Have you ever been working on your PC when suddenly the screen turns blue with the message “Driver Power State Failure”? This frustrating error typically appears when a device driver on your computer enters sleep mode while you’re still using it. The Driver Power State Failure error is commonly caused by outdated drivers, power management settings conflicts, or hardware issues that prevent proper communication between Windows and your devices.
This blue screen of death (BSOD) can happen on Windows 8, 10, or 11 systems and often occurs when your computer tries to wake up from sleep mode. The good news is that you don’t need to be a tech expert to fix this problem. Simple solutions like restarting your computer, updating drivers, or adjusting power management settings can often resolve the issue.
Fixing this error usually involves checking your device drivers in Device Manager and adjusting power settings for components like your Wi-Fi adapter or graphics card. For NVIDIA users, changing the graphics card power management settings in the NVIDIA Control Panel has proven effective in preventing these crashes.
What Is Driver Power State Failure?
Driver Power State Failure is a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error in Windows, identified by the stop code 0x0000009F. It usually happens when a device driver doesn’t handle power state transitions correctly — for example, when your PC goes into sleep, hibernation, or wakes up.
Common causes include:
- Outdated or incompatible drivers
- Power management issues
- Faulty hardware or peripherals
- Corrupted system files
🛠️ Step-by-Step Fixes
1. Restart Your Computer
- Sometimes, the error is temporary. Restarting clears the issue.
- If your PC is stuck, hold the power button for 10–15 seconds to force shutdown, then restart.
2. Update Device Drivers
- Open Device Manager (
Win + X > Device Manager). - Look for yellow warning icons.
- Right-click the device → Update driver.
- Focus on graphics cards, network adapters, and storage controllers, as they’re common culprits.
3. Roll Back or Reinstall Drivers
- If the error started after a driver update:
- In Device Manager, right-click the device → Properties → Driver tab → Roll Back Driver.
- Or uninstall the driver and reinstall the latest version from the manufacturer’s website.
4. Change Power Settings
- Go to Control Panel > Power Options.
- Set Power Plan to High Performance.
- Click Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings.
- Expand PCI Express > Link State Power Management → set to Off.
- Expand Wireless Adapter Settings → set to Maximum Performance.
5. Disable Fast Startup
- Open Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do.
- Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
- Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended).
- Save changes and restart.
6. Check for Windows Updates
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Install all pending updates — they often include driver and stability fixes.
7. Run System File Checker
- Open Command Prompt (Admin).
- Type:
sfc /scannow - Press Enter.
- This scans and repairs corrupted system files.
8. Disconnect External Devices
- Faulty USB devices or peripherals can trigger the error.
- Disconnect all external hardware and reconnect one by one to find the culprit.
9. Advanced: Check Crash Dump Logs
- Use Event Viewer or tools like BlueScreenView to analyze the crash dump.
- This can help pinpoint the exact driver causing the issue.
📌 Bottom Line
The Driver Power State Failure error is usually caused by driver or power management issues. Start with simple fixes like updating drivers and adjusting power settings. If the problem persists, deeper troubleshooting with system scans or crash dump analysis may be needed.
👉 More details: Microsoft Support Guide
Key Takeaways
- Driver Power State Failure errors occur when device drivers improperly enter sleep mode while the device is still in use.
- Restarting your computer, updating drivers, and running Windows troubleshooters are simple first steps to fix this BSOD error.
- Adjusting power management settings for specific devices like Wi-Fi adapters and graphics cards can prevent future crashes.
Understanding Driver Power State Failure
Driver Power State Failure is a common Windows error that occurs when a driver enters an invalid power state. This issue typically appears as a blue screen of death (BSOD) with a specific stop code and often happens when computers wake from sleep mode.
Causes of Driver Power State Failure
Driver Power State Failure usually happens when a device driver enters sleep mode while the device is still in use. This creates a conflict that Windows cannot resolve, triggering the BSOD.
Several specific issues can lead to this error:
- Outdated or incompatible drivers that don’t properly manage power states
- Hardware conflicts between devices competing for resources
- Corrupted system files affecting driver functionality
- Power management settings that conflict with certain devices
The problem frequently occurs after a computer wakes from sleep or hibernation. Some drivers fail to properly transition back to an active state, causing the system to crash.
Decoding the Blue Screen Stop Code
The BSOD that appears with Driver Power State Failure displays specific information to help identify the problem. The stop code “DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE” typically appears along with a hexadecimal error code.
This error indicates that Windows detected a driver in an inconsistent or invalid power state. The system cannot continue operating safely, so it crashes to prevent damage.
Windows creates a memory dump file when this occurs, which contains valuable diagnostic information. These dump files can help identify which specific driver caused the failure.
