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PHASE0_INITIALIZATION_FAILED Blue Screen Error [Solved]
Performing a Startup Repair is the quickest fix
5 min. read
Published onAugust 12, 2024
published onAugust 12, 2024
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To fix various driver issues on your PC, you will need a dedicated tool to find the freshest and the original drivers. You can use PC HelpSoft Driver Updater to do it in 3 easy steps:
ThePHASE0_INITIALIZATION_FAILEDBSOD(Blue Screen of Death)has a value (bug check) of0x00000031and is usually encountered during the startup phase of the PC. While its occurrences are limited, I have seen several reports of the error over the years, all of which were easily fixable!
ThePHASE0_INITIALIZATION_FAILEDis usually caused by corrupt system files, buggy startup programs, outdated drivers, major OS misconfiguration, and faulty hardware.
To start with, install pending Windows updates, disconnect non-critical peripherals from the PC, andcheck for overheating. If none work, move to the solutions listed next!
How can I fix PHASE0_INITIALIZATION_FAILED?
1. Perform a Startup Repair
Since thePHASE0_INITIALIZATION_FAILEDerror is encountered at startup, the built-inStartup Repairutility, accessible via theWindows Recovery Environment, helps fix it in 7 out of 10 cases!
2. Repair the corrupt system files
One of the mostcommon reasons behind BSODsis the presence ofcorrupt system files in Windows 11. To fix them, you must run theDISM commandsand the SFC scan, which will replace the corrupt files with their cached copy.
3. Update the outdated drivers
When you let Windows take over thedriver update process, it doesn’t search for drivers online. So, you should check the manufacturer’s website andmanually install the latest driver version.
Or, to automate the process, you can get atop-rated driver updater tool, which will automatically identify the connected devices, search the web for the latest drivers, and install them.
4. Disable startup programs
5. Modify the Registry
If thePHASE0_INITIALIZATION_FAILEDerror is faced alongsideIRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUALand the problematic file isintelppm.sys, modifying the Registry Editor fixes them all in one go!
6. Reset Windows to factory defaults
As a last resort to fix software-based issues, you can alwaysreset Windows to factory defaults. I recommend you let it delete all the stored data, both files and apps, to eliminate even the smallest of the conflicts. As for the critical files, you can move them to an external drive before the reset.
Also, some suggestrunning a repair upgradeafter downloading the Windows ISO fromMicrosoft’s official website. So, you can try that as well!
7. Check for faulty hardware or visit a repair shop
If nothing works, it’s likely a malfunctioning hardware to blame for thePHASE0_INITIALIZATION_FAILEDblue screen error in Windows. So, if you can, check for faulty hardware.
However, I recommend taking the PC to a repair shop at this point, having all the components thoroughly inspected for issues, and getting the faulty one repaired or replaced!
One of these solutions should have helped fix the BSOD. In my experience, thePHASE0_INITIALIZATION_FAILEDerror usually has to do with a software or driver conflict unless it starts to appear right after aWindows reinstallor reset, in which case, it’s the improper OS installation at fault.
If the problem persists,check the BSOD error logs, try identifying the underlying cause, and then manually rectify it!
For any queries or to share what worked for you, drop a comment below.
More about the topics:Blue Screen of Death,BSoD errors
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
