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What to Do When You Get the “STATUS_DEVICE_POWER_FAILURE” Error on Windows — A Complete Fix Guide

By Jonathan Dough
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If you’ve encountered the “STATUS_DEVICE_POWER_FAILURE” error on your Windows PC, you’re not alone. This cryptic error often appears during boot-up or when trying to use Bluetooth devices, particularly after updating Windows. It can be frustrating, especially when it disrupts important tasks. Fortunately, there are ways to fix this error, even if you’re not a tech expert. This guide provides a complete step-by-step breakdown of what causes the error and how to resolve it safely.

Understanding the Error

The STATUS_DEVICE_POWER_FAILURE error, technically referenced as error code 0xC000009E, usually signals a communication breakdown between your Windows system and a hardware device due to power management issues. Most commonly, this error is associated with Bluetooth drivers, especially on laptops running Windows 10 or 11.

It can result from:

  • Corrupted or outdated Bluetooth or wireless drivers
  • Power management conflicts
  • A failed Windows update
  • Malfunctioning USB ports or hardware devices

Steps to Fix the STATUS_DEVICE_POWER_FAILURE Error

Below are the most effective solutions to eliminate the error and bring your system back to normal functionality.

1. Update Bluetooth and Wireless Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers are the primary culprits. It’s best to start by updating your Bluetooth and wireless network drivers.

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Bluetooth and Network adapters sections.
  3. Right-click each relevant device and choose Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers.

If updated drivers aren’t found, visit your PC manufacturer’s website to download the latest versions manually.

2. Disable Fast Startup

Windows Fast Startup can cause power-related issues on systems that don’t fully support this feature. Disabling it can resolve the error:

  1. Open Control Panel > Power Options.
  2. Click Choose what the power buttons do.
  3. Select Change settings that are currently unavailable.
  4. Uncheck Turn on fast startup and click Save changes.

3. Disable Power Saving for Bluetooth Devices

Windows sometimes cuts power to devices it deems idle, which may trigger the error.

  1. In Device Manager, expand the Bluetooth section.
  2. Right-click each Bluetooth device and select Properties.
  3. Go to the Power Management tab and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
  4. Click OK and restart your PC.

4. Run the Windows Troubleshooters

Integrated troubleshooters can often detect and resolve conflicts automatically.

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
  2. Select Additional troubleshooters.
  3. Run the Bluetooth and Hardware and Devices troubleshooters.

5. Perform a System File Check

Missing or corrupt system files might also be causing the issue. Use the System File Checker (SFC) to fix them:

  1. Type cmd in the Start menu, right-click Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator.
  2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the scan to complete and follow any repair prompts.

6. Reinstall the Bluetooth Driver

If updating doesn’t help, reinstalling the driver might do the trick.

  1. Open Device Manager, expand Bluetooth, and right-click your Bluetooth adapter.
  2. Choose Uninstall device and check Delete the driver software for this device if available.
  3. After rebooting, Windows should reinstall a fresh driver automatically.

7. Check for Windows Updates

Sometimes a known bug gets patched in a later update. Ensure you have the latest fixes:

  1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
  2. Click Check for updates.
  3. Install any available updates and restart your PC.

When to Seek Professional Help

If none of the above solutions work, your issue may be hardware-related. Malfunctioning Bluetooth cards, loose internal connectors, or power supply irregularities could be the root cause. In such cases, it’s best to consult a certified technician or your device’s manufacturer support.

Conclusion

The STATUS_DEVICE_POWER_FAILURE error, while annoying, is rarely a sign of catastrophic failure. In most cases, driver updates, power management adjustments, or system scans will resolve the issue. By systematically following these steps, you can eliminate disruption and restore your system’s full functionality.

Always back up your data before making system-level changes. Keeping your drivers updated and regularly installing Windows updates will reduce the chances of encountering errors like this in the future.

Jonathan Dough 151 posts 0 comments
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