Experiencing unexpected shutdowns or crashes on your Windows computer? If you find yourself dealing with sudden system failures or encountering issues when waking your computer from Sleep mode, a potential culprit could be a power supply fault triggering a Kernel-Power error.
The Kernel-Power Event ID 41 is a critical system issue that can cause your Windows computer to shut down abruptly, seemingly without any apparent reason. In this blog, we’ll guide you through five easy steps to resolve this issue and prevent your computer from crashing unexpectedly.
It’s important to note that while the Kernel-Power 41 issue is often associated with power supply problems, it can also indicate hardware issues within your system, resulting in a power fault and subsequent crashes.
This critical error is typically linked to Event ID 41. If you’ve come across this error, you might have noticed accompanying keywords like (70368744177664),(2). These keywords serve as valuable clues for troubleshooting the bug in your system.
Stay tuned as we break down the process, providing you with a clear and straightforward solution to fix the Kernel-Power error and ensure a stable and reliable Windows experience. Let’s dive into the steps to eliminate the frustration of random system crashes.
Table of Contents
- Solution 1: Update Windows
- Solution 2: Disable Windows Fast Startup for Stability
- Soluttion 3: Reseat RAM, Graphics Card, and Inspect Power Cables
- Reseating RAM and Graphics Card
- Inspecting Power Cables
- Solution 4: Test for PSU Faults Using OCCT
- Solution 5: Run CHKDSK, SFC, and DISM for System Health
- Conclusion: Resolving the Kernel-Power Critical Error 41
Solution 1: Update Windows
Ensure your Windows operating system is running at its best by keeping it up to date. Microsoft regularly releases updates that address bugs and other issues, providing solutions that can resolve the Kernel-Power critical error.
- Press Win + I to open the Settings menu.
- In the search box, type update and select Check for updates.
- If updates are available, download and install them.
- Once the updates are installed, restart your system.
By staying current with the latest Windows updates, you not only enhance the overall performance of your system but also mitigate the risk of encountering the Kernel-Power critical error. Keep your system in top shape for a seamless computing experience.
Solution 2: Disable Windows Fast Startup for Stability
Windows Fast Startup, designed to expedite your computer’s boot time, might be a contributing factor to the Kernel-Power critical error. This feature, enabled by default in Windows 10 and Windows 11, keeps your system in a semi-active state, combining aspects of a full shutdown with hibernation mode.
- Type power set in your Start Menu search bar.
- Select Choose a power plan.
- Click on Choose what the power buttons do.
- Choose Change settings that are currently unavailable.
- Locate the Turn on fast start-up option.
- Uncheck the box.
- Hit Save changes.
- After disabling Fast Startup, restart your system.
Give your computer some time to run without Fast Startup enabled. In certain cases, Kernel-Power errors may not immediately reappear and could take a few days to manifest again. By disabling Fast Startup, you’re taking a crucial step toward stabilizing your system and reducing the likelihood of encountering the Kernel-Power critical error.
Soluttion 3: Reseat RAM, Graphics Card, and Inspect Power Cables
In some cases, resolving the Kernel-Power 41 error involves reseating your RAM and graphics card (GPU). Follow these steps to ensure a stable hardware connection:
Reseating RAM and Graphics Card
- Carefully open your PC or laptop case, noting that this action may void your warranty.
- Locate the RAM modules and GPU.
- Gently but firmly, remove and reinsert each RAM module and the graphics card.
Inspecting Power Cables
- While inside the case, examine the power cables connecting your power supply unit to the motherboard.
- Ensure that the cables are securely and snugly connected.
- A loose connection can potentially trigger the Kernel-Power error.
Important Note: Reseating hardware components may void your manufacturer’s warranty, so proceed cautiously and be aware of the potential implications.
By reseating your RAM and graphics card and checking power cables for a secure fit, you address potential hardware-related issues that could be causing the Kernel-Power 41 error. Taking these steps contributes to the overall stability of your system and helps in preventing unexpected crashes.
Solution 4: Test for PSU Faults Using OCCT
Determining whether your Power Supply Unit (PSU) is causing the Kernel-Power 41 error can be challenging, but with the right tools, you can perform a software-based test. Here’s how you can use OCCT, a free CPU/GPU/PSU stress testing tool, to check for potential faults:
- Open OCCT, the CPU/GPU/PSU stress testing tool.
- Under Test Configuration, select Power.
- Set the Instruction Set to Auto.
- Save your work and close any open programs.
- Initiate the stress test by clicking the big red play icon in OCCT.
The developer recommends running the test for at least an hour, noting that most errors are often detected within the first 5 minutes.
Important Note: Software-based PSU checking tools may not provide precise readings. Consider hardware testing for more accurate results.
Alternative Method: Try Another PSU if Possible: If available, swapping out your power supply unit for another can confirm if the Kernel-Power 41 error is PSU-related.
Caution Regarding System Voltages: Adjusting system voltages may seem like a solution, but it’s advised against unless you have expertise. Tinkering with voltages, especially during an error, can introduce more complications and make diagnosis challenging.
By utilizing OCCT and, if possible, testing with an alternative PSU, you can gain insights into whether your Power Supply Unit is a potential source of the Kernel-Power 41 error. Remember to approach voltage adjustments cautiously to avoid unintended consequences.