SESSION5 INITIALIZATION FAILED (0X00000071) Blue Screen Fix Guide (Windows 10/11)

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SESSION5 INITIALIZATION FAILED (0X00000071) Blue Screen Fix Guide (Windows 10/11)

The SESSION5_INITIALIZATION_FAILED error, also known by its stop code 0x00000071, is a critical system crash that causes your Windows PC to display the infamous Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). This error typically occurs when Windows fails to initialize a session, often related to hardware issues, driver conflicts, or corrupted system files. If you’re experiencing this issue, dont worrythis guide will walk you through identifying and resolving it step by step.

What Causes the SESSION5_INITIALIZATION_FAILED (0x00000071) Error?

The error can stem from multiple underlying problems, including:

  • Faulty or outdated drivers, especially graphics or storage controllers.
  • Corrupted system files due to improper shutdowns or malware.
  • Hardware issues, such as failing RAM, a damaged hard drive, or overheating components.
  • Incompatible software or drivers installed recently.
  • Windows updates or registry corruption affecting core system processes.

How to Fix SESSION5_INITIALIZATION_FAILED (0x00000071)

### **Method 1: Restart Your PC and Check for Hardware Issues**

A simple restart can sometimes resolve temporary glitches. If the BSOD persists, proceed to the next steps.

  • Press and hold the power button to force a shutdown if Windows doesnt respond.
  • Wait 30 seconds, then power your PC back on.
  • If the error reappears, check for loose cables (especially RAM or GPU) and reseat them if needed.

### **Method 2: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM**

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

  • Press Win + X, then select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
  • Run the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
    sfc /scannow

  • Restart your PC and check if the issue is resolved.

### **Method 3: Update or Roll Back Drivers**

Outdated or conflicting drivers are a common cause. Heres how to fix them:

  • Press Win + X, then select Device Manager.
  • Expand categories like Display adapters, Storage controllers, or System devices.
  • Right-click any device with a yellow warning icon, then choose Update driver. Select Search automatically for drivers.
  • If the issue started after a recent update, right-click the driver and select Properties, then go to the Driver tab. Click Roll Back Driver if available.

### **Method 4: Check for Hard Drive Errors**

A failing hard drive can cause this error. Run CHKDSK to scan for issues:

  • Open Command Prompt (Admin) as above.
  • Type the following command and press Enter:

    chkdsk C: /f /r

  • If prompted, type Y to confirm. Restart your PC afterward.

### **Method 5: Test Your RAM**

Faulty RAM can trigger this error. Use Windows built-in tool:

  • Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
  • Select Restart now and check for problems.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions. If errors are found, replace your RAM if necessary.

### **Method 6: Uninstall Recent Software or Updates**

If the error started after installing new software or updates:

  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, then click View update history. Uninstall recent updates.
  • For third-party software, go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program and remove recently added apps.

### **Method 7: Perform a Clean Boot**

A clean boot helps identify if background processes are causing the issue:

  • Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  • Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
  • Switch to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager. Disable all startup items, then restart.
  • Test if the error persists. If it doesnt, re-enable services/apps one by one to pinpoint the culprit.

### **Method 8: Reset or Reinstall Windows**

If all else fails, a clean install may be necessary:

  • Back up important files using an external drive or cloud storage.
  • Use the built-in Reset this PC tool to reinstall Windows without losing personal files (select Keep my files).
  • For a full reset, choose Remove everything and follow the prompts.

FAQs About SESSION5_INITIALIZATION_FAILED (0x00000071)

Q: Will this error delete my files?

A: No, but its best to back up important data before troubleshooting. The BSOD doesnt corrupt files unless the system crashes during critical operations.

Q: Can I prevent this error in the future?

A: Yes! Regularly update drivers, avoid abrupt shutdowns, and use reliable antivirus software. Monitor hardware health with tools like Windows Memory Diagnostic.

Q: Is this a hardware or software issue?

A: It can be either. Start with software fixes (drivers, updates) before suspecting hardware (RAM, HDD). If the problem persists after testing RAM and storage, consult a technician.

Q: Why does this happen on Windows 10/11?

A: Both versions share similar core components. The error is more common in Windows 10 due to older hardware compatibility, but Windows 11 can also experience it with newer drivers or updates.

By following these steps, you should resolve the SESSION5_INITIALIZATION_FAILED (0x00000071) error. If the issue persists, consider professional diagnostics for deeper hardware checks.

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

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

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