Driver Power State Failure on Windows 11 - How To Resolve It

Reading time icon 4 min. read


Readers help support MSpoweruser. We may get a commission if you buy through our links. Tooltip Icon

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help MSPoweruser sustain the editorial team Read more

Driver Power State Failure Windows 11
A message from our partner

Fix all your driver issues with PC HelpSoft Driver Updater:

Easily update and fix driver issues on your PC in just three steps with PC HelpSoft Driver Updater:

  • Download and install PC HelpSoft Driver Updater.
  • Scan your PC to find outdated or missing drivers.
  • Click on Update Now to quickly install the latest and original drivers.
Keep your PC running at its best - update your drivers now! PC HelpSoft has been downloaded by 0 readers this month

Wondering how to fix the driver power state failure on Windows 11?

This error can lead to unexpected system crashes or blue screen errors. It usually arises from power management settings or problematic drivers. Fortunately, I can help you troubleshoot and resolve it.

But first, try these quick fixes:

  • Undo any hardware modifications. If you’ve recently made any changes to your hardware, you should revert them to identify the cause of the issue.
  • Remove external devices from your computer. Disconnecting peripherals like printers, USB drives, or external monitors can eliminate potential conflicts.

If the error persists, move on to the detailed solutions below.

Start Windows in Safe Mode

Safe Mode can help you isolate the issue by loading only essential drivers. Hereโ€™s how to do it:

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box. Type msconfig and hit Enter to open the System Configuration window.
Run dialog box
  1. In the new window, click on the Boot tab. Check the box next to Safe boot and select the Minimal option.
Boot tab
  1. Press OK to save your changes.
  2. Youโ€™ll be prompted to restart. Click Restart to boot into Safe Mode.
Restart PC

Update Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause the driver power state failure error. Follow these steps to update your drivers:

  1. Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.
Device Manager
  1. Right-click on any device with a yellow triangle, and select Update driver.
Update driver
  1. Select Search automatically for drivers, then follow the prompts to install updates.
Search automatically for drivers


Alternatively, to save time and avoid going through the process manually, consider using PC Helpsoft Driver Updater. This tool will help you update your drivers automatically.

Rollback Recent Driver Update

If the error started occurring after a recent driver update, rolling back might help. Hereโ€™s how:

  1. Open the Device Manager by right-clicking on the Windows Icon and selecting it.
Device Manager
  1. Locate the device with a yellow exclamation mark, right-click, and select Properties.
Properties
  1. Go to the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver. If itโ€™s greyed out, it means thereโ€™s no previous version. You can disable it and confirm whether the error persists.
Driver tab

Update Windows

OS updates improve system stability and fix any bugs that might arise. Hereโ€™s how to update your Windows 11:

  1. Tap the Windows icon and click Settings.
Windows Settings
  1. Tap Windows Update at the bottom left corner of the screen.
Windows Update
  1. Click Check for updates in the top right corner. Install them and restart your computer.
Check for updates

Check if the driver power state failure error is fixed.

Turn off Fast Startup

Fast Startup can sometimes interfere with power settings. To disable it, follow these steps:

  1. Type Control Panel using the search button and tap Open.
Control Panel
  1. Select Power Options.
Power Options
  1. Click on Choose what the power buttons do.
Choose what the power buttons do
  1. Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.
Change settings that are currently unavailable
  1. Uncheck the Turn on fast start-up button under Shut-down settings.
Turn on fast startup

Run System File Checker

Corrupted system files may lead to the driver power state failure. Running the System File Checker can help. Hereโ€™s what to do:

  1. Type cmd in the search bar, and select Run as administrator.
Run as administrator
  1. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Type sfc /scannow
  1. Wait for the scan to complete, then restart your computer.
scanning

Adjust Windows Power Plan

Sometimes, your power settings can cause this failure on Windows 11. Adjusting your power plan may resolve the problem. Hereโ€™s how to do it:

  1. Go to Control Panel and click on Power Options.
Power Options
  1. Select Change plan settings for your active plan.
Change plan settings
  1. Click on Change advanced power settings.
Change advanced power settings
  1. Expand Wireless Adapter Settings by tapping the โ€œ+โ€ icon, expand Power Saving Mode, and select Maximum Performance (on battery and plugged in).
Wireless Adapter Settings
  1. Expand PCI Express by tapping the “+” icon, click Link state power management, and select “Off” for On battery and Plugged in.
PCI Express

Click Apply to save the changes and restart your computer.

Reset Windows

If none of the above methods work, you may need to reset Windows. Hereโ€™s how to do it:

  1. Tap the Windows Icon and click on the Settings button. 
Windows Settings
  1. Go to System, scroll down to locate the Recovery button, and tap on it.
Recovery button
  1. Click on Reset PC under Recovery options.
Reset PC
  1. You can choose whether to keep your files or remove everything. Follow the prompts on the screen to complete the process.
Choose whether to keep your files or remove everything

The above fixes will help you resolve the driver power state failure on Windows 11. Remember to regularly check for updates and maintain your drivers to prevent future issues. You can also look into BSOD repair tools for persistent problems.

User forum

0 messages