Windows blue screen: DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE

This stop code usually appears when a driver does not complete a required power-state change during sleep, wake, shutdown, or device power management.

Model check required. The same Windows code can appear in different operations. Match the code to the failed update, app, boot stage, or action before applying repairs.

Reviewed Jul 17, 20264 minute guideWindows PC

Quick answer

This stop code usually appears when a driver does not complete a required power-state change during sleep, wake, shutdown, or device power management.

Start here: Note whether it follows sleep, wake, or shutdown. The timing helps identify the device class involved.

Guided check

Match the symptom, then work through the safe checks.

0/3 checked

1. What best matches what you observe?

2. Complete only the checks that are safe for you.

Note whether it follows sleep, wake, or shutdownThe timing helps identify the device class involved.SafeDisconnect nonessential USB devicesTest sleep and wake with a minimal hardware set.SafeUpdate or roll back the likely device driverPrefer the PC or device manufacturer package.Caution

Update firmware only on stable powerDo not interrupt BIOS or device firmware updates.Professional

3 user-level checks are available in this guide.Stop immediately if any warning condition applies.

Show stop conditions

The crash started during a failed firmware update
The PC battery or power connection is unstable

Likely causes

A device driver hangs during sleep or wake
USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, graphics, or storage hardware is not responding
A recent driver or firmware update is unstable
Power-management settings expose a device compatibility problem

Quick checks, in order

Note whether it follows sleep, wake, or shutdown

The timing helps identify the device class involved.

safe

Disconnect nonessential USB devices

Test sleep and wake with a minimal hardware set.

safe

Update or roll back the likely device driver

Prefer the PC or device manufacturer package.

caution

Update firmware only on stable power

Do not interrupt BIOS or device firmware updates.

Professional

Which transition triggers the crash?

Waking from sleep

Focus on graphics, network, USB, dock, and storage drivers.

Shutting down

A service or device may not be releasing its power request.

Only with a dock or accessory

Test without the accessory and update its driver or firmware.

Stop and get qualified help when

Do not continue troubleshooting if any of these apply:

The crash started during a failed firmware update
The PC battery or power connection is unstable

Official support and model manuals

Use the full model number from the rating label. The manufacturer manual is the deciding reference when codes differ by region or product family.

Microsoft: Resolving Blue Screen errors

Frequently asked questions

Is DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE caused by the battery?

Usually it points to a driver or device power-transition problem, not simply a worn battery.

Can disabling sleep hide the issue?

It may avoid the trigger but does not identify the faulty driver or device.

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