How to Fix SECURITY INITIALIZATION FAILED (0X00000062) BSOD on Windows 10 & 11

by

How to Fix SECURITY INITIALIZATION FAILED (0X00000062) BSOD on Windows 10 & 11

The SECURITY_INITIALIZATION_FAILED (0x00000062) Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is a critical error that can suddenly appear during Windows startup, causing your system to crash. This error typically indicates a problem with the security subsystem, often related to corrupted system files, faulty hardware, or driver issues. If you encounter this BSOD, dont worrythis guide will walk you through identifying and fixing the issue step by step.

What Causes the SECURITY_INITIALIZATION_FAILED (0x00000062) Error?

The error occurs when Windows fails to initialize critical security components during boot. Common causes include:

  • Corrupted system files Essential Windows files may be damaged due to improper shutdowns, malware, or hardware issues.
  • Faulty or outdated drivers A problematic driver (especially for storage, network, or security) can trigger this error.
  • Hardware conflicts

    Faulty RAM, a failing hard drive, or overheating components can disrupt system initialization.

  • Malware or rootkits Some malicious software interferes with Windows security modules.
  • Windows updates or registry corruption A failed update or incorrect registry entries may prevent proper booting.

How to Fix SECURITY_INITIALIZATION_FAILED (0x00000062)

### **Method 1: Boot into Safe Mode and Run System File Checks**
If your PC crashes before you can log in, boot into Safe Mode using the following steps:

1. Restart your computer.
2. Hold Shift while clicking Restart or Power.
3. Go to Troubleshoot Advanced options Startup Settings and press F5 (or 5) to enable Safe Mode with Networking.
4. Once in Safe Mode, open Command Prompt (Admin):
– Press Win + X, then select Terminal (Admin).
– If that doesnt work, search for cmd, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator.

5. Run these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:


   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   sfc /scannow
   chkdsk /f /r

6. Restart your PC normally and check if the issue is resolved.

### **Method 2: Update or Roll Back Drivers**
A problematic driver (especially for storage, network, or security) can cause this error.

1. Open Device Manager by pressing Win + X and selecting it.
2. Look for devices with a yellow exclamation mark (problematic drivers).
3. Right-click the device Update driver.
4. If the issue started after a recent update, right-click the driver Properties Driver Roll Back Driver.

### **Method 3: Check for Malware**
Malware can corrupt system files and trigger this error.

1. Run a full scan using Windows Defender:
– Open Settings Update & Security Windows Security Virus & threat protection Scan options.
– Select Quick scan or Full scan and wait for results.
2. If threats are found, follow the removal instructions.

### **Method 4: Reset or Reinstall Windows**
If the issue persists, a clean reinstall of Windows may be necessary:

1. Back up important files (use an external drive if needed).
2. Go to Settings Update & Security Recovery.
3. Under Reset this PC, choose Keep my files or Remove everything based on your needs.
4. Follow the prompts to complete the reset.

### **Method 5: Test Hardware for Faults**
If hardware is causing the issue, test RAM and storage:

1. **Test RAM**:
– Use Windows Memory Diagnostic:
– Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
– Select Restart now and check for problems.

2. **Check Disk Health**:
– Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:


     wmic diskdrive get status

– If a drive shows “Pred Fail” or “Bad,” replace it.

### **Method 6: Disable Fast Startup (If Applicable)**
Fast Startup can sometimes cause issues with security initialization:

1. Open Control Panel Power Options.
2. Click Choose what the power buttons do Change settings that are currently unavailable.
3. Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended) and save changes.

FAQ: Common Questions About SECURITY_INITIALIZATION_FAILED

Q: Will this error delete my files?
A: No, the BSOD itself doesnt harm your files, but if its caused by hardware failure (like a bad hard drive), data loss is possible. Always back up important files as a precaution.

Q: Can I prevent this error in the future?
A: Yes! Regularly update drivers, scan for malware, and avoid abrupt shutdowns. Use Windows Update to keep your system secure.

Q: Why does this happen after a Windows update?
A: Updates sometimes introduce bugs or conflict with existing drivers. Rolling back the update (via Settings Update & Security Recovery Go back) may help.

Q: Is this error related to antivirus software?
A: Rarely, but some security programs can interfere. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus to test if its the cause.

Final Thoughts

The SECURITY_INITIALIZATION_FAILED (0x00000062) BSOD is frustrating but usually fixable with the right steps. Start with system file repairs, driver updates, and malware scans before considering deeper fixes like a Windows reset or hardware checks. If the problem persists, consult professional support for further diagnosis.

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Tested on: Windows 10 (22H2) & Windows 11 (23H2)

Leave a Comment