Resolving the SPIN_LOCK_INIT_FAILURE Bug Check Code 0x81 Issue

Step 1: Evaluate Device Performance and Health

Begin by checking your device for any performance or health issues. Follow these steps:

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. In Device Manager, right-click on each device and choose Scan for hardware changes.
3. Review any issues related to updates, storage, or drivers.
4. If any problems are found, follow the prompts to address them.

Pro Tip: Regular scans can help preemptively catch issues before they lead to critical errors like BSoD.

Step 2: Perform a Windows Defender Offline Scan

To rule out malware as a potential cause for the SPIN_LOCK_INIT_FAILURE, perform a scan:

1. Select Start, and navigate to Settings.
2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
3. Under Current threats, choose Scan options.
4. Select Microsoft Defender Offline scan, and click Scan now.

Pro Tip: Ensure your system is plugged in during the offline scan to avoid interruptions.

Step 3: Remove Recently Installed Software

Check if the BSoD may be due to a recent software installation:

1. Open Control Panel by typing “Control Panel” in the search bar and pressing Enter.
2. Click on Uninstall a program under Programs.
3. Locate any software that was recently installed.
4. Select the software and hit Uninstall.
5. Follow on-screen instructions to finish the uninstall process.
6. Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

Pro Tip: Keeping a backup of important files before uninstalling software is recommended in case something goes wrong.

Step 4: Disconnect External Hardware

To determine if an external device is the culprit, perform the following:

1. Shutdown your computer and disconnect all external devices (like printers and hard drives).
2. Restart the computer to check if the BSoD persists.
3. If the error does not occur, reconnect devices one at a time to identify the problematic one.
4. Once found, update or reinstall the device drivers as necessary.

Pro Tip: Always ensure your external devices have the latest drivers installed to avoid compatibility issues.

Step 5: Adjust Fast Startup Settings

Fast Startup can sometimes conflict with system operations. Modify its settings as follows:

1. Type Power Options in the search bar and press Enter.
2. Select Choose what the power buttons do.
3. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
4. Scroll to Shutdown settings and locate Turn on fast startup.
5. Toggle Turn on fast startup to the opposite setting (on to off or vice versa).
6. Click Save changes.

Pro Tip: Toggling this setting can resolve various startup-related issues that trigger a BSoD.

Step 6: Execute System Restore

To roll back any recent changes that may have caused the error, execute a system restore:

1. Type System Restore in the search bar and press Enter.
2. Click on Create a restore point and then select System Restore.
3. Follow the prompts to choose a restore point prior to the occurrence of the error.
4. Click Next and then Finish to commence the restore process.
5. Let the system restore complete and restart your device.

Pro Tip: Regularly creating restore points can save a lot of hassle during troubleshooting.

What is SPIN_LOCK_INIT_FAILURE?

Can I fix SPIN_LOCK_INIT_FAILURE myself?