The blue screen may also show additional information like the driver file name that triggered the error. This information is crucial for troubleshooting the specific cause of the failure.
Troubleshooting Driver Power State Failure
When faced with a Driver Power State Failure error, users need to follow a systematic approach to identify and fix the underlying problem. This error typically occurs when device drivers improperly manage power states during system operation.
Preparing Your System for Troubleshooting
Before attempting to fix Driver Power State Failure, users should take several preparatory steps. First, disconnect all external devices like USB drives, printers, and external monitors. These peripherals can sometimes conflict with system drivers.
Next, restart the computer to see if the error resolves itself. Many temporary driver issues clear up with a simple restart. If the system won’t boot normally, try entering Safe Mode by pressing F8 during startup (Windows 7) or holding Shift while clicking Restart and selecting Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart (Windows 10/11).
Make a note of when the blue screen appears. Does it happen during startup, when connecting specific devices, or after the computer wakes from sleep? This information helps narrow down potential causes.
Step-by-Step Recovery Guide
Start by updating problematic drivers. Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting “Device Manager.” Look for devices with yellow warning triangles. Right-click these devices and select “Update driver.”
If updating doesn’t work, try rolling back drivers. In Device Manager, right-click the suspect device, choose “Properties,” select the “Driver” tab, and click “Roll Back Driver” if available.
Check power settings that might be affecting drivers. Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings. Look for settings related to PCI Express, USB, and hard disk power management.
Run System File Checker to repair corrupted system files. Open Command Prompt as administrator and type:
sfc /scannow
Update Windows through Settings > Update & Security to ensure all system components are current and compatible.
Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques
For persistent issues, consider using Windows’ built-in troubleshooters. Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters and run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.
Check for BIOS updates on the manufacturer’s website. Outdated BIOS versions sometimes cause power management conflicts with newer Windows versions.
Use Driver Verifier to identify problematic drivers. Open Command Prompt as administrator, type “verifier,” and follow the prompts to monitor driver behavior.
As a last resort, try a system restore to return to a point before the errors began. Access this through Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Open System Restore.
If hardware-specific drivers are causing issues, visit the manufacturer’s website directly rather than relying on Windows Update for the most compatible driver versions.
Optimizing Power Settings to Prevent Failures
Incorrect power settings often trigger the dreaded “Driver Power State Failure” error. Adjusting these settings can prevent your system from improperly handling device power states during transitions like sleep or hibernation.
Adjusting Windows Power Options
To access power settings, navigate to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options. Select “Change power settings” next to your active power plan to modify its configuration.
For most users, the “Balanced” plan works well, but it may need tweaking. If you’re experiencing blue screens, consider trying “High performance” temporarily to see if the crashes stop.
Click “Change plan settings” and then “Change advanced power settings” to access more detailed options. This opens a dialog with numerous power-related settings that affect how Windows manages device power.
Quick Fix: Right-click the battery icon in your taskbar and select “Power Options” for faster access to these settings.
Managing Advanced Power Settings
In the Advanced Power Settings dialog, focus on these critical settings:
- Sleep > Sleep after: Set this to a longer duration or “Never” while troubleshooting
- PCI Express > Link State Power Management: Change to “Off” temporarily
- USB settings > USB selective suspend: Disable this setting
- Wireless Adapter Settings > Power Saving Mode: Set to “Maximum Performance”
Many driver power state failures occur when devices can’t properly wake from low-power states. By adjusting these settings, you reduce the transitions that might trigger failures.
For graphics cards, locate “Power management mode” and set it to “Prefer maximum performance” temporarily to test if it resolves issues.
Disabling Fast Startup Feature
Fast Startup can sometimes contribute to driver power state failures. This Windows feature saves system state information during shutdown to speed up the next boot.
To disable Fast Startup:
- Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options
- Click “Choose what the power buttons do”
- Select “Change settings that are currently unavailable”
- Uncheck “Turn on fast startup (recommended)”
- Click “Save changes”
This feature can sometimes create conflicts with drivers that aren’t properly initialized during the fast boot process. Disabling it may slightly increase boot time but can prevent BSOD errors.
After making these changes, restart your system to apply the new settings. Monitor your computer for a few days to see if the blue screens stop occurring.
Driver Management and System Maintenance
Proper driver management is essential for preventing driver power state failure errors. Regular system maintenance helps ensure that all hardware components communicate effectively with the operating system.
Keeping Device Drivers Up-to-Date
Outdated drivers are a common cause of driver power state failure errors. Windows users should regularly check for driver updates through Device Manager.
To update drivers, right-click on the Start menu and select “Device Manager.” Find the device that might be causing issues, right-click on it, and select “Update driver software.” Users can choose to let Windows search automatically or manually install drivers downloaded from the manufacturer’s website.
