How to Fix DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE Error in Windows: A Complete Guide

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A common issue faced by Windows users is the DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE error, which can lead to a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). This error typically occurs when a device or driver attempts to transition into an invalid power state. It is identified by the stop code 0x9F, which signifies that a device has reported an impossible power state, and it commonly arises in relation to a system entering or waking from sleep mode. In this detailed report, we'll explore how to diagnose and resolve this issue effectively.

Understanding DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE​

When the DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE error occurs, it sends the computer into a state of crash in order to prevent further damage to the system or storage devices. As part of the Windows stop code family, the code associated with this error (0x9F) is crucial for understanding the failure's cause. The error typically involves:

• Transitioning into sleep mode while the system is running.
• Out-of-bounds power state situations when waking from sleep. Diagnosing the root cause involves examining the crash dump file, a memory snapshot, created when the BSOD occurs. Tools such as BlueScreenView can assist in identifying specific files linked to the failure, often pointing to problematic drivers.

  Common Culprits​

  Among the various devices that could cause this error, USB storage devices are significant offenders. These include:
• USB flash drives.
• Drive docks or enclosures.
• External hard drives. Given the nature of the error, the steps to mitigate it should begin with removing these devices from the system.

  Steps to Fix DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE​

  1. Disconnect External Devices​

  The first step when encountering a DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE error is to disconnect all external USB storage devices. This includes:
• USB flash drives.
• External hard drives. Devices such as keyboards, mice, and monitors seldom trigger this specific error and can typically remain connected.

  2. Check for Driver Updates​

  If you've recently updated the driver for a connected device and the error started occurring following that, consider rolling back to a previous driver version. This can be done through the Device Manager by right-clicking on the device in question and selecting "Uninstall device."

  3. Boot in Safe Mode​

  If the issue persists, booting your system into Safe Mode can help mitigate problems caused by newly-installed drivers. To do this:
  1. Restart your computer.
  2. As the computer boots, repeatedly press the F8 or Shift + F8 keys to enter Advanced Boot Options.
  3. Select Safe Mode from the options presented. Once in Safe Mode, navigate to the Device Manager, right-click on any newly-added drivers, and uninstall them. Windows should restore the previous working version on the next boot.

     4. Update Device Drivers​

     If problems continue, it may be necessary to manually check for updated drivers. Visit the manufacturer's website for each device to determine if newer, compatible drivers are available. Driver repositories such as Station Drivers are also great places to check.

     5. Execute Repair Commands​

     If all driver maneuvers fail, running standard Windows repair commands could assist in resolving the issue. Open an administrative Command Prompt or PowerShell session and run the following commands:

      Dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth SFC /scannow

  []The DISM command checks components of the running Windows image for integrity and repairs any issues detected. []The SFC command replaces corrupted system files. Microsoft recommends using the DISM command before the SFC command because it possesses more advanced repair capabilities.

  6. Last Resort: Hardware Replacement​

  If none of the previous steps yield successful results, you may need to consider replacing the problematic device. It’s advisable to switch to a different hardware component until a suitable driver becomes available to address the issue.

  Conclusion​

  The DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE error is frustrating, but a structured troubleshooting approach can often resolve it. Start by removing external devices, check for problematic drivers, and, if needed, make use of Windows' repair functions. If all else fails, replacing the offending device may be the only remaining solution. Having a reliable backup before making any significant changes is also wise, especially for critical files or entire system states. This can prevent data loss and speed up recovery if any issues arise during the troubleshooting process. Stay informed and proactive in maintaining your Windows system. Being knowledgeable about such issues can save you time and frustration in the long run. Overall, addressing the DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE error can restore your computer’s stability, allowing you to work seamlessly without interruptions. For more detailed information, you can read the original article from Tom’s Hardware here. Author: Ed Tittel, a veteran in IT writing and research, has extensive experience in covering operating systems and driver-related topics.