WSAENOBUFS - 10055 (0x2747)
An operation on a socket could not be performed because the system lacked sufficient buffer space or because a queue was full.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The WSAENOBUFS error code, with the numeric value 10055 and hexadecimal representation 0x2747, indicates that an operation on a socket could not be performed due to insufficient buffer space or because a queue was full. This error is commonly encountered in network programming scenarios where data transmission or reception operations are attempted but fail due to resource constraints.
Error Details
This error code is specific to the Windows Sockets API (Winsock) and is returned by socket functions when they encounter conditions that prevent them from completing their intended operation. The primary causes of this error include:
- Insufficient buffer space available for data transmission or reception.
- A queue associated with a socket being full, preventing further operations until existing entries are processed or removed.
Usage Context
WSAENOBUFS is typically encountered in scenarios where network applications attempt to send or receive data over sockets. This can happen when the application attempts to write more data than the available buffer space allows, or when a queue associated with the socket has reached its capacity and cannot accept additional entries.
Developer Interpretation
Developers should interpret this error as an indication that the current operation on a socket could not be completed due to resource constraints. This may require adjusting the application's behavior by either increasing buffer sizes, optimizing data transmission patterns, or managing queue capacities more effectively. Developers should also ensure that their applications handle this error gracefully and provide appropriate feedback or recovery mechanisms.
Related Errors
- WSAEWOULDBLOCK (10035): Operation would block.
- WSAEMSGSIZE (9024): Message too long.
- WSAECONNRESET (10054): Connection reset by peer.
These errors can provide additional context when diagnosing network-related issues in applications.
FAQ
Q: What does WSAENOBUFS mean?
A: WSAENOBUFS indicates that the system lacks sufficient buffer space or a queue is full, preventing an operation on a socket from completing successfully.
Q: How can I handle this error in my application?
A: You should increase buffer sizes, optimize data transmission patterns, and manage queue capacities more effectively. Additionally, ensure your application handles WSAENOBUFS errors gracefully to maintain robustness.
Summary
The WSAENOBUFS error code is a generic indication that an operation on a socket could not be performed due to insufficient buffer space or a full queue. Developers should focus on optimizing resource management and handling this error appropriately in their applications to ensure smooth network operations.