BSOD Error Information: Bug Code Name: PHASE0_INITIALIZATION_FAILED Bug Code Number: Error 0x31 Workarounds Applicable For: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista & XP HEX: 0x00000031 What It Means: According to Microsoft, receiving this error code means that the system initialization process failed at an early stage. In layman’s terms, the PC failed abruptly when boot into Windows; hence the blue screen appears. |
What Causes Windows 10 BSOD Error 0x00000031?
There are a variety of reasons why this blue screen error may appear on Windows 10. But one of the most common culprits are:
- Insufficient storage space
Applies to both hard drive and memory. Your system needs enough space to load applications. In case there’s a prolonged lack of memory, it can cause system operations to break down.
- Problematic drivers
Running incompatible or faulty drivers are responsible for a variety of BSOD errors. As long as your drivers cannot keep up with the newest firmware, your system will be hit by numerous errors, including the PHASE0_INITIALIZATION_FAILED error.
- Registry errors
Any individual level tampering or unauthorized application can lead to registry errors and several Blue screen error codes, including 0x31.
- Faulty Windows updates
Corrupted or faulty update files are also responsible for causing numerous issues on Windows 10 & other versions. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you perform a complete & proper Windows update installation.
Additionally, the BSOD error can also be caused due to faulty hardware or software corruption. Hence, before implementing the advanced workarounds to fix the annoying bug PHASE0_INITIALIZATION_FAILED, you should do the following:
- Recall the last software you installed, any tweaks you made in the settings before the error occurred. Try rectifying it by taking action to the previous state.
- Unplug peripherals that are not critical to normal operations.
- Reboot your system to check if you can log in to your Windows desktop easily.
Writer’s Tip – Often, BSOD errors cause the loss of important data. Since the files get blocked by bad hard disk sectors, computer viruses, software malfunction, or corrupted system files, you can lose your personal & important files due to all these issues. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have those files ever again.Download & Scan your system with Advanced Disk Recovery. Learn about the program, features, pros & cons in this step by step guide. |
Practices To Resolve PHASE0_INITIALIZATION_FAILED (0x00000031)
We recommend you to try these workarounds in the order given below to fix the error 0x31.
1. Update Drivers
Updating outdated drivers is not as common as updating your operating system or programs. Since device drivers are responsible for different hardware units to keep your system functional, you need to ensure that you install compatible & latest drivers from trustworthy sources. You can manually update drivers using the Windows Device Manager:
- Right-click on the Windows button and choose Device Manager.
- From the next window, you can see the list of device categories and expand each of them to see the sub-devices.
- You can expand each category one by one and right-click to select the Update driver software option.
- Further, you can follow the on-screen instructions to update drivers successfully.
If you find the method is quite time-consuming and hectic. You can take the help of a third-party driver updater utility that can perform a single scan, list all the faulty, incompatible, missing, and damaged drivers, and just click on a single Update button to install bulk drivers in one-go. If you are looking for such an effortless solution, we recommend you using Smart Driver Care. Learn more about the utility right here!
2. Check For System File Errors With SFC
To fix PHASE0_INITIALIZATION_FAILED with bug code 0x31, you need to locate and repair damaged, corrupted, and faulty system files that might hamper the performance annoying blue screen error. To run System File Checker and fix damaged system files, all you have to do is:
1. Open the Command Prompt and Run as administrator.
2. Type the command line: SFC /scannow
3. Hit the Enter button.
4. Keep patience as the scanning process can take about 15 minutes to locate and replace problematic files with fresh copies. Once the process is completed, hopefully, you get rid of the annoying bug code 0x00000031.
3. Check For Hard Disk Errors
Well, if the Blue Screen Error PHASE0_INITIALIZATION_FAILED has occurred due to bad sectors, you need to run the command line CHKDSK to check for the errors. To fix the problems of bad sectors, you need to do the following:
- Launch the Command Prompt and Run as administrator.
- Execute the command line: chkdsk c: /f & press the Enter button. (In place of F, you need to use the drive’s letter where your OS is installed.
- Now keep patience and wait for the process to get completed. Once done, try restarting your computer and see if the error code 0x00000031 persists. If yes, move ahead to the next solution.
- Start Windows 10 In Safe Mode
In case the error code appears while loading Windows, simply try loading your system in Safe Mode. Once you enter into Safe Mode, you can easily diagnose the operating system, but it has limited functions; you should only use Windows 10 Safe Mode when your system is blocked.
To start Safe Mode, you need to follow the instructions:
- Go to the Start Menu > Settings > Update & Security
- Head towards the Recovery tab.
- From the Recovery tab > Advanced startup & click on the Restart now button.
- Once the PC restarts, go to the Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.
- At this point, Windows will update you that the PC can be restarted using additional settings, where you can locate the Enable Safe Mode button and press the Restart button.
- Once the restart begins, choose Enable Safe Mode by hitting the F4 key.
{FIXED} Bug Code: 0x00000031 “PHASE0_INITIALIZATION_FAILED”
Though these solutions are quite beneficial for eradicating the annoying BSOD error code, if nothing worked, we advise you to consult the Microsoft Support Service. You can land on their portal > Enter your Error code and message in the search field and follow the provided solutions to eliminate the issue.
Have any feedback or suggestions? Shoot them in the comments section below; we will be happy to answer your queries.