How to Fix DRIVER_POWER_ STATE_FAILURE Error in Windows 10

If you are seeing driver power state failure on a blue screen in Windows 10, do not worry. In this guide, we will show you how to fix driver power state failure error.

Driver power state failure is a blue screen of death (BSOD) error that appears on a blue screen. In addition, it commonly appears when the PC is resuming from hibernate or sleep mode, or restart or shut down. In most cases, the error is either caused by driver issues or power configuration. Depending on what caused the problem, you can rectify it by restarting the computer or using one of the methods below.

Fortunately, solving the issue is quite easy. In this article, we will outline several solutions we have been tried and tested.

NOTE: In case you cannot start your Windows due to driver power state failure error, you have to boot your Windows in Safe Mode.

Causes of Driver Power State Failure Error in Windows 10

When you encounter driver power state failure error, you will see the following message displayed on your screen:

‘Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. We’re just collecting some error info, and then we’ll restart for you. If you’d like to know more, you can search online later for this error: DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE’

Sleep Mode

Driver power state failure error can be caused by a PC or device driver going into sleep mode while the device is in use. Windows sends a wake signal to the driver when needed. If the device does not act in time or at all to the wake signal, operating system flags driver power state failure error.

Upgrading Windows

Upgrading your older Windows version to Windows 10 can cause driver power state failure error. Mostly, it is due to the incompatible driver installed.

Outdated Drivers

An outdated driver is incompatible with the Windows. As a result, causing driver power state failure error. However, it can be fixed by updating the drivers.

Methods to Solve Driver Power State Failure

You do not have to try all the method; just work your way down up to the method that works for you.

Method #1: Safe Mode

We will explain 2 ways to access Safe Mode in Windows 10. They are:

1. Get in Safe Mode when Windows cannot boot normally.
2. Get in Safe Mode from Normal Mode.

Safe Mode is beneficial for you to troubleshoot the issue there.

1. Get in Safe Mode when Windows cannot boot normally.

If Windows 10 does not boot normally 3 times over, the fourth time it gets in Automatic Repair. If you have launched Windows normally, skip this method.

Note: use this procedure if you cannot get in Safe Mode any other way.

Step 1

Ensure your machine is shut down. Hold down the power button to turn on your machine, then press the power button until your computer shut down automatically.

Step 2

Repeat step 1 two times or more until you see a screen indicating that the operating system is preparing for Automatic Repair.

Step 3

The operating system will try to perform an automatic diagnosis for your computer.

Step 4

Automatic Repair window appears, click Advanced options.

Step 5

Choose Troubleshoot option.

Step 6

Troubleshoot screen appears, click Advanced options.

Step 7

On the Advanced options screen, choose Startup Settings.

Step 8

On the Startup Settings screen, click Restart.

Step 9

The PC restarts and another screen appears you will see a list of different startup options. You will be given 3 different options for entering Safe Mode:

1. Enable Safe Mode – press either 4 or F4 key.

2. Enable Safe Mode with Networking – press either 5 or F5 key.

3. Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt – press either 6 or F6 key.

1. Get in Safe Mode from Normal Mode.

If you have started your operating system normally, you can use this method. You will enter Safe Mode using the System Configuration tool. This tool is useful since it allows you to configure how your computer starts.

Step 1

Press Windows key + R on your keyboard to open Run.

Step 2

Type msconfig then hit Enter or click OK.

Step 3

System Configuration opens, select the Boot tab.

Step 4

Check the checkbox next to Safe boot then click OK.

Step 5

When prompted to restart your PC to apply these changes, click Restart.

Step 6

If you need to launch Windows 10 in Normal Mode, make sure the checkbox next to Safe boot is unmarked.

Method #2: Using Advanced System Repair

The easiest way to repair your computer is using Advanced System Repair Tool, we highly recommend it. It is a program that brings you all the tools you need to clean, fix, optimize, protect, and boost the performance of your machine.

Click the button below to download this tool for FREE:

After installation, the application immediately starts gathering crucial data about your PC, such as memory and CPU performance. It also checks for junk files and continues scanning deeper into the system files. After scanning is completed, you are shown the critical issues to fix, items to clean, and the amount of disk space to free up.

Click Fix, Clean & Optimize Now to initiate the cleaning process. All the issues found on your computer will be resolved.

Method #3: Update Drivers

As mentioned earlier, outdated drivers can cause driver power state failure. You need to update the outdated drivers. To do so:

Step 1

Go to the taskbar, click the search icon or search bar then type device manager. Enter the first match.

Step 2

In the device manager, you will view a list of devices that are connected to your PC. Locate the drivers that have a yellow warning sign next to them. The yellow warning sign indicates that the driver is outdated. Select the outdated driver then right-click on it and choose Update driver from the drop-down menu.

Step 3

A pop-up window appears asking how you would want to search for drivers. You will be given 2 options either search automatically for the updated driver software or browse my computer for driver software. The first option allows Windows to automatically search for the updates online while the second option needs the user to locate and install the driver manually. Using the last option requires having earlier downloaded the drivers. We advise you to choose the first option and continue following the instructions.

