Share this article
Improve this guide
How to Fix the VHD_BOOT_INITIALIZATION_FAILED BSoD
This is most likely an USB port issue when booting from an external drive
3 min. read
Updated onOctober 17, 2024
updated onOctober 17, 2024
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Fix all BSoD events and keep computer safe and clean:
Fortect will find the cause of BSoD and fix it. Here is how to do it with 3 easy steps:
The VHD_BOOT_INITIALIZATION_FAILED BSoD comes with the error code 0x0000012F (0x12F) and occurs when the system couldn’t boot from a VHD. VHD stands for Virtual Hard Disk, but particularly, this issue may appear when booting from an external SSD in USB 3.0 mode. In this case, using a USB 2.0 cable will help you boot normally.
First, check if the VHD is configured correctly and try installing it on a different partition on an internal drive if possible. Also, this problem appears when using Ventoy or Lexar external drives, so you may also try installing the VHD on another external drive/ USB stick.
How do I fix VHD_BOOT_INITIALIZATION_FAILED BSoD?
1. Update or reenable the drivers
If this doesn’t work, go to your external drive manufacturer’s website and download the correct driver for your device and system. USB 3.0 is a pretty new standard and Windows still doesn’t have all the updated drivers from all manufacturers, so this method may help you fix the problem quickly. As we mentioned above, another solution is to use a USB 2.0 cable on a USB 3.0 or USB 2.0 port instead.
2. Enable USB Always on in BIOS
VHD boot initialization failed also occurs when the USB port is not powered fast enough during initialization or when the system turns back from sleep or hibernation. Turning on this feature will fix the problem, but that will also mean that all your USB ports will be always on.
You may also adjust the settings inWindows 11 USB Selective Suspendto prevent the OS from cutting the power to your USB ports.
To conclude this guide, if you’re getting the Ventoy VHD boot initialization failed, try installing the correct driver or try using another drive. Also, try with a USB 2.0 cable or another port and enable USB Always on in BIOS.
Another recommendation is to ensure minimum possible space when creating a VHD or VHDX image. You may also check our guide on how tofix the VHD_BOOT_HOST_VOLUME_NOT_ENOUGH_SPACEBSoD that may occur in this process.
If you know about other solutions to fix the VHD_BOOT_INITIALIZATION_FAILED BSoD, let us know in the comments below.
More about the topics:BSoD error codes,BSoD errors
Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, Claudiu is focused on whatever comes new from Microsoft.
His abrupt interest in computers started when he saw the first Home Computer as a kid. However, his passion for Windows and everything related became obvious when he became a sys admin in a computer science high school.
With 14 years of experience in writing about everything there is to know about science and technology, Claudiu also likes rock music, chilling in the garden, and Star Wars. May the force be with you, always!
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, with 14 years of experience in writing on everything there is to know about science, technology, and Microsoft
