When continuing to use Windows 11, if the system is not working properly or you feel that it is running abnormally slow, "initialization" is a very effective method.
However, when you try to initialize it, an error often occurs and you are unable to proceed.
In this article, we will introduce the main causes of being unable to initialize Windows 11 and how to deal with the issue.
Main causes of initialization errors and how to fix them
There are multiple reasons why initialization may fail, so we recommend that you read through all of the following:
The relationship between blue screen and initialization
A typical symptom of initialization failure is a "Blue Screen of Death (BSoD)" where the screen suddenly turns blue and an error message is displayed during initialization.
A blue screen appears when a serious error occurs in your Windows system.hardwareThe main causes are likely to be a malfunction of the driver, or corruption of system files.
The initialization process touches the very core of the system, so any unstable elements can easily cause a blue screen.
In most cases, an error code will be displayed, which may help identify the specific cause.
If an error occurs during initialization, try the following solutions:
- Checking the error code
- Make a note of the code displayed in the error message (e.g., 0x80070002) and search for it on Microsoft support pages or the Internet. Often, you will find a specific solution related to that code.
- Booting into Safe Mode
- Booting into safe mode and trying to reset it may solve the problem.
- If you can't start in safe mode
- You may be able to successfully complete the initialization by running "Reset this PC" from "Troubleshoot" in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
How to open the Recovery Environment (WinRE) in Windows 11
If Windows does not start, after turning on the PC, press and hold the power button on the frozen screen two or three times to force a shutdown. This will display the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
Corrupted system files cause initialization failure
If the Windows system files are corrupted, all sorts of problems will occur. If the necessary files cannot be used properly, initialization will fail.
If you can start Windows, start it in Safe Mode and open a Command Prompt.
If you cannot boot, open "Command Prompt" from "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced Options" in "Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)".
How to open the Recovery Environment (WinRE) in Windows 11
If Windows does not start, after turning on the PC, press and hold the power button on the frozen screen two or three times to force a shutdown. This will display the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
1. Once Command Prompt is open, type the following command and press Enter:
cd /d c:\windows\system322. Next, type the following command (Repair system files) and press Enter:
sfc /scannowRepairing system files in Win10/Win11 with "System File Checker"
A system scan will begin and repair any corrupted files found.
3. Once the system file repair is complete, click the × button in the upper right corner to return to the "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced Options" screen in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). From there, try performing a system restore.
Always repair system files before performing a system restore.
If the OS cannot be initialized due to corruption
For example, if the power goes out during initialization, or if an unexpected interruption occurs, the Windows OS itself may become corrupted and irreparable.
In this case, repairing system files will not solve the problem, so you will need to reinstall Windows 11.
If you have another PC, try creating Windows 11 installation media using the Media Creation Tool and reinstalling it.
If you don't have another PC, try using a friend's PC or an internet cafe.
How to Use the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool | Error Troubleshooting
Peripheral devices are preventing initialization
Connected peripheral devices may cause initialization to fail or the device to stop responding midway.
Before initializing Windows, please disconnect all unnecessary peripheral devices.
Initialization failure due to insufficient free space
When initializing Windows 11, you will need some free space.
If you don't have space to temporarily store files, your work will come to a halt.
It is very important to keep a certain amount of free space, not just for initialization.
How much free space is optimal for Windows 11 C drive?
If you are able to start Windows after the initialization fails, try deleting unnecessary files to free up space and then initializing again.
If you are unable to start the program, please refer to the above "If the OS cannot be initialized due to corruptionPlease refer to ".
If initialization is not possible
If the above methods don't work, there may be a problem with your hard disk or SSD.
If you can start Windows, try running an error check.
Check your HDD and SSD for errors regularly in Windows 10/Win11
If you are unable to initialize the device, we recommend that you consult a specialist or professional.
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