How to Deal With DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE Error on Windows 10/11

What is a Blue Screen Error DRIVER POWER STATE FAILURE?

Being presented with a Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) is maddening, especially when it happens without warning and causes loss of data. These types of errors attack unexpectedly, allowing no time for users to save their work. The most common Windows BSoD error is the DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE error, which will make the system reboot and lose work that was not saved. The stop code for this type of error is 0x0000009F and typically consists of a message like:
“A problem has been detected, and Windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer.”
DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE


Everything is fine with most users until this error strikes. Once it has occurred, however, the system is very slow and responds poorly, with the blue screen reappearing again and again so that working on the computer is impossible.

Causes of DRIVER POWER STATE FAILURE Error

Any one of these could be a potential driver_power_state_failure in windows 11: Infected or Corrupted Drivers: 

  • An incompatible driver of your operating system can become the reason for a power state failure. 
  • Malfunctioned Peripheral Devices: The externally attached devices such as hard drives or printers may have conflicts. 
  • Virus or damaged System Files: These too may interfere with the proper function of device drivers. 
  • Misconfigured Power Settings: A wrongly configured setting related to power could impact proper transitioning to or from a particular power state.
  • Third-Party Applications: Some applications can block the smoothness of driving, hence leading to this error.
driver_power_state_failure

Read about similar Windows Errors:

IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error

PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA Error

DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error

KMODE EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED Error


How to Fix DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE Error

Fix #1: Computer peripherals disconnection

Disconnect all peripherals not required by the system to operate. Examples include external drives, USB hubs, and printers. Reboot your system and see if the error vanishes. If it does, reconnect the devices one by one to identify the problematic peripheral.

Fix #2: Update or Roll Back Your Drivers

An incompatible driver is often the main cause of the DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE error. Updating the problematic driver or rolling it back to a previous version can resolve the issue.

If you’re unsure which driver is causing the problem, focus on your network card, video card, and wireless card drivers, as these are frequent culprits.

To update a driver: 

  • Open the Start menu, and search for Device Manager in the search bar.
  • In Device Manager, locate the category for your driver.
  • Right-click the driver and select Update.
  • Now, select Search automatically for updated driver software to allow your computer to search for and install the latest version. If no update is detected, head to the official website of the manufacturer and get the latest driver downloaded yourself.

To roll back a driver: 

  • Open Device Manager, right-click the driver.
  • Select Properties and open the Driver tab.
  • Then select Roll Back Driver, follow the instructions, and check afterwards if the error has vanished after a restart.
  • Perform one of the above actions. Then restart your computer for an error check.

For updating all drivers with ease so driver_power_state_failure errors never popup, Outbyte Driver Updater will be much welcome. The utility allows easing the driver management, automatically keeping your system up-to-date-compatible.

Read also about other popular Graphic cards Drivers:

NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT drivers

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650

Intel UHD Graphics drivers

Fix #3: Run Driver Verifier

Windows includes a built-in tool called Driver Verifier, which helps detect problematic drivers:

  • Open the Start menu and type verifier.
  • Choose “Create standard settings” and follow the prompts to select drivers for analysis.
  • Restart your computer to initiate the verification process.
  • Driver Verifier will test selected drivers and generate a report if issues are found.

Fix # 4: Uninstall Problematic Program

In case you have installed any program lately and found this driver_power_state_failure error, uninstalling it may fix it. Hence,

  • Open the Control Panel, click on Programs, then click on Uninstall a program.
  • Look for the problematic program, right click on it and tap Uninstall.
  • Now, restart your PC to see if the issue has fixed itself.

Fix #5: Run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter

BSOD inbuilt is the feature inbuilt by default in Windows, which itself detects an error and fixes Blue Screen errors automatically. First, open the Update & Security Settings App to the menu item for Troubleshoot. Tap on Blue Screen and then click Run the troubleshooter. Further, follow some on-screen instructions to finish it.


FAQs

1. May the DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE error be caused by a driver update?

Yes, this BSOD error sometimes can be caused by any outdated or incompatible driver. Sometimes the problem can be fixed by simply updating them.

2. How do I figure out which driver is causing the problem?

You’re going to need to use either software like Driver Verifier or look through Event Viewer after a crash.

3. Is malware possibly causing this error?

Yes, malware can corrupt system files or interfere with drivers, which may cause this error.

4. Will resetting my PC fix the DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE error?

Yes, sometimes system reset does solve chronic errors by simply going back to default and cleaning up conflicts.

5. What if the error keeps on coming back?

If it does, then go ahead and seek professional help or reach out to Microsoft Support for further assistance.

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About The Author
Position: Author

Yuri Thomopsov is a technology enthusiast and writer with a focus on simplifying complex tech issues for everyday users. He specializes in resolving Windows and software-related problems, offering clear, actionable solutions. Yuri is passionate about empowering readers to optimize their devices and enhance productivity in their digital lives.

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