The SESSION1_INITIALIZATION_FAILED Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is one of the more annoying Windows error messages to deal with and happens on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. It indicates that a core system process, the Session Manager, failed to initialize properly. This issue usually comes from corrupted system files, damaged boot records, failed updates, or hardware problems such as a failing SSD or hard drive. But there are a few things you can do to solve this problem, so let's get started.

Takeaways:

  1. How do you Fix Initialization failed BSOD error on Windows 11?
  2. How do you Fix Initialization failed BSOD error on Windows 10?
  3. What is causing Initialization failed BSOD on Windows?

How to Fix Initialization Failed BSOD Error on Windows 11

If you can’t access your system, use another computer to create a bootable USB with Windows installation media:

  • Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website.

  • Run the tool and accept the license terms.

  • Choose your language and edition or select the recommended settings.

  • Select the ISO file option and choose a save location.

  • After downloading, use a tool like Rufus to create a bootable USB drive.

  • Insert the USB into the affected PC and boot from it.

Run Startup Repair

Use the built-in Startup Repair to fix boot-related issues:

  • Power off your PC during boot three times to trigger the Windows Recovery Environment.

  • Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Repair.

  • Follow on-screen instructions.

Run SFC and DISM to Repair System Files

More than likely this will be the solution that fixes this problem if your system boots to Windows and runs long enough for it to complete.

  • In Windows Recovery, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.

  • Run the following commands one at a time:

sfc /scannow

How to Fix the SESSION1_INITIALIZATION_FAILED BSOD Error on Windows 11

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

  • If DISM gives an error, try:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:\RepairSource\Windows /LimitAccess

Fix the SESSION1_INITIALIZATION_FAILED BSOD Error on Windows 11

  • Restart your PC after completing all scans.

Uninstall Recent Windows Updates (Using Safe Mode)

Windows has a crap track record for reliable updates so you might need to uninstall the latest update to fix things. Don't worry, this is annoyingly common so you haven't done anything wron.

  • Boot into Windows Recovery and go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options.

  • Choose Uninstall Updates or Go Back to Previous Build.

  • Follow the prompts and restart your system.

Perform a System Restore

Restore Windows to a previous state before the error occurred:

  • In the Recovery Environment, select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore.

  • Choose a restore point and follow the instructions to complete the process.

Check for Drive Errors

A failing hard drive or SSD can cause session initialisation errors:

  • Open Command Prompt (via Recovery or Safe Mode).

  • Run:

chkdsk c: /f

  • For SSDs or a deeper scan, use:

chkdsk c: /f /r /x

  • Restart your PC afterwards.

Reset BIOS/UEFI to Defaults

Improper BIOS settings can cause issues, so make sure it is fully up to date. If it's already up to date reset your BIO to defaults.

  • Restart and enter BIOS (usually by pressing F2, F10, F12, or Del).

  • Look for an option like Load Optimised Defaults.

  • Save and exit the BIOS settings.

Disconnect External Devices

Peripheral devices can occasionally cause BSODs:

  • Shut down the PC.

  • Disconnect all external hardware except for the keyboard and mouse.

  • Restart the computer.

  • Reconnect devices one at a time to identify the problematic one.