How to Fix the SPIN_LOCK_INIT_FAILURE Bug Check 0x81

Encountering the SPIN_LOCK_INIT_FAILURE error on your Windows system comes with the value of 0x00000081. This error typically points to issues with hardware or software conflicts, but don’t worry—we’ve got a series of solutions that can help you resolve it.

How do I fix the SPIN_LOCK_INIT_FAILURE BSoD?

1. Scan Device Performance and Health

1. Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Device Manager.
2. In Device Manager, right-click on each device and select Scan for hardware changes.
3. Check for any listed issues with updates, storage, and drivers.
4. If issues are detected, follow the prompts to resolve them.

Scanning your device for performance and health issues helps identify faulty hardware or software that might cause errors like SPIN_LOCK_INIT_FAILURE.

2. Run Windows Defender Offline

1. Select Start , and then go to Settings.
2. Navigate to Update & Security  > Windows Security  > Virus & threat protection.
3. Under Current threats, select Scan options.
4. Select Microsoft Defender Offline scan, and then select Scan now.

Running Windows Defender Offline can remove malware that might be causing the SPIN_LOCK_INIT_FAILURE, as some viruses can corrupt system files leading to this error.

3. Uninstall recently installed software

1. Open the Control Panel by typing Control Panel in the search bar and pressing Enter.
2. Click on Uninstall a program under the Programs section.
3. In the Programs and Features window, look for software installed recently.
4. Select the recently installed software and click Uninstall.
5. Follow on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation.
6. Restart your computer to see if the issue persists.

Uninstalling recently installed software can resolve compatibility issues that might be causing the SPIN_LOCK_INIT_FAILURE.

4. Unplug or uninstall external hardware

1. Power down your computer and unplug all external devices (like printers, scanners, external hard drives).
2. Boot your computer to see if the issue persists.
3. If the BSoD does not occur, plug in the devices one by one until you find the problematic device.
4. Once identified, update the device’s drivers from the manufacturer’s website or through Device Manager.
5. Alternatively, uninstall the device drivers and then reinstall them.

Removing external hardware isolates the problem to determine if an external device is causing the SPIN_LOCK_INIT_FAILURE.

5. Toggle Fast Startup

1. Type Power Options in the search bar and press Enter to open Power Options.
2. Click on Choose what the power buttons do on the left side.
3. Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.
4. Scroll down to Shutdown settings and locate Turn on fast startup.
5. Change the status of Turn on fast startup:
   • If it is on, turn it off.
   • If it is off, turn it on.
6. Click Save changes.

Toggling fast startup might fix startup issues that lead to SPIN_LOCK_INIT_FAILURE, as this feature can sometimes cause conflicts.

6. Run System Restore

1. Type System Restore in the search bar and press Enter.
2. Click on Create a restore point and then System Restore.
3. Follow the prompts to choose a restore point before the error occurred.
4. Click Next and then Finish to confirm the restore.
5. Allow the system to restore and restart.

Running System Restore reverts your system to a previous state, which can fix SPIN_LOCK_INIT_FAILURE caused by recent changes or corruptions.

Keeping your system updated and regularly scanning for hardware and software issues can help prevent errors like SPIN_LOCK_INIT_FAILURE in the future.

Also, take a look at our article about the causes of BSoD to learn more about such issues. We also have a complete guide on how to fix BSoD errors on Windows 11 that might come in handy.

Did you manage to fix the SPIN_LOCK_INIT_FAILURE bug check using our solutions? Let us know in the comments below.