Blue Screen Error Message:
Error Code Name: PHASE0_INITIALIZATION_FAILED
Error Code Number: Error 0x31
Applies to: Workaround for Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and XP
Hexadecimal: 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 computer suddenly malfunctions when it boots into Windows; Hence the blue screen appears.
What Causes Windows 10 BSOD Error 0x00000031?
There are several reasons why this BSOD error appears on Windows 10. But one of the most common culprits is:
- Insufficient storage space
Works with hard disks and memory. Your system needs enough space to load the application. If the memory is low for a long time, it may cause the system operation to crash.
- Driver in question
Running incompatible or faulty drivers can lead to various BSOD errors. As long as your drivers can’t keep up with the latest firmware, your system will experience many errors, including PHASE0_INITIALIZATION_FAILED errors.
- Registry error
Any single level of tampering or unauthorized applications can result in registry errors and multiple BSOD error codes, including 0x31.
- Bad Windows update
Corrupted or faulty update files are also the cause of a large number of problems with Windows 10 and other versions. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you perform a complete and correct installation of Windows Update.
In addition, BSOD errors can also be caused due to hardware failure or software damage. Therefore, before implementing advanced workarounds to fix annoying error PHASE0_INITIALIZATION_FAILED, you should do the following:
- Think back to the last software you installed, and any adjustments you made in the settings before the error occurred. Try to correct it by taking action on the previous state.
- Unplug peripherals that are not essential for normal operation.
- Restart your system to check if you can easily sign in to your Windows desktop.
Author’s Tip – Usually, the blue screen error leads to the loss of important data. As files are blocked by bad hard drive sectors, computer viruses, software malfunctions, or corrupted system files, you may lose your personal and important files due to all these issues. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have those files anymore. Use Advanced Disk Recovery to download and scan your system. Learn about the program, features, pros and cons in this step-by-step guide.
How to fix PHASE0_INITIALIZATION_FAILED 0x00000031 errors
We recommend that you try these workarounds to fix the error 0x31 in the order given below.
Update the drivers
PHASE0_INITIALIZATION_FAILED 0x00000031 workaround: Updating outdated drivers is not as common as updating operating systems or programs. Since device drivers are responsible for different hardware units to keep your system up and running, you need to make sure you install compatible and up-to-date drivers from trusted sources. You can manually update drivers using Windows Device Manager:
- Right-click on the Windows button and select Device Manager.
- In the next window, you can see a list of device categories and expand each category to see the sub-devices.
- You can expand each category one by one and right-click to select the Update Driver Software option.
- In addition, you can follow the on-screen instructions to successfully update the driver.
If you find the method very time-consuming and hectic. With the help of a third-party driver updater utility that can perform a single scan, you can list all faulty, incompatible, missing, and corrupted drivers, and then install bulk drivers all at once with the click of an update button. If you are looking for such a hassle-free solution, we recommend you to use Smart Driver Care. Learn more about the utility here!
Use SFC to check for system file errors
How do I fix PHASE0_INITIALIZATION_FAILED 0x00000031 error? To use the error code 0x31 Repair PHASE0_INITIALIZATION_FAILED, you need to locate and repair corrupted, damaged, and faulty system files that can hinder the performance of the annoying BSOD error. To run the system file checker and repair corrupt system files, all you have to do is:
1. Open the Command Prompt and run as administrator.
2. Enter the command line: SFC /scannow
3. Click the Enter button.
4. Be patient because the scanning process can take about 15 minutes to find the problematic file and replace it with a new copy. Once the process is complete, hopefully you will get rid of the annoying error code 0x00000031.
Check for hard drive errors
PHASE0_INITIALIZATION_FAILED 0x00000031 workaround: Well, if you get a blue screen error PHASE0_INITIALIZATION_FAILED due to bad sectors, you need to run the command line CHKDSK to check for the error. To fix the problem of bad sectors, you need to do the following:
- Launch the command prompt and run it as administrator.
- Execute the command line: chkdsk c: /f and press the Enter button. (Instead of F, you’ll need to use the drive letter on which the operating system is installed.)
- Now be patient and wait for the process to complete. Once done, try restarting your computer and see if the error code 0x00000031 persists. If yes, move on to the next solution.
- Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode
If you get an error code when loading Windows, just try loading your system in safe mode. Once in safe mode, the operating system can be easily diagnosed, but the features are limited; When your system is blocked, you should only use Windows 10 Safe Mode.
To start Safe Mode, you’ll need to follow these instructions:
- Go to Start Menu > Settings > Update & Security
- Go to the Recovery tab.
- From the “Recovery” tab> “Advanced Startup” and click on the “Reboot Now” button.
- Once your PC restarts, go to Troubleshooter > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.
- At this point, Windows will update that you can restart your PC with additional settings, where you can find the Enable Safe Mode button and press the Restart button.
- Once the reboot starts, press the F4 key to select Enable Safe Mode.
Summary of how to fix PHASE0_INITIALIZATION_FAILED 0x00000031 errors
While these solutions are very beneficial in eliminating annoying BSOD error codes, if nothing works, we recommend that you consult Microsoft Support Services. You can log in to their portal> Enter your error code and message in the search field and follow the solutions provided to eliminate the problem.
