Fix Windows Stop Code 0x00000098: END_OF_NT_EVALUATION_PERIOD

Quick Answer

The Windows stop code 0x00000098 (END_OF_NT_EVALUATION_PERIOD) indicates that a Windows evaluation installation has reached the end of its permitted evaluation period. The appropriate resolution is to identify the installed Windows edition and use a supported licensing, upgrade, or reinstallation path.

If Windows still starts, check the installed version, build, and activation status. If the computer cannot boot, use Windows recovery options to protect important files and determine the appropriate installation path. Changing the system date or using unofficial activation tools is not a supported solution.

What Does Error 0x00000098 Mean?

Microsoft identifies bug check 0x00000098 as END_OF_NT_EVALUATION_PERIOD. It indicates that the evaluation period for the installed Windows operating system has ended.

This error may be encountered with time-limited evaluation installations. Expiring Windows preview builds can also have their own expiration-related startup problems, so the exact Windows edition and build should be checked before choosing a fix.

The stop code does not, by itself, prove that the computer has defective RAM, a failing storage drive, or a faulty device driver. Begin by investigating the operating system's evaluation and licensing status.

Common Causes

• Expired evaluation edition: The installed Windows evaluation period has ended.
• Expiring preview build: A Windows Insider Preview build may have reached its build expiration date.
• Unsupported upgrade path: The current evaluation installation may not support a direct conversion to the intended Windows edition.
• Licensing or edition mismatch: The installed edition may not match the available license or intended upgrade path.

These are possible scenarios, not separate confirmed causes for every occurrence of the stop code. The installed edition, build, and licensing information determine the appropriate next step.

How to Fix Windows Stop Code 0x00000098

Method 1: Check the Windows Version and Build

If Windows starts successfully, identify the installed version before changing the system.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type winver and press Enter.
3. Record the Windows version and OS build displayed in the About Windows window.
4. Open Settings and navigate to the Activation page. In Windows 11, select Settings > System > Activation. In Windows 10, select Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
5. Record the installed edition and any activation or evaluation-related message.

The winver command only displays version information. It does not extend an evaluation period or activate Windows.

Method 2: Update an Expiring Windows Insider Preview Build

If the computer uses an expiring Windows Insider Preview build, check whether a suitable newer build is available through Windows Update.

1. Back up important files while Windows is accessible.
2. Open Settings and select Windows Update. In Windows 10, use Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
3. Select Check for updates.
4. Install an applicable update if one is offered and follow the restart instructions.
5. After restarting, run winver again to confirm the installed build.

Updating can resolve an expiring preview-build problem when a suitable newer build is available. It is not a universal fix for every expired evaluation edition.

For further guidance, see Microsoft's Windows Insider build expiration documentation and Windows Insider troubleshooting guidance.

Method 3: Resolve the Windows Evaluation or Licensing Issue

If the installed edition is an expired evaluation version, determine whether Microsoft supports upgrading or converting that installation to the intended edition.

1. Confirm the exact installed Windows edition and build.
2. Check whether you have a valid license for the intended Windows edition.
3. Review the activation status and any error message in Settings.
4. If Windows provides an applicable activation troubleshooter, follow its instructions.
5. Consult the official edition-upgrade documentation to determine whether the current installation supports the required conversion.
6. If a supported conversion is unavailable, prepare for a clean installation of an appropriate Windows edition.

Microsoft provides guidance for troubleshooting Windows activation errors and upgrading Windows editions.

Important: Activating Windows does not necessarily convert every expired evaluation installation. Confirm the supported upgrade path before purchasing a license or starting an installation.

Method 4: Recover a Computer That Cannot Boot

If the stop code prevents Windows from starting, use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) or suitable Windows installation media.

1. Check whether Windows Recovery Environment appears automatically after a failed startup.
2. If WinRE is available, select Troubleshoot and review the recovery options appropriate to the situation.
3. If Windows can be restored to a working state, identify the edition and build and follow the appropriate evaluation-expiration procedure.
4. If the installation cannot be recovered through a supported upgrade, prepare suitable Windows installation media on another working computer.
5. Install a supported Windows edition for which you have the appropriate license, following Microsoft's installation instructions.

See Microsoft's documentation on recovery options in Windows before selecting a recovery or reinstallation method.

Understanding Bug Check Parameters

Microsoft documents four parameters for bug check 0x98. These values provide diagnostic information and do not themselves repair the operating system.

For the exact definitions, consult Microsoft's Bug Check 0x98 reference. Do not interpret the reserved parameters as additional expiration data.

What Not to Do

• Do not change the system date to bypass expiration. This does not provide a valid license or a supported replacement build.
• Do not use unofficial activation utilities. They may compromise system security and may violate licensing terms.
• Do not replace hardware without evidence. This stop code alone does not establish a hardware fault.
• Do not reinstall the same expired evaluation edition without checking the installation path. Doing so may leave the underlying problem unresolved.
• Do not assume every activation error has the same solution. An expired evaluation installation and an ordinary activation problem may require different procedures.

How to Verify the Fix

After completing the appropriate update, licensing change, or reinstallation, perform these checks:

1. Restart the computer.
2. Run winver to confirm the installed Windows version and build, if Windows starts.
3. Open the Activation page in Settings and review the licensing status for the installed edition.
4. If using Windows Insider Preview, confirm that the installed build is appropriate for the selected channel and is not identified as expired.
5. Confirm that Windows starts normally and that the 0x00000098 stop code does not recur.

If the same stop code persists after a supported update or installation, recheck the installed edition, build, and licensing status. Do not assume that a hardware replacement or unrelated driver change is necessary without additional diagnostic evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is stop code 0x00000098 a hardware problem?

Not by itself. Microsoft defines it as an evaluation-period expiration error. Investigate hardware if separate symptoms or diagnostic results support that conclusion.

Can Windows Update fix END_OF_NT_EVALUATION_PERIOD?

It may resolve an expiring Insider Preview build when a suitable newer build is available. It is not a universal solution for all expired evaluation editions.

Will activating Windows always resolve error 0x00000098?

No. The correct action depends on the installed edition, evaluation status, license, and supported upgrade path. Ordinary activation troubleshooting may not convert an expired evaluation installation.

Do I need to replace my RAM or hard drive?

Not solely because of this stop code. Address the evaluation-period issue first and investigate hardware only if independent diagnostic evidence indicates a problem.

Can I recover my files if Windows will not start?

Recovery may be possible through Windows recovery tools, suitable external media, or a separate data-recovery procedure. The available options depend on the drive's condition and encryption status. Protect important files before reinstalling Windows whenever possible.

Sources

• Microsoft Learn: Bug Check 0x98 — END_OF_NT_EVALUATION_PERIOD
• Microsoft Learn: Windows Insider build expiration
• Microsoft Learn: Windows Insider troubleshooting
• Microsoft Support: Get help with Windows activation errors
• Microsoft Learn: Windows edition upgrades
• Microsoft Support: Recovery options in Windows