Windows

How To Fix Driver Power State Failure Windows 8.1

Are you experiencing the frustrating and inconvenient issue of Driver Power State Failure on your Windows 8.1? This error occurs when there's a problem with drivers not responding properly, causing your system to crash or go into the sleep mode. But fear not, as there are effective solutions to resolve this issue and get your Windows 8.1 up and running smoothly once again.

To fix Driver Power State Failure in Windows 8.1, it's crucial to start by updating your drivers to the latest version. Outdated or faulty drivers can cause conflicts and instability in your system. You can manually update the drivers by visiting the manufacturer's website and downloading the latest version for each device. Alternatively, you can use third-party driver update software that can automatically scan and update all the drivers on your computer with just a few clicks.




Understanding Driver Power State Failure in Windows 8.1

Driver Power State Failure is a commonly encountered error in the Windows 8.1 operating system. This error usually occurs when a driver fails to respond and causes the system to crash or go into a blue screen of death (BSOD). When this error occurs, it can be frustrating and disruptive to your work or daily activities. However, with the right troubleshooting steps, you can fix the Driver Power State Failure error in Windows 8.1 and get your system running smoothly again.

Update Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers often cause the Driver Power State Failure error in Windows 8.1. Therefore, it is crucial to update your drivers to the latest version compatible with your operating system. You can update drivers manually or use a trusted driver updating software.

To manually update drivers, follow these steps:

  • Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager from the menu.
  • In the Device Manager window, expand the categories and locate the drivers that may be causing the error (usually indicated by a yellow exclamation mark).
  • Right-click on the driver and select Update driver.
  • Choose whether to search automatically for updated driver software or browse your computer for driver software.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver update process.

If you prefer using driver updating software, make sure to choose a reputable and reliable program. These software tools scan your system, identify outdated drivers, and automatically update them to the latest version. This can save you time and effort in manually searching for and updating each individual driver.

Roll Back Drivers

If you recently updated a driver and started experiencing the Driver Power State Failure error, it is possible that the new driver is causing compatibility issues. In such cases, you can try rolling back the driver to the previous version to resolve the issue.

To roll back a driver in Windows 8.1, follow these steps:

  • Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
  • Locate the driver you want to roll back and right-click on it.
  • Select Properties from the context menu.
  • In the Properties window, go to the Driver tab.
  • Click on the Roll Back Driver button.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the rollback process.

After rolling back the driver, restart your computer and check if the Driver Power State Failure error persists. If not, the rolled-back driver was the culprit of the error, and you can choose to prevent automatic updates for that specific driver to avoid the issue in the future.

Disable Power Saving Features

Power saving features, such as sleep mode or hibernate, can sometimes conflict with drivers and lead to the Driver Power State Failure error. Disabling these features may help resolve the issue.

To disable power saving features in Windows 8.1, follow these steps:

  • Press the Windows key + X and select Power Options.
  • In the Power Options window, click on the Change plan settings link next to your selected power plan.
  • Click on the Change advanced power settings link.
  • In the Advanced settings tab, navigate to the Sleep section.
  • Expand the Sleep section and set all sleep options to Never.
  • Click Apply and OK to save the changes.

Once you have disabled the power saving features, restart your computer and check if the Driver Power State Failure error reoccurs. If the error no longer appears, you can choose to enable the power saving features one by one to identify the specific feature causing the conflict.

Scan for Malware and Viruses

Malware or viruses on your system can also lead to driver issues and cause the Driver Power State Failure error. It is essential to regularly scan your computer for malware and viruses using reliable antivirus software.

To scan for malware and viruses in Windows 8.1, follow these steps:

  • Open your preferred antivirus software.
  • Perform a full system scan.
  • If any malware or viruses are detected, follow the instructions provided by the antivirus software to quarantine or remove them.
  • Restart your computer after the scan is complete.

A thorough scan and removal of malware can help eliminate any underlying issues causing the Driver Power State Failure error.

Check for Windows Updates

In some cases, outdated Windows system files can contribute to driver issues and lead to the Driver Power State Failure error. It is essential to keep your operating system up to date by installing the latest Windows updates.

To check for and install Windows updates in Windows 8.1, follow these steps:

  • Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
  • In the Settings app, click on Update & Security.
  • In the Windows Update tab, click on Check for updates.
  • If updates are available, click on Download and install.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.
  • Restart your computer after the updates are installed.

Regularly installing Windows updates ensures that your system has the latest bug fixes and improvements, reducing the chances of encountering driver issues like the Driver Power State Failure error.

Perform a System Restore

If none of the above solutions work, performing a system restore to a previous point in time can help resolve the Driver Power State Failure error. A system restore reverts your computer's settings and drivers to a previous state when the error was not present.

