Microsoft Windows Error Code 0x0000009F: How to Fix It

Medium 1-3 hours High Severity Verified June 2026
Error Code
0x0000009F
Brand
Microsoft Windows
Product Type
operating_system
Severity
High
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
1-3 hours
Windows error code 0x0000009F (DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE) occurs when a device driver fails to properly handle power state transitions during sleep, hibernation, or wake operations. This blue screen error typically happens when drivers don't respond correctly to power management requests, causing system instability.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 0x0000009F

  1. Restart in Safe Mode

    Save any open work before restarting as unsaved data will be lost.
  2. Check Windows Update

  3. Update Device Drivers

  4. Disable Fast Startup

  5. Run System File Checker

    Do not close Command Prompt while the scan is running as this could corrupt system files.
  6. Check Hardware Power Settings

  7. Uninstall Recently Added Hardware

    Always power down completely and unplug the power cord before disconnecting internal hardware components.
  8. Reset Power Management Settings

  9. Perform System Restore

    System Restore will uninstall programs installed after the restore point date, so note any software you'll need to reinstall.
  10. Check for Hardware Issues

    The memory diagnostic requires a restart and will take several minutes to complete. The disk check may take hours on large drives.

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When to Call a Professional

Contact a computer technician if the error persists after trying these steps, if you're uncomfortable working in Safe Mode or Command Prompt, or if hardware diagnostics reveal memory or storage failures. Professional help is also recommended if the error occurs frequently and impacts critical work systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes Windows error code 0x0000009F?
Error 0x0000009F is caused by device drivers that fail to properly handle power state changes when your computer enters sleep mode, hibernates, or wakes up. Common culprits include outdated graphics drivers, network adapter drivers, or USB device drivers that don't respond correctly to power management requests.
Can I prevent 0x0000009F errors from happening again?
Yes, keep your drivers updated through Windows Update and manufacturer websites, avoid putting your computer to sleep if errors persist, disable fast startup, and ensure power management settings for devices are configured properly. Regular system maintenance and avoiding cheap or incompatible hardware also helps.
Is it safe to disable sleep mode to avoid this error?
Temporarily disabling sleep mode can prevent the error while you troubleshoot, but it's not a permanent solution. Instead, focus on updating drivers and fixing the underlying power management issue. You can disable sleep by going to Power Options and setting sleep to 'Never' for both battery and plugged in states.
Will this error cause data loss?
The blue screen error itself can cause loss of unsaved work, but it typically doesn't corrupt existing files. However, repeated occurrences could potentially lead to file system issues over time. Always save your work frequently and maintain regular backups as a precaution.
How do I know which driver is causing the 0x0000009F error?
Check the blue screen details for driver file names mentioned in the error. You can also use Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc) to look for critical errors around the time of crashes. Tools like BlueScreenView can analyze dump files to identify the specific driver causing the issue.