[Fixed] Configuration system failed to initialize Error on Windows 11

Summary: The Configuration System Failed to Initialize error usually appears when you try to launch a newly installed app. System file corruption or wrong configuration can be the primary reasons. Fix this issue by running an SFC scan, deleting the old Config file, and other suggested workarounds in this blog.

The Configuration System Failed to Initialize error is bugging many Windows users, preventing them from running the desired application or program. Majorly, users who have installed any new application on their system are affected. You may receive this error during the app launch and during system reboot (suggesting that even restarting your system won’t help you bypass this bug.) You may also experience other issues such as system malfunctioning and frequent app crashes. Any abrupt data loss due to this error will not affect you if you have data backup available. However, if there’s no backup, you must find ways to fix this error and recover your data immediately. Let’s identify the underlying causes behind the error and then take the right course of action.

Why Configuration System Failed to Initialize Error Occurs?

Several factors can cause this system error:

Fix Configuration System File to Initialize on System Error

Irrespective of the reasons, you can fix this system error by following the shared workarounds.

#1 Run System File Checker Tool

Missing or corrupted system files could be responsible for the Configuration System File to Initialize error and several other errors like SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION and PFN_LIST_CORRUPT errors. You can run the System File Checker (SFC) utility, a Windows built-in troubleshooting utility that can replace the corrupted or damaged versions of system files with the correct ones. Thus, solving the error.

The process may take a while to complete. Once done, see the results; if further instructions are given, follow them. Finally, exit the command prompt and reboot your system to check if the issue is fixed.

Note: Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 users can run DISM/ online /cleanup-image /restorehealth command first and then proceed with SFC Scan.

#2 Check and Delete the Old Config File

Applications require Config files to run correctly. If there’s corruption or another issue within the Config file, you may receive the Configuration failed to initialize error on Windows 11. You can check and then delete the damaged/corrupted Config file with the following steps:

Steps to Check Config File

Save the change, close the window, and see if the issue resolves. If the error persists, delete the old/corrupted or buggy Config file with the following steps.

Steps to Delete Old/Buggy Config File

Note: If you see a Roaming folder after following Users > username > AppData, that’s normal. Expand the Roaming folder and then go to appname and delete the Config file.

#3 Perform Clean Boot

Sometimes, third-party applications and related services could be the reason behind Configuration System Failed to Initialize error. You can also perform a clean boot with the following steps to solve the issue.

#4 Uninstall Problematic Application

If disabling the problematic application doesn’t fix the error, you can uninstall it with the following steps:

#5 Update Windows

Update Windows as a last resort. Outdated Windows may also cause issues with your perfectly running system and apps or services and throw the configuration system failed to initialize error. You can look for the pending updates and install them following the given steps:

Your system may restart once the updates are installed. Once the system is rebooted, see if the problem is fixed.

Don’t forget that the configuration system failed to initialize is a not-so-common system error. It occurs while you try to run any specific application/program or even at the system boot-up, which means there could be a buggy app, service, or system files responsible for causing this issue. Fortunately, the methods shared above have helped many users overcome the problem.

Remember that since the error can occur at your system boot-up, you may have difficulty accessing your data. Boot your PC in safe mode and use Windows data recovery software to retrieve data. If you’ve the complete backup available, you’re already on the safer side.

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