How to Fix DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE (Windows Operating System)
Quick Answer
The DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE error indicates an issue with a device driver's power management. Often, updating or reinstalling problematic drivers, particularly for network adapters or graphics cards, can resolve this issue quickly.
What Causes This Error
- Outdated or corrupted device drivers, especially for network adapters, graphics cards, or USB devices.
- Incompatible device drivers after a Windows update or hardware change.
- Issues with power management settings, preventing devices from transitioning between power states correctly.
- Hardware malfunctions or conflicts, particularly with newly installed components.
- Corrupted system files or Windows installation issues.
- Third-party software conflicts, such as antivirus programs or VPN clients.
Step-by-Step Fixes
1Update or Reinstall Problematic Device Drivers
- Press the Windows key + X and select 'Device Manager' from the menu.
- Expand categories such as 'Display adapters', 'Network adapters', and 'Universal Serial Bus controllers'.
- Right-click on each device within these categories and select 'Update driver'. Choose 'Search automatically for updated driver software'.
- If an update is not found or the issue persists, right-click the device again and select 'Uninstall device'. Check the box 'Delete the driver software for this device' if available, then click 'Uninstall'.
- Restart your computer. Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically upon reboot.
2Disable Fast Startup
- Press the Windows key + R, type 'control' and press Enter to open the Control Panel.
- Select 'Large icons' or 'Small icons' from the 'View by' dropdown, then click 'Power Options'.
- Click 'Choose what the power buttons do' on the left pane.
- Click 'Change settings that are currently unavailable'.
- Uncheck the box next to 'Turn on fast startup (recommended)' and click 'Save changes'. Restart your computer.
3Run the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Tools
- Press the Windows key + S, type 'cmd', right-click 'Command Prompt' and select 'Run as administrator'.
- In the Command Prompt window, type 'sfc /scannow' and press Enter. Allow the scan to complete.
- After SFC completes, type 'DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth' and press Enter. Allow this process to complete.
- Restart your computer after both scans have finished.
4Check for Windows Updates
- Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Click on 'Update & Security'.
- Click 'Check for updates' and install any available updates.
- Restart your computer after the updates are installed.
Advanced Fixes
Perform a Clean Boot
- Press the Windows key + R, type 'msconfig' and press Enter to open System Configuration.
- Go to the 'Services' tab, check 'Hide all Microsoft services', then click 'Disable all'.
- Go to the 'Startup' tab, click 'Open Task Manager'.
- In Task Manager, disable all startup items one by one. Close Task Manager.
- Click 'OK' in System Configuration and restart your computer. If the error does not occur, re-enable services and startup items one by one to identify the conflicting software.
Update BIOS/UEFI Firmware
- Identify your computer's motherboard model and current BIOS/UEFI version. This can often be found in System Information (msinfo32) or by checking the manufacturer's website.
- Visit your motherboard or computer manufacturer's official support website.
- Locate the latest BIOS/UEFI firmware update for your specific model.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to download and install the firmware update. This process varies by manufacturer and can be risky if not performed correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE mean?
The DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE error indicates that a device driver has failed to properly manage its power state, often when the system attempts to enter or exit a low-power state (like sleep or hibernation). This can be due to an outdated, corrupted, or incompatible driver.
Can hardware cause DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE?
Yes, hardware can contribute to this error. While the error points to a driver issue, underlying hardware malfunctions, especially with components like graphics cards, network adapters, or USB devices, can cause their drivers to misbehave and trigger this blue screen.
Is it safe to uninstall a device driver?
Yes, it is generally safe to uninstall a device driver. Windows will typically attempt to reinstall a compatible driver automatically upon reboot. If not, you may need to manually download and install the correct driver from the device manufacturer's website.
How do I know which driver is causing the DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE?
Identifying the exact driver can be challenging. You can use tools like 'BlueScreenView' to analyze the minidump files created after a blue screen. These tools often point to the specific driver file (.sys) that caused the crash. Common culprits include drivers for network adapters, graphics cards, and USB devices.