The DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE error is a common Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) that occurs when Windows encounters problems managing device drivers during power state transitions.
When this error appears, your computer may suddenly crash and display the message:
“Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart.”
Stop Code: DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE
This issue typically occurs when Windows tries to switch between sleep, hibernation, or shutdown states, but a device driver fails to respond correctly.
The problem often appears on systems running:
- Windows 10
- Windows 11
In this guide, you’ll learn the causes of DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE and how to fix it step by step.
What Causes DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE?
This error usually occurs when device drivers fail to properly respond during a power state change.
Common causes include:
- Outdated or incompatible drivers
- Faulty network or graphics drivers
- Driver conflicts after Windows updates
- Power management settings issues
- Corrupted system files
The error often happens when:
- Waking the computer from sleep mode
- Shutting down or restarting the system
- Installing new hardware drivers
Method 1: Update Device Drivers
Outdated drivers are the most common cause of this error.
Steps:
- Right-click Start Menu
- Select Device Manager
- Expand device categories
- Right-click a device
- Click Update driver
Important drivers to update include:
- Network adapters
- Graphics drivers
- Storage controllers
Updating drivers often resolves compatibility issues.
Method 2: Update Network Drivers
Many cases of DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE are related to network drivers.
You can download updated drivers from hardware manufacturers such as:
- Intel
- Realtek
- Qualcomm
Installing the latest network driver can improve system stability.
Method 3: Disable Fast Startup
Fast Startup can sometimes cause driver power state conflicts.
Steps:
- Open Control Panel
- Select Power Options
- Click Choose what the power buttons do
- Select Change settings that are currently unavailable
- Uncheck Turn on fast startup
Restart your computer after changing the settings.
Method 4: Run System File Checker
Corrupted Windows system files may trigger power state failures.
Use the built-in repair tool:
- System File Checker
Steps:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Run the command:
sfc /scannow
This scan will detect and repair damaged Windows system files.
Method 5: Repair Windows Image Using DISM
If SFC cannot repair all system files, use the Windows image repair tool:
- Deployment Image Servicing and Management
Run the command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
This tool repairs deeper system corruption.
Method 6: Change Power Management Settings
Some devices may cause this error when Windows tries to manage power automatically.
Steps:
- Open Device Manager
- Expand Network adapters
- Right-click your network device
- Select Properties
- Open the Power Management tab
- Uncheck:
Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power
Restart your computer afterward.
Method 7: Install the Latest Windows Updates
Microsoft regularly releases updates to fix driver compatibility issues.
Steps:
- Open Settings
- Click Windows Update
- Install available updates
Keeping your system updated helps prevent blue screen errors.
Related Windows Error Fix Guides
You may also encounter other Windows crash errors. These guides may help:
• How to Fix VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE Blue Screen
• How to Fix MEMORY_MANAGEMENT Error
• How to Fix SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION
These are among the most common Windows system crashes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE mean?
This error occurs when a driver fails to respond during a system power state transition such as sleep or shutdown.
Which drivers usually cause this error?
Network drivers, graphics drivers, and storage drivers are the most common causes.
Can Windows updates cause this problem?
Yes. Sometimes a Windows update installs incompatible drivers that trigger the error.
Final Thoughts
The DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE blue screen is usually caused by driver conflicts or power management issues.
Most users can fix the issue by:
- Updating device drivers
- Updating network drivers
- Disabling Fast Startup
- Repairing system files using SFC
- Repairing Windows image using DISM
- Adjusting power management settings
After applying these fixes, your computer should stop experiencing unexpected crashes.