WSAEINTR - 10004 (0x2714)

A blocking operation was interrupted by a call to WSACancelBlockingCall.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Meaning

The WSAEINTR error code indicates that a blocking operation was interrupted by a call to the WSACancelBlockingCall function. This error is specific to the Windows Sockets API and occurs when an application attempts to cancel a pending network operation.

Error Details

  • Error Name: WSAEINTR
  • Numeric Code: 10004 (0x2714)
  • Short Description: A blocking operation was interrupted by a call to WSACancelBlockingCall.

This error typically arises in scenarios where an application initiates a network operation that is expected to block until completion, but the operation needs to be canceled before it completes. The WSACancelBlockingCall function can be used to cancel such operations, leading to this error being returned if the cancellation occurs while the operation is still pending.

Usage Context

The WSAEINTR error code is relevant in contexts where network operations are performed using the Windows Sockets API. It is commonly encountered when an application attempts to cancel a blocking socket operation such as a read or write, which has not yet completed.

Developer Interpretation

When encountering the WSAEINTR error, developers should understand that it signifies that a cancellation request was successful in interrupting a pending network operation. The application can handle this error by checking if the operation was indeed canceled and then proceeding with appropriate cleanup or retry logic as necessary.

Related Errors

  • WSAEWOULDBLOCK: Indicates that a non-blocking socket operation would block, but no blocking operation is currently in progress to be interrupted.
  • WSAENOTSOCK: Occurs when an invalid socket descriptor is used.
  • WSAEINVAL: Indicates that the provided parameters are not valid for the function being called.

FAQ

Q: What does WSAEINTR mean?

A: WSAEINTR indicates that a blocking operation was interrupted by a call to WSACancelBlockingCall, typically used in network programming scenarios where an operation needs to be canceled before completion.

Q: How can I handle this error in my application?

A: Upon receiving the WSAEINTR error, you should check if the cancellation request was successful and then proceed with appropriate cleanup or retry logic as necessary. Ensure that any resources associated with the operation are properly released to avoid resource leaks.

Q: Can I ignore this error?

A: No, ignoring WSAEINTR can lead to issues such as resource leaks or unexpected behavior in your application. It is important to handle this error appropriately by checking if the cancellation was successful and taking necessary actions.

Summary

The WSAEINTR error code is a specific indication that a blocking network operation has been interrupted due to a call to WSACancelBlockingCall. Developers should be aware of this scenario when working with the Windows Sockets API, ensuring proper handling of such errors to maintain application stability and resource management.