Fixing SECURITY1_INITIALIZATION_FAILED BSOD: 7 Effective Solutions

The SECURITY1_INITIALIZATION_FAILED error, indicated by the bug check code 0x00000063, presents a significant challenge for Windows users, often leading to a blue screen of death (BSOD) during critical operations. Although this specific BSOD isn't commonly encountered, it can cause serious interruptions and frustration. The error generally points to issues stemming from corrupt system files, outdated drivers, improper installations, or even hardware malfunctions. In this article, we will delve into seven practical methods to resolve this issue, aimed at Windows users seeking efficient solutions.

Understanding SECURITY1_INITIALIZATION_FAILED​

When a Windows system encounters the SECURITY1_INITIALIZATION_FAILED BSOD, it is primarily due to:

• Corrupt system files: Essential files needed for the system's proper functioning may be compromised.
• Buggy or outdated drivers: Drivers play a critical role in facilitating communication between the operating system and hardware. Outdated or incorrect driver versions can lead to conflicts.
• Third-party applications: Programs that may have been recently downloaded or updated can trigger compatibility issues.
• Malware infections: Malicious software can corrupt files or alter system settings, potentially leading to this error.
• Hardware failure: Issues with physical components, such as RAM or disk drives, can result in system instability.

These complications underscore the importance of maintaining an up-to-date and well-optimized Windows environment.

Detailed Steps to Fix SECURITY1_INITIALIZATION_FAILED​

1. Run the DISM and SFC Scans​

Corrupt system files are a prevalent cause of BSOD errors. Performing DISM (Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool) and SFC (System File Checker) scans can help identify and rectify these issues.

1. Press Windows + S to open the Search function.
2. Type Command Prompt, right-click on it, and select Run as administrator.
3. Once in the Command Prompt, enter the following commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each:
   Code:

   bash DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth sfc /scannow

4. After running these commands, restart your computer and check if the issue persists.

   2. Update All Drivers​

   Outdated drivers can lead to numerous issues, including BSODs. Ensuring that all your drivers are current is vital.
5. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
6. Expand the sections to view the drivers.
7. Right-click on each device and select Update driver.
8. Choose Search automatically for drivers and allow Windows to install any updates found. If Windows does not locate a suitable driver, visit the manufacturer’s website to manually download and install the latest versions.

   3. Uninstall Recently Downloaded Applications​

   Sometimes, newly installed or recently updated applications may result in conflicts with the system.
9. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
10. Type appwiz.cpl and hit Enter to open the Programs and Features window.
11. Locate any applications you have recently installed or updated, select them, and click Uninstall.
12. Reboot the system to see if the problem is resolved.

    4. Scan the PC for Malware​

    Malware can cause a range of issues, including corrupting system files and altering settings.
13. Press Windows + S and search for Windows Security.
14. Click on Virus & threat protection.
15. Choose Scan options and select Full scan, then click Scan now.
16. Allow the scan to complete and take action on any threats detected.

    5. Check RAM and Disk for Issues​

    Often overlooked, hardware issues—especially with RAM and disk—can lead to BSOD errors. For Disk Issues:
17. Open the Run dialog (Windows + R).
18. Type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter for admin access.
19. Enter the following command and press Enter:
    Code:

    bash chkdsk /r

20. If prompted to schedule this check for the next reboot, press Y and restart your computer. For RAM Issues:
21. Press Windows + R and enter mdsched.exe.
22. Restart now and check for problems. If this tool fails to detect issues, consider running Memtest86+, which performs more comprehensive tests on RAM modules.

    6. Perform a System Restore​

    If the error began after a recent change in the system, performing a system restore may resolve it.
23. Type Create a restore point in the search bar and select it.
24. Click on the System Restore button, then Next.
25. Choose an older restore point from the list and follow the prompts to restore your system settings.

    7. Reinstall Windows​

    As a last resort, if none of the above solutions work, consider reinstalling Windows.
26. Download the Windows Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft site.
27. Create a bootable USB drive.
28. Reboot your PC, enter the BIOS settings, and select the USB to boot from.
29. Follow the prompts to reinstall Windows. If problems persist after this operation, a hardware malfunction is likely, and professional assistance may be necessary to inspect physical components.

    Final Thoughts​

    The SECURITY1_INITIALIZATION_FAILED error can disrupt normal computer functionality, but with these corrective measures, you can restore your system to working order. Regular maintenance, such as keeping drivers updated and performing routine scans, will help prevent future occurrences of BSOD errors. Always remember to back up important data before making significant changes to your system. For any unresolved issues or to share successful fixes, the community engagement is encouraged! If you've experienced the SECURITY1_INITIALIZATION_FAILED error and resolved it through alternate methods, below is the place to share your insights. For complete details and further reading, refer to the article on Windows Report written by Kazim Ali Alvi .