY_REQUIRED: Indicates a quick mode SA needs to be rekeyed due to security policy changes.
  • ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_SA_DELETED: Indicates that an IKE Security Association has been deleted, possibly due to expiration or other operational reasons.

FAQ

Q: What does the ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_QM_EXPIRED error mean?

A: It indicates that a quick mode Security Association managed by the IPsec driver has expired and needs to be renegotiated for continued secure communication.

Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?

A: Ensure proper configuration of SA lifetimes, monitor network policies, and implement robust lifecycle management strategies in your applications.

Q: Can this error impact the performance of my system?

A: Generally, it does not have a significant performance impact but may require additional processing to re-establish SAs.

Summary

The ERROR_IPSEC_IKE_QM_EXPIRED error is specific to the IPsec subsystem and indicates that a quick mode Security Association has expired. This can be managed by ensuring proper configuration and lifecycle management of SAs, as well as monitoring network policies and operational constraints.