Microsoft Windows Error Code 0x00000063: How to Fix It

Medium 1-3 hours High Severity Verified June 2026
Error Code
0x00000063
Brand
Microsoft Windows
Product Type
operating_system
Severity
High
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
1-3 hours
Windows error code 0x00000063 (SECURITY1_INITIALIZATION_FAILED) is a critical Blue Screen of Death error that occurs when the Windows security subsystem fails to initialize during startup. This error typically indicates corrupted system files, faulty drivers, or hardware issues that prevent Windows from loading its security components.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 0x00000063

  1. Boot into Safe Mode

    If you cannot access Safe Mode, proceed to step 2 using Windows Recovery Environment.
  2. Run System File Checker

  3. Check for Corrupt System Files with DISM

  4. Update or Rollback Drivers

  5. Run Memory Diagnostic

    Save all work before running memory diagnostic as your computer will restart immediately.
  6. Perform System Restore

  7. Check Hard Drive Health

    This process can take several hours depending on drive size and may result in data loss if bad sectors are found.
  8. Reset Windows Security Components

Parts You May Need

External hard drive or USB drive
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Windows installation media
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Replacement RAM modules
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Replacement hard drive or SSD
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External hard drive or USB drive
Check Price on Amazon
Windows installation media
Check Price on Amazon
Replacement RAM modules
Check Price on Amazon
Replacement hard drive or SSD
Check Price on Amazon
External hard drive or USB drive
Check Price on Amazon
Windows installation media
Check Price on Amazon
Replacement RAM modules
Check Price on Amazon
Replacement hard drive or SSD
Check Price on Amazon
External hard drive or USB drive
Check Price on Amazon
Windows installation media
Check Price on Amazon
Replacement RAM modules
Check Price on Amazon
Replacement hard drive or SSD
Check Price on Amazon
External hard drive or USB drive
Check Price on Amazon
Windows installation media
Check Price on Amazon
Replacement RAM modules
Check Price on Amazon
Replacement hard drive or SSD
Check Price on Amazon
External hard drive or USB drive
Check Price on Amazon
Windows installation media
Check Price on Amazon
Replacement RAM modules
Check Price on Amazon
Replacement hard drive or SSD
Check Price on Amazon
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When to Call a Professional

Contact a computer technician if the error persists after trying all steps, if you're uncomfortable using Command Prompt, or if hardware diagnostics reveal failing components like RAM or hard drive that need replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes Windows error code 0x00000063?
Error 0x00000063 is typically caused by corrupted system files, faulty drivers, failing RAM, hard drive errors, or malware that has damaged Windows security components. Recent software installations or Windows updates can also trigger this error.
Can I fix error 0x00000063 without losing my files?
Yes, most fixes for this error preserve your personal files. System File Checker, driver updates, and System Restore maintain your data. However, always backup important files before troubleshooting as some repair methods may cause data loss.
Is error 0x00000063 a virus or malware issue?
While malware can cause this error by corrupting security files, it's more commonly caused by system file corruption or hardware issues. Run a full antivirus scan in Safe Mode to rule out malware as the cause.
How do I prevent error 0x00000063 from happening again?
Keep Windows updated, run regular disk cleanup and defragmentation, avoid installing suspicious software, keep antivirus updated, and monitor system temperatures to prevent hardware failure that can corrupt system files.