diff --git a/src/amd/vulkan/radv_device.c b/src/amd/vulkan/radv_device.c
index c4e1a548c6c..ceedb4a0c5a 100644
--- a/src/amd/vulkan/radv_device.c
+++ b/src/amd/vulkan/radv_device.c
@@ -304,7 +304,8 @@ radv_physical_device_try_create(struct radv_instance *instance,
 	}
 
 	if (!device->ws) {
-		result = vk_error(instance, VK_ERROR_INITIALIZATION_FAILED);
+		result = vk_errorf(instance, VK_ERROR_INITIALIZATION_FAILED,
+				   "failed to initialize winsys");
 		goto fail_alloc;
 	}