Fixing SESSION6 INITIALIZATION FAILED (0X00000072) Stop Code on Windows 10 & 11 – Step by Step

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Fixing SESSION6_INITIALIZATION_FAILED (0X00000072) Stop Code on Windows 10 & 11 Step by Step

The SESSION6_INITIALIZATION_FAILED (0x00000072) stop code, also known as a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), is an error that can suddenly appear on Windows 10 or Windows 11, causing your system to crash. This error typically occurs when the operating system fails to initialize session 6, which is related to user session management and security-related processes. If you encounter this issue, your screen will turn blue with technical details before restarting automatically. Below are detailed steps to diagnose and resolve this problem effectively.

What Causes SESSION6_INITIALIZATION_FAILED (0x00000072)?

The error can be triggered by several factors, including:

  • Corrupted system files or registry entries related to user sessions.
  • Outdated or incompatible device drivers, particularly those for graphics cards, network adapters, or storage controllers.
  • Malware or virus infections affecting critical system processes.
  • Hardware issues such as failing RAM or a problematic hard drive.
  • Conflicts with recently installed software or Windows updates.

Step-by-Step Fixes for SESSION6_INITIALIZATION_FAILED (0x00000072)

Method 1: Run System File Checker and DISM

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

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
    • 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 persists.

Method 2: Update or Reinstall Problematic Drivers

Outdated or faulty drivers, especially for graphics cards or storage devices, can cause this error. Follow these steps:

  • Open Device Manager:
    • Press Win + X, then select Device Manager.
  • Look for devices with a yellow exclamation mark (problematic drivers) and right-click them to update or uninstall.
  • Use Windows Update to check for driver updates:
    • Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
  • If the issue persists, download the latest drivers from the manufacturers website (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, or your motherboard manufacturer).

Method 3: Run CHKDSK to Check for Disk Errors

Hardware issues, such as bad sectors on your storage drive, can trigger this error. Use CHKDSK to scan and repair disk errors:

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator (as described above).
  • Run the following command: 
    chkdsk C: /f /r

    (Replace “C:” with your system drive letter if needed.)

  • If prompted, press Y to confirm and restart your PC.
  • Wait for the scan to complete, then restart your computer.

Method 4: Perform a Clean Boot to Identify Software Conflicts

A conflicting application or service may trigger this error. A clean boot helps isolate the issue:

  • Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  • Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
  • Go to the Startup tab, click Open Task Manager, and disable all startup items.
  • Restart your PC in clean boot mode. If the error doesnt appear, a third-party application is likely causing it.
  • Re-enable services and startup items one by one to identify the culprit.

Method 5: Check for Malware or Virus Infections

Malware can corrupt system files and trigger BSODs. Run a full scan using Windows Defender:

  • Open Windows Security by pressing Win + I > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection**.
  • Click Quick Scan. If threats are found, follow the prompts to quarantine or remove them.
  • For thorough scanning, go to Virus & threat protection settings > Scan options > Full scan.

Method 6: Reset Windows (Last Resort)

If the error persists after trying the above steps, a clean Windows installation may be necessary. Back up your data first, then:

  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
  • Under Reset this PC, choose Keep my files or Remove everything based on your needs.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

FAQ About SESSION6_INITIALIZATION_FAILED (0x00000072)

Q: Will this error delete my files?

No, this BSOD does not permanently delete your files. Windows automatically restarts to prevent data loss, but its wise to back up important files if the issue persists.

Q: Can I prevent future occurrences?

Yes! Keep your system updated, avoid installing unstable drivers or software, and regularly run sfc /scannow and chkdsk scans to maintain system integrity.

Q: Is this error hardware-related?

Sometimes. If RAM or storage issues are detected, consider testing your hardware with tools like MemTest86 for RAM or manufacturer diagnostics for your HDD/SSD.

Q: Why does this happen after a Windows update?

Updates can introduce bugs or conflicts. Rolling back the latest update via Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Go back may help if the issue started after an update.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the SESSION6_INITIALIZATION_FAILED (0x00000072) error and stabilize your system. If the problem continues, consider seeking professional technical support or checking for hardware failures.

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

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

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