The Driver Power State Failure error is a common issue in Windows 10 that typically results in a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). This error can be particularly frustrating as it often results in unexpected system reboots and loss of unsaved data.
Understanding the underlying causes and implementing the right solutions can help stabilize your system. This comprehensive guide will delve into what the Driver Power State Failure error means, explore its causes, and offer detailed solutions to fix it.
What is the Driver Power State Failure Error?
The Driver Power State Failure error in Windows 10 is usually indicated by the stop code 0x0000009F. This BSOD error occurs when a device driver is in an inconsistent or invalid power state.
Essentially, it means that the driver is either not responding within the expected timeframe or is incompatible with the system’s power state transition.
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Causes of the Driver Power State Failure Error
Understanding the reasons behind this error is crucial for troubleshooting. The error can be triggered by several factors:
1. Outdated or Corrupt Drivers
The most common cause of this error is problematic device drivers that are outdated, corrupt, or incompatible with the current version of Windows 10.
2. Power Setting Conflicts
Incorrectly configured power settings or power saving modes can sometimes conflict with how drivers manage power states, especially when the system enters or exits sleep mode.
3. Faulty Hardware
Occasionally, defective hardware components such as a bad hard drive, outdated BIOS, or a failing motherboard can lead to this error.
4. System Updates
Sometimes, recent Windows updates can introduce compatibility issues with existing device drivers, leading to BSOD errors.
Solutions to Fix the Driver Power State Failure Error
Addressing this error involves several troubleshooting steps that target the drivers and system settings:
Solution 1: Check the Power Saving Settings
Issues with power settings can cause driver power state failure. To fix the problem, modify the power settings.
Follow the steps outlined below to get started:
Step 1: To begin, hit the Windows and R keys on the keyboard together to launch the Run box.
Step 2: In the Run box, type Control Panel and press OK to launch the Control Panel window.
Step 3: Select Power Options from the All Control Panel Items window.
Step 4: From the options, select Balanced (recommended) and then click Change plan parameters on the right.
Step 5: Select Change advanced power settings from the drop-down menu. A pop-up window with advanced settings choices will display.
Step 6: Expand Wireless Adapter Settings from the options displayed, then expand Power Saving mode and pick Maximum Performance from the drop-down box.
Step 7: After that, expand PCI Express and then Link Power Management. From the selection menu, select Maximum power savings.
Step 8: Click the Apply and Ok buttons to save the changes you’ve made.
Step 9: Restart the computer and see whether the Driver Power State Failure error has gone away.
Solution 2: Remove The Problematic Drivers
Faulty or corrupted drivers may be at blame for the Driver Power State Failure. Open the Device Manager to verify the status of your drivers. If a yellow mark appears next to any device, that device is either missing or corrupted, and it’s best to uninstall it.
To uninstall the driver, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Press the Windows and R keys on the keyboard together to launch the Run box.
Step 2: To continue, type devmgmt.msc and then click OK.
Step 3: The Device Manager window appears, displaying all of the devices. Expand the category and look for the device marked with a yellow asterisk.
Step 4: Right-click on the device marked with a yellow dot, then select Uninstall.
Step 5: Repeat steps 1-4 to uninstall all yellow-marked drivers.
Step 6: Reboot your computer to see whether the Driver Power State Failure problem has been repaired.
Solution 3: Run a System Scan With SFC (System File Check)
The SFC/ Scannow command is used to scan all of the system’s protected files. To perform an SFC scan, open cmd (Command Prompt) on your system and run the SFC scan command.
To run a scan and fix the problem, follow the instructions below:
Step 1: On the keyboard, press the Windows and X keys. A drop-down menu will display.
Step 2: From the drop-down menu, select Command Prompt (Admin).
Step 3: The command prompt appears on the screen. To run the command, type sfc/scannow and click Enter.
Step 4: Scanning will begin, and you will have to wait till it is finished.
Step 5: Scanning can also be done with DISM scan.
Solution 4: Uninstall Your Antivirus Software
Antivirus software like as Avast and McAfee Total Protection is very beneficial for system security, but it can sometimes cause the Driver Power State Failure issue. You must disable or uninstall the antivirus programme to resolve the problem.
Only a specialist tool may be used to uninstall antivirus software. Every antivirus programme comes with a mechanism to uninstall it; only use that utility to uninstall that particular antivirus.
Check to see if the error still exists. If the problem has been resolved, you can update your antivirus software or switch to a different antivirus.
Solution 5: Update Your Graphics Card Driver To an Older Version
When Driver Power State Failure occurs as a result of the Graphics Card Driver, it is recommended that you revert to the previous version.
Follow the steps outlined below to accomplish this:
Step 1: On the keyboard, press the Windows and R keys together to open the Run box.
Step 2: In the Run box, type Control Panel and press OK to launch the Control Panel window.
Step 3: Select Device Manager from the drop-down menu, and the Device Manager window will appear.
Step 4: Make the option bigger. Right-click the graphics card that appears in the list of adapters.
Step 5: Select Properties from the drop-down menu. Choose the Driver tab from the new window that appears.
Step 6: Select Rollback Driver and wait for it to complete the job.
If the Rollback Driver button does not appear, your graphics card must be removed from the system. After uninstalling, go to the manufacturer’s website and get the older version.
Solution 6: Modify The Power Settings In The Nvidia Control Panel
One of the most common causes of Driver Power State Failure in Power Settings is the failure of the driver’s power state. This problem is most common with Nvidia graphics cards, and the procedures to fix it are as follows:
Step 1: Open the Nvidia Control Panel first.
Step 2: On the left side of the screen, select Manage 3D settings.
Step 3: On the right side of the pane, select your dedicated graphics card as a Preferred graphics processor. Choose Prefer Maximum Performance from the Power Management mode in the settings.
Step 4: Save your modifications and see whether the problem still exists.
Solution 7: Modify Your System’s Power Plan
Follow the procedures below to update your system’s Power Plan Settings:
Step 1: To open the Run box, press the Windows and R keys together.
Step 2: In the Run box, type Control Panel and press OK to launch the Control Panel window.
Step 3: From the list of options, choose the Power option.
Step 4: Select your plan and, to the right of it, click Change plan settings.
Step 5: Select Change advanced power settings from the drop-down menu.
Step 6: Change the value of the Sleep and Hibernate options to Never. Set the value of the Power button and Lid options to Do Nothing.
Step 7: To save your changes, click the Apply and OK button.
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Conclusion
The Driver Power State Failure error in Windows 10 can be a sign of deeper system issues related to drivers or hardware. By methodically working through the solutions provided, most users can resolve the error and improve their system’s stability.
Regular system maintenance, such as updating drivers and checking for hardware integrity, can prevent such issues from arising in the future.
