The Windows 10 PROCESS1_INITIALIZATION_FAILED error is either a hardware fault or a fault with Windows boot files. Fixing it can be as simple as checking the cables on your hard drive or as tiresome as performing a system restore. Either way, here’s how to fix the Windows 10 PROCESS1_INITIALIZATION_FAILED error.
Often, this error will occur after you have made either a hardware or software change to your computer. Depending on which it is, your troubleshooting efforts should begin there.
Fix Windows 10 PROCESS1_INITIALIZATION_FAILED error
If you have made hardware changes:
1. Check HDD or SSD cables are tight and secure.
2. Do the same for power cables just in case.
3. Check your BIOS has the correct settings for the boot drive. ATA/IDE for HDD and AHCI for SSD.
4. Remove any hardware recently added or update the drivers for that device.
If you made software changes:
1. Make sure the program is compatible with Windows 10 and is updated to the latest version.
2. Uninstall the software and retest. Check version and compatibility with the vendor if fault goes away.
If you didn’t make any changes before the error began:
1. Open a CMD window as an administrator.
2. Type or paste ‘sfc /scannow’ and hit Enter.
3. Allow the process to complete.
This is the System File Checker and I use it extensively in troubleshooting Windows 10. If that doesn’t fix the issue, the only other alternative is to perform a startup repair.
1. Boot your computer from the installation media.
2. Select ‘Repair your computer’ instead of ‘Install now’.
3. Select Troubleshoot, Advanced options and then Startup Repair.
4. Allow the process to complete.
Hopefully, Startup Repair will find and fix any file errors. If not, your only alternative now is to perform a system refresh or restore.
More quality Windows 10 tips from Tom’s Hardware:
How to password protect a folder in Windows 10
How to pin folders and drives to the Taskbar in Windows 10
How to partition a hard drive in Windows 10
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