SESSION7 INITIALIZATION FAILED (0X00000073) Blue Screen Fix Guide (Windows 10/11)

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SESSION7 INITIALIZATION FAILED (0X00000073) Blue Screen Fix Guide (Windows 10/11)

The SESSION7_INITIALIZATION_FAILED (0x00000073) blue screen error, also known as a Stop Error or BSOD (Blue Screen of Death), is a critical system failure that can occur on Windows 10 and Windows 11. This error typically appears when the operating system encounters an issue during session initialization, often related to hardware conflicts, corrupted system files, or driver problems. If your PC suddenly reboots or displays this error with the code “SESSION7_INITIALIZATION_FAILED,” follow this guide to diagnose and resolve the issue.

What Causes the SESSION7_INITIALIZATION_FAILED (0x00000073) Error?

The 0x00000073 error can occur due to several reasons, including:

  • Corrupted system files: Essential Windows components may become damaged during updates or improper shutdowns.
  • Faulty or outdated drivers, particularly graphics or storage drivers (e.g., NVidia, AMD, or Intel integrated graphics).
  • Hardware issues, such as failing RAM, a problematic SSD/HDD, or overheating components.
  • Conflicting software or malware that interferes with system processes.
  • Incompatible Windows updates

    • or recent driver updates that introduce instability.

How to Fix SESSION7_INITIALIZATION_FAILED (0x00000073)

Method 1: Perform a System File Check (SFC and DISM)

Corrupted system files are a common cause of BSOD errors. Use Windows’ built-in tools to repair them:

  • Boot into Safe Mode if the error occurs during normal startup.
  • 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 Roll Back Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can trigger this error, especially graphics drivers. Heres how to update them:

  • Press Win + X, then select Device Manager.
  • Expand categories like Display adapters, Storage controllers, or System devices.
  • Right-click each device, select Update driver, and choose Search automatically for drivers.
  • If the issue started after a recent update, right-click the driver, select Properties, then Roll Back Driver (if available).

Method 3: Check for Hardware Issues

Faulty RAM or storage can cause this error. Test your hardware with these steps:

  • Test RAM: Use Windows Memory Diagnostic:
    • Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
    • Select Restart now and check for problems (recommended).
  • Check storage: Run CHKDSK to scan your hard drive: 
    chkdsk C: /f /r

    (Replace C: with your system drive if needed. Youll be prompted to schedule the scan on the next restart.)

Method 4: Uninstall Recent Updates or Software

If the error started after installing a Windows update or third-party software, roll back changes:

  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history.
  • Click Uninstall updates, select the latest update, and click Uninstall.
  • For third-party software, use Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program to remove recently installed applications.

Method 5: Reset or Reinstall Windows (Last Resort)

If the error persists, a clean reinstall of Windows may be necessary. Back up your data first, then:

  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
  • Under Reset this PC, select Get started and choose Keep my files or Remove everything based on your needs.

FAQ About SESSION7_INITIALIZATION_FAILED (0x00000073)

Q: Will this error delete my data?

A: No, the BSOD itself doesnt harm your files, but frequent crashes can cause corruption. Always back up important data regularly.

Q: Should I replace my RAM or SSD if I see this error?

A: Not necessarily. Run diagnostics (e.g., Windows Memory Diagnostic) to confirm hardware issues before replacing components.

Q: Can third-party antivirus software cause this error?

A: Rarely, but some security suites may conflict with system processes. Try temporarily disabling them to test.

Q: Why does the error appear after a Windows update?

A: Updates sometimes introduce bugs or driver incompatibilities. Use Settings > Update & Security > Recovery to roll back problematic updates.

Final Notes

The SESSION7_INITIALIZATION_FAILED (0x00000073) error is usually fixable with system file repairs, driver updates, or hardware checks. Start with the simplest solutions (e.g., SFC/DISM) before resorting to reinstallation. If the problem persists, consult Microsoft Support or a professional technician for advanced diagnostics.

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

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

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