Step 4

Repeat step 2 and step 3 for other outdated drivers.

Method #4: Reinstall Drivers

If upgrading outdated drivers does not solve driver power state failure error, try reinstalling them.

Step 1

Press Windows key + R on your keyboard.

Step 2

Type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter or click OK.

Step 3

In the device manager, you will view a list of devices that are connected to your PC. Locate the drivers that have a yellow warning sign next to them. The yellow warning sign indicates that the driver is faulty. Select the problematic driver then right-click on it and choose Uninstall device from the drop-down menu.

Step 4

Repeat step 3 for other faulty drivers.

Step 5

When uninstalling is done, restart your PC to enforce changes. If Windows does not start well boot in safe mode.

Step 6

Go to Device Manager and select the name of your PC. It is usually the first name in the list. Right-click on it then select Scan for hardware changes.

This should find the missing device drivers and install them.

Method #5: Run System File Check

Corrupt or broken files can cause driver power state failure error. Luckily, Windows 10 has a built-in tool known as System File Checker that restores any faulty files in your system.

Step 1

In the search box, type cmd then right-click on the first match and select Run as administrator.

When you open command prompt as admin, you will see a User Account Control window is seeking permission to proceed. Click Yes.

Step 2

In the command prompt window, enter the following:

sfc/scannow

Press Enter.

Step 3

Your computer will be scanned for corrupted files and try to resolve them. After the scan is complete, you will see the results on the window.

Step 4

After finishing entering the commands, type exit and hit Enter to close the command prompt.

Method #6: Adjust Power Settings

As mentioned previously, power settings issues can cause driver power state failure error. According to Windows 10 users, you can fix this error by disabling a few power settings. To change power settings:

Step 1

Go to the taskbar, click the search icon or search bar then type control panel. Enter the first match.

Step 2

In the Control Panel, select Hardware and Sound.

Step 3

In the Hardware and Sound window, choose Power Options from the right pane.

Step 4

From the left pane, select Choose what the power buttons do.

Step 5

A pop-up window appears, click Change settings that are currently unavailable.

Step 6

Under Shutdown settings, unmark the checkboxes next to Turn on fast startup (recommended), Sleep and Hibernate. Then click Save changes.

Method #7: Adjust Power Plan Settings

A power plan is a group of hardware and system configuration that control how your PC uses power. As mentioned earlier, power settings problems can cause driver power state failure error. Some Windows 10 users recommend adjusting power plan settings. To do so, follow these steps:

Step 1

Press Windows Key + R to open Run.

Step 2

Type control panel into the Run dialog.

Step 3

In the Control Panel window, select Hardware and Sound.

Step 4

In the Hardware and Sound window, choose Power Options from the right pane.

Step 5

In the Power Options window, click Change plan settings.

Step 6

In the Edit Plan Settings window, click Change advanced power settings.

Step 7

A pop-up window appears you will view a list of settings. Expand the sleep section and ensure that sleep is set to Never.

Step 8

Also, expand Power buttons and lid section, ensure that it is set to do nothing.

Step 9

Click Apply then OK.

Step 10

Optional: In the Power Options, locate PCI Express (Graphic settings or Link State Power State) and Wireless Adapter settings and set them to Maximum Performance.

Method #8: Updating Your BIOS

Basic Input Output System is a software installed on a memory chip on the motherboard. Upgrading your BIOS can fix your driver power state failure error.

NOTE: This method is for advanced Windows 10 users only because if not done correctly, it may cause damage to your hardware for good.

Step 1

Go to your motherboard website and download the latest BIOS version.

Step 2

Read and follow the BIOS manual carefully.

Method #9: Roll Back Drivers

Rolling back drivers is another method of uninstalling drivers. It might solve the error of driver power state failure.

Step 1

Press Windows key + X on your keyboard.

Step 2

Select Device Manager.

Step 3

In the device manager, you will view a list of devices that are connected to your PC. Locate the drivers that have a yellow warning sign next to them. Select the problematic driver then right-click on it.

Step 4

Select Properties from the drop-down menu.

Step 5

Select the Driver tab then click Roll Back Driver. By doing so, the device rolls back to the previously installed driver.

Method #10: System Restore

System restore feature restores your computer to a previous state. If Windows was booting well in the previous state, then system restore can fix driver power state failure error. Here is how to restore your computer in Windows 10:

Step 1

Go to the taskbar, click the Windows icon, and select settings.

Step 2

When the Windows Settings tab appears, select Update & Security.

Step 3

Select Recovery from the left pane. On the right, you will see Advanced startup. Click Restart now.

Step 4

After your computer restarts, you will Choose an option window. Select Troubleshoot.

Step 5

Select Advanced options.

Step 6

Select System Restore.

Step 7

Your PC will allow you to select the restore point that you desire to use on your computer.

Step 8

Once you get a good restore point, click Next and continue following the instructions.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you have found this article beneficial, and you were able to fix the ‘DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE’ error. Please let us know if you have any additional questions in the comment section below.