Setting up automatic updates through Windows Update and Security can help ensure critical driver updates aren’t missed. For graphics cards and Wi-Fi adapters—common culprits in power state failures—visiting the manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers is recommended.
Some hardware manufacturers offer dedicated software tools that can scan systems and identify outdated drivers automatically.
Uninstalling Problematic Third-Party Software
Third-party software can sometimes conflict with device drivers and cause power state failures. Identifying and removing problematic applications can resolve these issues.
Users should check recently installed programs that coincide with the onset of driver problems. The Programs and Features section in Control Panel allows for safe uninstallation of software that might be interfering with proper driver operation.
Driver management utilities from third parties can sometimes cause more problems than they solve. If using such software, consider uninstalling it and letting Windows handle driver management natively.
After uninstalling problematic software, a system restart is recommended to complete the process and ensure all changes take effect.
Utilizing Professional Support Services
When driver issues persist despite basic troubleshooting, professional support services can provide more advanced solutions.
Manufacturer warranty services often include technical support for driver-related issues. Contacting the device manufacturer’s support team can provide access to specialized knowledge about specific hardware components.
Online services like JustAnswer connect users with tech experts who can provide personalized guidance for complex driver problems. These professionals can walk users through advanced troubleshooting steps that go beyond basic solutions.
For business environments, IT support services can implement comprehensive driver management policies to prevent power state failures across multiple systems.
Professional services may also have access to proprietary diagnostic tools not available to regular consumers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Driver Power State Failure errors can be frustrating, but they’re usually fixable with the right approach. These common questions address specific solutions for different systems and hardware configurations.
What steps can be taken to resolve the ‘Driver Power State Failure’ error on Windows 10?
Update all device drivers to their latest versions, especially graphics and network drivers. These outdated drivers often trigger this error.
Modify power settings by going to Control Panel > Power Options > Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings. Set the USB selective suspend setting to “Disabled.”
Run Windows troubleshooters by navigating to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional Troubleshooters. Run both the Hardware and Power troubleshooters.
If these steps don’t work, try booting into Safe Mode and using Device Manager to check for and fix driver issues.
How can one troubleshoot the ‘Driver Power State Failure’ when it occurs on a Windows 11 system?
Check for Windows Updates first, as Windows 11 often includes driver fixes in system updates. Go to Settings > Windows Update to check.
Update BIOS and motherboard drivers, which can resolve compatibility issues with newer hardware and Windows 11.
Disable fast startup by going to Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do. Uncheck “Turn on fast startup.”
Use the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to check if RAM issues are contributing to the problem.
What are common causes of the ‘Driver Power State Failure’ message on Dell laptops?
Dell laptops often experience this error due to incompatible power management settings in the BIOS. Update the BIOS to the latest version from Dell’s support website.
Dell’s built-in power management software can conflict with Windows power settings. Consider removing Dell Power Manager or updating it.
Network adapter drivers, particularly for Wi-Fi cards, are common culprits on Dell systems. Update them through Dell’s support site rather than Windows Update.
Can outdated AMD drivers lead to a ‘Driver Power State Failure’ and how can this be fixed?
Yes, outdated AMD graphics drivers are a frequent cause of Driver Power State Failure errors. The power management features in older drivers may conflict with Windows.
Uninstall current drivers completely using AMD Cleanup Utility before installing new ones. This prevents conflicts between old and new driver files.
Download the latest drivers directly from AMD’s official website rather than relying on Windows Update. Select the exact GPU model for optimal compatibility.
After installation, adjust power settings in the AMD software to prevent aggressive power-saving modes that might trigger the error.
In what way does RAM affect the ‘Driver Power State Failure’ and how can this issue be diagnosed?
Faulty RAM can cause drivers to malfunction during power state transitions. When RAM fails to properly store driver instructions, the system crashes.
Run a memory diagnostic by typing “Windows Memory Diagnostic” in the search bar. Let it check for RAM errors.
Check if the error occurs more frequently during memory-intensive tasks. This could indicate that RAM issues are triggering driver failures.
Consider removing and reseating RAM modules or testing with one module at a time to identify problematic hardware.
What recommended actions should be taken when encountering a ‘Driver Power State Failure’ on an HP computer running Windows 10?
Use HP Support Assistant to automatically identify and update all HP-specific drivers. This built-in tool handles most HP driver issues.
Check for thermal issues, as HP computers may trigger this error when overheating causes components to enter power-saving states. Clean fans and vents.
Update chipset drivers from HP’s website, particularly for USB controllers which often cause this error on HP systems.
Disable sleep mode temporarily to test if power transitions are causing the issue. Go to Settings > System > Power & sleep and set both options to “Never.”
