Fixing Windows 11 Phase 1 Initialization Failure (0xc0000001) after Cloning SSD

Fixing Windows 11 Phase 1 Initialization Failure (0xc0000001) during SSD Cloning

This article aims to help users who encounter the Windows 11 Phase 1 Initialization Failure with error code 0xc0000001 when cloning a smaller SSD to a larger one using disk cloning software like DiskGenius. Specifically, we'll discuss the issue as it pertains to upgrading a 500GB SSD to a 2TB SSD.

Context and Key Concepts

When upgrading a smaller SSD to a larger one, the typical process involves cloning the original drive to preserve the OS, applications, and settings. However, sometimes this process can lead to a Windows 11 Phase 1 Initialization Failure with error code 0xc0000001 on the new drive. This article outlines the issue and proposes a solution to resolve it.

Cloning the Original SSD

Using a disk cloning software like DiskGenius, you can create a clone of the original 500GB SSD and transfer it to the 2TB SSD. This should ensure that all your data, applications, and settings remain intact during the upgrade process.

# Clone the smaller SSD to the new, larger SSD using DiskGenius:
diskgenius -c D: E:

Windows 11 Phase 1 Initialization Failure

Despite successfully cloning the original SSD to the new one, you might come across the following issue upon booting your computer from the new SSD:

Recovery Your PC needs to be repaired. Error code: 0xc0000001 Info: A required device isn't connected or can't be accessed.

This issue occurs due to the difference in size between the original and the new SSD, resulting in a misconfiguration of the new drive's partition layout. In particular, the system partition on the new drive becomes unrecognized, causing the Phase 1 Initialization Failure during the boot process.

Fixing the Issue

To resolve the issue, you'll need to boot your computer using a USB recovery drive or Windows installation media and manually modify the partition layout on the new SSD.

Creating the USB Recovery Drive or Windows Installation Media

Before proceeding, ensure you have created a USB recovery drive or Windows installation media. You can accomplish this using another computer already running a compatible version of Windows:

# Download and run the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website
# Follow the instructions to create a USB recovery drive or Windows installation media
# Boot your computer using the USB recovery drive or Windows installation media

Booting into Command Prompt Mode

After booting from the USB recovery drive or Windows installation media, you can proceed to fix the issue by performing the following steps:

# For USB recovery drive, choose "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Command Prompt
# For Windows installation media, select "Repair your computer" > "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Command Prompt

Partitioning the New SSD

Next, use the DiskPart utility to reconfigure the partition layout on the new SSD. Replace "E:" in the commands with the actual drive letter of the new 2TB SSD:

# Open the Command Prompt and run DiskPart:
diskpart

# List all available disks:
list disk

# Select the new SSD (replace E: with the correct drive letter):
select disk E

# Delete all partitions on the new SSD:
clean

# Create the new system partition:
create partition primary size=500

# Format the system partition with NTFS:
format fs=ntfs quick

# Assign a letter to the system partition:
assign letter=S

# Create the rest of the data partition:
create partition primary

# Format the data partition with NTFS:
format fs=ntfs quick

# Assign a letter to the data partition (replace G: with an available letter):
assign letter=G

# Exit DiskPart:
exit

Reinstalling Windows and Data Migration

Now, you can reinstall Windows on the new 2TB SSD using the recoverydrive or Windows installation media:

# Reinstall Windows (for a USB recovery drive, proceed with the "Repair your computer" process):
setup.exe /install

After reinstalling Windows, use a file migration tool like Laplink PCmover or Macrium Reflect Clone to migrate your data from the original 500GB SSD to the new 2TB SSD.

• Windows 11 Phase 1 Initialization Failure (0xc0000001) can occur when cloning a small SSD to a larger one due to misconfigured partition layout.
• Create a USB recovery drive or Windows installation media to boot the computer and fix the partition layout.
• Reinstall Windows and use data migration tools to move your data from the original SSD to the new 2TB SSD.

References

• DiskGenius: https://www.diskgenius.com/
• Microsoft Media Creation Tool: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
• Laplink PCmover: https://www.laplink.com/pcmover
• Macrium Reflect Clone: https://www.macrium.com/reflectfree