To perform a system restore in Windows 8.1, follow these steps:

  • Press the Windows key + X and select System.
  • In the System window, click on System protection on the left-hand side.
  • In the System Properties window, click on the System Restore button.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point and start the system restore process.
  • Once the system restore is complete, restart your computer.

Note that performing a system restore will undo any recent system changes, including newly installed software or updates. Make sure to back up your important files before proceeding with a system restore.

Further Troubleshooting and Support

If you have tried all the above methods and are still experiencing the Driver Power State Failure error in Windows 8.1, it may be time to seek additional assistance. Contacting the manufacturer of your computer or the specific hardware component causing the error can provide you with more specialized support and guidance.

Remember, it is crucial to provide detailed information about the error, including any error codes or messages displayed on the blue screen, to the support team for accurate troubleshooting.

Fixing the Driver Power State Failure error in Windows 8.1 requires patience and troubleshooting. By following the steps outlined in this guide and seeking professional support if needed, you can overcome this error and ensure smooth operation of your Windows system.


How To Fix Driver Power State Failure Windows 8.1

How to Fix Driver Power State Failure Windows 8.1?

If you are experiencing the "Driver Power State Failure" error in Windows 8.1, there are several potential solutions you can try:

  • Update Drivers: Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause this error. Visit the manufacturer's website and download the latest drivers for your hardware.
  • Disable Power Management: Open Device Manager, locate the devices causing the error, and disable the option "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power" under the Power Management tab.
  • Run System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type "sfc /scannow" to scan and repair corrupted system files.
  • Perform a Clean Boot: Disable unnecessary startup programs and services to isolate any conflicts causing the error.
  • Check for Hardware Issues: Run a hardware diagnostic tool to identify any faulty hardware components that may be causing the error.
Steps to Fix Driver Power State Failure Windows 8.1
1. Update Drivers
2. Disable Power Management
3. Run System File Checker
4. Perform a Clean Boot
5. Check for Hardware Issues

Key Takeaways - How to Fix Driver Power State Failure Windows 8.1

  • Update your drivers regularly to avoid driver power state failures.
  • Use Device Manager to check for outdated or corrupt drivers.
  • Disable power-saving settings for your devices.
  • Run a virus scan to ensure no malware is causing the issue.
  • Check for hardware conflicts and resolve them to fix driver power state failure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dealing with driver power state failure issues on Windows 8.1 can be frustrating. Here are some commonly asked questions and their solutions to help you fix this problem.

1. What causes driver power state failure on Windows 8.1?

The driver power state failure error typically occurs due to incompatible or outdated drivers. It can also be caused by hardware and software conflicts, power settings, or corrupted system files.

To fix this issue, start by updating your drivers to the latest version. You can do this manually by visiting the manufacturer's website or using a driver update utility. If that doesn't work, try adjusting your power settings or running a system file checker scan to repair any corrupt files.

2. How do I update drivers on Windows 8.1?

To update drivers on Windows 8.1, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select "Device Manager."

2. Expand the category of the driver you want to update.

3. Right-click on the device and select "Update driver."

4. Choose the option to search automatically for updated driver software.

If Windows doesn't find any updates, you can also manually download the latest drivers from the manufacturer's website and install them on your computer.

3. How do I adjust power settings on Windows 8.1?

To adjust power settings on Windows 8.1, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select "Power Options."

2. Select the power plan you're currently using.

3. Click on "Change plan settings" next to the selected power plan.

4. Adjust the settings for putting the computer to sleep, display brightness, and other options according to your preferences.

Make sure to save the changes and restart your computer for the new power settings to take effect.

4. How do I run a system file checker scan on Windows 8.1?

To run a system file checker scan on Windows 8.1, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)."

2. In the command prompt window, type "sfc /scannow" and press Enter.

3. Wait for the scan to complete. It may take some time.

4. If any corrupt files are found, the system file checker will automatically attempt to repair them.

Once the scan and repair process is complete, restart your computer and check if the driver power state failure error is resolved.

5. What should I do if none of the solutions work?

If none of the solutions mentioned above work, you may need to consider performing a system restore to a previous date when the driver power state failure error was not present. This will revert your system settings and drivers to an earlier state.

If system restore doesn't resolve the issue, you can also try performing a clean installation of Windows 8.1. Remember to back up your important files before proceeding with this option as it will erase all data on your computer.



In conclusion, tackling the "Driver Power State Failure" issue in Windows 8.1 requires a systematic approach. It is important to start by identifying the problematic driver, which can be done by checking the Event Viewer for error messages and updating all drivers.

Next, you should disable power-saving features for devices, such as network adapters, and adjust power settings to prevent sleep mode interruptions. For further troubleshooting, running a system file check and performing a clean boot can help identify any underlying software conflicts. Finally, keeping your operating system and drivers up to date reduces the likelihood of encountering this issue in the future.


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