[Fixed] HAL Initialization Failed 0x0000005C Windows 11/10

The error code ‘HAL Initialization Failed 0x0000005C‘ is a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) issue that occurs during the system’s startup, right before it fully boots up. HAL stands for Hardware Abstraction Layer, and it is managed by a file known as HAL.dll. Most commonly the above error indicates that there might be a hardware problem with your PC.

This error typically arises due to several reasons, including:

  • The HAL.dll file is missing.
  • Hardware failures.
  • Problems with installed drivers.
  • Severe malware or virus infections.
  • The absence of critical system files, such as DLL, EXE, and SYS files.

How to Fix HAL Initialization Failed 0x0000005C Error on Windows 10/11

The ‘HAL Initialization Failed‘ error is a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) issue and resolving it may require multiple steps. Follow the solutions below carefully, one by one.”

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Solution 1: Restart PC in Safe Mode

Start by checking if your PC can boot into Safe Mode. If it successfully enters Safe Mode, your Windows system is likely in a stable state, allowing you to proceed with troubleshooting steps to address the issue.

Open PC in Safe Boot Mode
Step 2: Go to Troubleshoot

Troubleshoot in Advanced Startup Menu Windows 10 & 11

Step 3: Select Advanced options

advanced option windows 10 & 11

Step 4: Select Startup Settings

21_startup-settings

Step 5: Click on Restart button to enable safe mode.

Step 6: Once you boot your computer in Safe mode, uninstall the recently added games, drivers, and softwares.

Once you start your PC in safe mode, follow the following troubleshooting steps.

Run SFC Command.

This command is used to repair the corrupted or missing system files.

System File Checker Tool - Step by Step
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

open command prompt as administrator in Windows 8, 10 & 11

Step 2: Now run the following command.

sfc /scannow

Step 3: Let the process finish and then exit from the command prompt.

Update drivers

If you find any outdated drivers in the Device Manager, make sure to update them.

Update Driver - Step by Step
Step 1: Open Device Manager. Press Windows Key + X and click on Device manager.
Open Device Manager
Step 2: Look for driver which has yellow exclamation mark or warning on it.
Open Device properties
Step 3: Double click on the driver to open Properties. Go to Driver tab and click to Update Driver button.
Update driver
Step 4: Select “Search automatically for drivers”.
search automatically for drivers
Step 5: Follow the instructions and completes the process.
Step 6: If you get the “Windows was unable to install your driver” message, use another effective third-party tool to update/install all your driver.
Windows was unable to install your device

Uninstall recently added apps and drivers.

If you’ve recently made changes, such as installing apps and drivers, consider removing them from the Control Panel.

Run Memory Diagnostic Tool

Additionally, run the Memory Diagnostic tool to check for potential memory corruption on your PC.

Run Memory Diagnostic Tool

Step 1: Open the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows key + R. Type mdsched.exe and press Enter.

open memory diagnostic tool using Run Window.

Step 2: Click on “Restart now and check for problems (recommended)“.

Run memory diagnostic tool after restart.

Step 3: The memory testing process will start on reboot.

Step 4: The scan result will be displayed after login your computer. If it does not display the scan results, you can see the result in the Event Viewer app.

1. Click on the Start menu. Search for Event Viewer and open it.

2. Expand Windows Logs → System.

3. Click on the Find button and search for Memory Diagnostic.

4. You will see the Memory Diagnostic results.

Solution 2: Examine Hardware Health

As previously mentioned, it’s possible that a hardware failure is the root cause of the blue screen error. It’s important to thoroughly inspect your SSD, RAM, and other PC components to determine if they are functioning correctly.

Additionally, consider disconnecting all external peripherals and then restarting your PC.

Solution 3: Reset BIOS to Default

It’s essential to be cautious when making significant changes in your computer’s BIOS settings, as these adjustments can potentially lead to various other issues. Modifying the boot order, overclocking the CPU, and certain other alterations are often known culprits for triggering the HAL Initialization Failed 0x0000005C error. Consider resetting your BIOS settings to their default values, as this action may resolve the problem.

Reset BIOS/UEFI to Default
Step 1: Open BIOS/UEFI Settings.
Step 2: Go to the Exit tab → Select Load Setup Defaults. Press F10 to Save & Exit.

Solution 4: Run the Windows Repair command

Another significant factor contributing to the HAL Initialization Failed 0x0000005C error includes issues like corrupted system files, missing DLL files, errors on the disk, and Windows image corruption. To address these issues, follow the steps below and execute the system repair commands in the specified sequence.

Run SFC, CHKDSK, DISM command
Step 1: Boot your PC using the Windows Installation media. It will open Windows Installation Wizard. Click Next.

windows os installation

Step 2: Select Repair your computer.

repair your computer option windows 10 & 11

Step 3: It will open the Advanced Startup Option or Windows Recovery Environment. Click on the Troubleshoot.

Troubleshoot in Advanced Startup Menu Windows 10 & 11

Step 4: Select Command Prompt.

open_command_prompt in advanced startup option

Step 5: Now run the following commands one by one.
i. System File Checker tool

sfc /scannow

ii. Run Dism command

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

iii. Run Disk checking utility.

chkdsk C: / f / x / r

Solution 5: System Restore

If you’ve observed that the aforementioned error began occurring following the installation of certain games, drivers, or software, you can consider using System Restore to revert your system to a previous state before these recent changes were made.

System Restore - Steps by Steps
Step 1: Open the Advanced Startup Option or Windows Recovery Environment. Go to the Troubleshoot ➜ Advanced options ➜ System Restore.

system_restore

Step 2: Click Next and then Select Date.

select system restore from the list

Step 3: Click on Finish to start Restoring process.

Solution 6: Perform Clean Windows Installation

If none of the previously mentioned methods succeed in resolving the HAL Initialization Failed 0x0000005C error, the next step would be to perform a clean installation of Windows. To do this, you’ll require a bootable Windows installation disk. Prior to initiating the clean Windows installation, it is strongly advised to create a backup of all your data using the following tool.

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Summary

The HAL Initialization Failed 0x0000005C error can occur due to various factors, including hardware failure, driver corruption, installation of incompatible software and drivers, corrupted system files, and incorrect settings in the BIOS. To resolve this issue, you can explore the solutions provided in this article.