Fixing 0x00000015 THREAD_ID_NOT_INITIALIZED Stop Code on Windows 10 & 11 – Step by Step

Understanding the 0x00000015 THREAD_ID_NOT_INITIALIZED Stop Code

The 0x00000015 (THREAD_ID_NOT_INITIALIZED) stop code, commonly known as a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), is an error that occurs when the Windows operating system encounters a problem related to thread initialization. This typically means that a process or driver tried to access a thread ID before it was properly set up, leading to a system crash.

When this BSOD appears, your screen will turn blue with white text displaying the stop code and error message. The system will then restart automatically unless you have configured Windows to show an error screen on boot. This can be frustrating, especially if it happens frequently or during critical tasks like gaming, video editing, or general file operations.

The THREAD_ID_NOT_INITIALIZED error is often associated with hardware issues, driver conflicts, or corrupted system files. It can affect both Windows 10 and Windows 11 users, but the steps to resolve it are similar across these versions.

Common Causes of the 0x00000015 Error

The THREAD_ID_NOT_INITIALIZED BSOD is usually triggered by one or more of the following issues:

• Faulty hardware drivers, especially those related to storage devices, network adapters, or graphics cards.
• Corrupted system files due to incomplete updates, malware infections, or improper shutdowns.
• Overheating or failing hardware components, such as RAM, hard drives, or motherboard issues.
• Incompatible or outdated drivers that conflict with the Windows kernel or other system processes.
• Malware or system infections that disrupt normal thread operations.
• Windows updates or patchesthat introduce bugs or compatibility issues.

Step-by-Step Fixes for the THREAD_ID_NOT_INITIALIZED BSOD

1. Restart Your Computer and Check for Windows Updates

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary issues causing the BSOD. After rebooting, ensure your system is up to date:

• Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I.
• Go to Update & Security.
• Click Check for updates and install any pending updates.
• Restart your computer again if prompted.

2. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM to Repair Corruption

Corrupted system files can trigger this error. Use built-in tools to scan and repair them:

• • System File Checker (SFC): This tool checks for and repairs corrupted Windows system files.

sfc /scannow

• • • Open Command Prompt as Administrator by searching for “cmd” in the Start menu, right-clicking it, and selecting Run as administrator.
    • Type or paste the command above and press Enter.
    • Wait for the scan to complete (this may take several minutes). If no issues are found, proceed to the next step.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

• • Open another instance of Command Prompt as Administrator.
  • Paste the command above and press Enter.
  • Wait for DISM to finish (this may take longer than SFC). Restart your computer afterward.

3. Check for Faulty Hardware or Drivers

• • Test your RAM: Faulty RAM can cause thread-related errors.

mdsched.exe

• • Open the command above to launch Windows Memory Diagnostic.
  • Select Restart now and check for problems (recommended).
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the test. If errors are found, replace your RAM or run further diagnostics.
• Check hard drive health: Use the built-in tool to verify disk integrity:

  chkdsk /f /r

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  • Paste the command above and press Enter.
  • If prompted, confirm to run chkdsk on your next startup.
  • Wait for the scan to complete. If errors are found, repair them or replace the drive if necessary.
• Update or reinstall drivers: Outdated or incompatible drivers can trigger this BSOD.

• pnputil /enum-devices

  • Open another instance of Command Prompt as Administrator.
  • Paste the command above to list all installed drivers. Note any recent or suspicious updates.
  • Go to Device Manager by searching for it in the Start menu.
  • Expand categories like Disk drives, Network adapters, or Display adapters.
  • Right-click each device and select Update driver. Choose to search automatically for drivers.
  • If the issue persists, try reinstalling the driver by right-clicking it and selecting Uninstall device, then restart your computer. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

4. Disable Overclocking or Adjust BIOS Settings

• Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI setup (usually by pressing F2, F10, or Delete during boot).
• Reset all overclocking settings to default.
• Save changes and exit. Test if the BSOD still occurs.

5. Scan for Malware Infections

Malware can corrupt system files or interfere with driver operations, leading to this error. Run a full system scan using Windows Defender:

• Open Windows Security by searching for it in the Start menu.
• Go to Virus & threat protection.
• Click Quick Scan or Full Scan under Scan options.
• Wait for the scan to complete and follow any recommended actions.
• If malware is detected, quarantine or remove it immediately. Restart your computer afterward.

6. Check Event Viewer for Detailed Error Logs

The BSOD often leaves behind detailed logs in the Windows Event Viewer. These logs can help identify the root cause:

• Open Event Viewer: Press Windows key + X, then select Event Viewer.
• Navigate to Windows Logs > System in the left sidebar.
• Look for entries with Critical severity around the time of the BSOD. Note any relevant details, such as driver names or error codes.
• Search online for the
  

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  Last Updated: December 07, 2025
  Tested on: Windows 10 (22H2) & Windows 11 (23H2)