How to Fix Configuration System Failed to Initialize Windows 10, 11

The "Configuration System Failed to Initialize" error is troubling numerous Windows users, blocking them from launching specific applications or programs. This issue primarily affects those who have recently installed new software on their systems. The error can appear both when starting an application and during system reboots, indicating that even restarting your computer won’t resolve the problem.

Additionally, users might encounter system instability, frequent app crashes, or other malfunctions. While having a data backup can safeguard you from unexpected data loss caused by this error, those without backups must address the issue promptly to recover their files. To resolve this, let’s first pinpoint the root causes and then take appropriate steps to fix it.

Why the error [Configuration System Failed to Initialize] occurs?

The "Configuration System Failed to Initialize" error typically occurs due to issues related to system configuration files, software conflicts, or corrupted system components. Here are the most common causes:

▍Corrupted .NET Framework Installation:
The .NET Framework is essential for many applications to run. If its installation is damaged or incomplete, it can trigger this error.
▍Incorrect or Missing Configuration Files:
Applications rely on configuration files (e.g., app.config or web.config) to function properly. If these files are missing, corrupted, or misconfigured, the error may occur.
▍Corrupted System Files:
Critical system files required for application execution may become corrupted due to malware, improper shutdowns, or disk errors.
▍Improper System Updates:
Incomplete or failed Windows updates can leave the system in an unstable state, leading to initialization errors
▍Windows Registry Issues:
Invalid or damaged registry entries related to the application or system configuration can prevent proper initialization.

3 Solutions to fix Configuration system failed to initialize in Windows 10/11

We prepare 3 ways to solve [Configuration system failed to initialize], you can try them one by one to see if you can fix the problem.

1. Run System File Checker Tool

The error about the Configuration System File Initialization, along with various other errors such as SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION and PFN_LIST_CORRUPT, may be attributable to the absence or corruption of system files. You may utilize the System File Checker (SFC) utility, an integrated troubleshooting tool within Windows, which is capable of replacing corrupted or damaged system files with their appropriate counterparts.

Step 1. Open Windows Search by pressing Windows + S.

Step 2. Type cmd and select the Run as administrator option from the right panel.

Step 3. In the elevated cmd window, type SFC/Scannow command and press Enter.

The process may take a while to complete.

2. Check & 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.

Step 1. Go to This PC and open Local Disk (C:).

Step 2. Now, follow Windows > Microsoft.NET > Framework64.

Step 3. Now, expand v4.0.30319 folder and look for Config folder.

Step 4. Now, double-click on machine.config file.

Step 5. Click More apps on the next prompt.

Step 6. Select Notepad from the available options. Now, check if there’s anything written in between and .

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.

3. Perform a clean boot

You may execute a clean boot to subsequently address the "Configuration system failed to initialize" error in Windows 10. A clean boot facilitates the initiation of your computer with a minimal set of drivers and programs. By enabling only essential services while disabling all other services, you can ascertain whether the application can be launched successfully.

Should the application operate as intended, you may then proceed to enable each application and service individually to identify the specific application or service responsible for the issue. Upon identifying the problematic application, you can proceed to uninstall it.

Step 1. Right-click Windows Start menu and choose Run. In the Run dialog box, type msconfig and hit Enter key.

Step 2. Locate to the Service tab. Then check the box next to “Hide all Microsoft services”. When you click this button, all Microsoft related services will be disabled.

Step 4. Click Apply to all the change.

Step 5. Then navigate to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.

Step 6. Select each service one by one and click Disable button.

Then you can restart your computer and check if the configuration system failed to initialize error message disappears.

Further tips: How to recover lost data due to the error [Configuration system failed to initialize] in Windows 10

Sadly, the "Configuration System Failed to Initialize" error can potentially lead to data loss, although it is not a direct cause. If the error prevents critical applications (e.g., database software, productivity tools) from running, you may lose unsaved work or corrupt open files. Also, if this error occurs during a software update or installation, it might leave your system in an unstable state, potentially causing data loss.

If you already find some of your data disappeared, you can try AOMEI Partition Assistant for Recovery, a user-friendly yet powerful data recovery tool that can quickly locate and restore deleted, corrupted, and lost data in Windows 11/10/8/7 & Windows Servers.

Step 1: Download and install AOMEI Partition Assistant for Recovery, and then choose the exact partition or disk where your files are located.

Step 2: Scan your disk to find the deleted files. It offers two scanning modes, "Quick Scan" for a faster search and "Deep Scan" for a thorough recovery.

Step 3: After the scan completes, the missing files will be displayed. Select the one you wish to restore and click Recover.

Step 4: Choose a destination path and wait for a few moments until the recovery is finished.

Conclusion

The error [Configuration system failed to initialize] in Windows 10 constitutes a relatively uncommon system error. This issue manifests when attempting to execute a particular application or program, or even during the system's boot-up process. This suggests that a malfunctioning application, service, or system file may be the underlying cause of the problem.

Fortunately, the aforementioned methods have assisted numerous users in resolving the issue. Please be advised that, due to the potential occurrence of the error during your system's boot-up process, you may encounter challenges in accessing your data. Initiate your computer in safe mode and employ AOMEI Partition Assistant for Recovery to recover your data. You are already in a more secure position if you possess a comprehensive backup.