Computer crashing down, freezing, unexpected restarts, applications not responding are a few issues that you might face if your computer has developed a fault with the power supply. It will also display the Kernel-Power 41 error in Windows 10 PC. Although this error appears all of a sudden, it will not vanish automatically after a restart. It is quite critical and needs to be looked into immediately. Here are a few steps that will help resolving the event 41 Kernel Power error on Windows 10 computer.
What Is a Kernel Power 41 Error in Windows 10?
The Kernel Power 41 in Windows 10 is a critical system error that can cause your computer to freeze up and stop responding. Some users may even face an unexpected shutdown of the computer in the middle of working. The basic idea behind the event 41 Kernel Power issue is always related to power concerns or an issue with an electrical fault in the system. This kernel error always associates itself with event ID 41.
Steps on How to Resolve Kernel Power 41 in Windows 10.
Method 1. Complete all Windows 10 Pending Updates.
Microsoft is known to release frequent updates related to security and normal functioning of Windows 10 operating system. However, most users do not install these updates due to the fear that it might cause an unexpected new issue or consume a lot of data. However, these updates are released with the sole purpose of fixing issues and bugs. However, who knows an update designed to fix that specific bug which is causing the Kernel Power in Windows 41 is already lying in the list of pending updates.
To check for any pending updates in Windows 10, press the Windows key + I and in the new window that opens, just type in “Check for Updates”. A new window will open, informing you of the update status on your computer. Complete all the updates which will ensure smooth functioning of your operating system and also resolve the Kernel Power 41 in Windows 10.
This is a good sign which denotes all updates are complete.
Method 2. Disable Fast Start-up in Windows 10.
If you have enabled fast start-up on your machine, then this could be one of the reasons why you receive the Kernel Power 41 error in Windows 10. But what is Fast Start-up and when did I Enable it?
Windows 10 Fast Start-Up is a sort of sleep mode your computer enters when it is not being used. This helps the computer to boot up very quickly as well as it preserves the last state you left your computer in and resumes from there, making it easy for the user to resume their work. This power saver mode does not shut down the computer completely, instead takes your machine in a state between Shut down and hibernation.
Disabling the fast start-up is one quick way to resolve the event 41 Kernel Power issue in Windows 10. To do so, follow these steps mentioned below:
Step 1. Type Power Settings in the search box located on the bottom left corner of the taskbar.
Step 2. A new window will open. Locate Additional Power Settings on the right-hand list of options and click on it.
Step 3. A second window will open. Click on Choose what the Power Buttons do.
Step 4. Click on the first link that is labelled as Change settings that are currently unavailable.
Step 5. Locate Shutdown Settings and uncheck the checkbox next to Turn on fast start-up.
Step 6. Click on the Save Changes button located at the bottom of the window.
Now, you are all set and turning fast start-up off can resolve the Kernel Power 41 in Windows 10.
Also Read: How to Resolve Antimalware Service Executable High CPU Usage issue?
Method 3. Run CHKDSK and SFC on your Windows 10 computer.
Microsoft has provided a few system tools in Windows 10 that can assess the issues and fix them with a few simple commands. One of these tools is a Check Disk feature that can be initiated with the following steps:
Step 1. Type Command Prompt in the search box located on your taskbar. From the search results, locate the command prompt app and choose Run as Administrator.
Step 2. Click Yes on any permission box that appears, and a new black and white window will open.
Step 3. Type chkdsk /r and press Enter key from the keyboard. A complete system scan will be initiated on your computer, and an attempt to fix the errors will be made.
Now if this command doesn’t work, then we can try another in-built system tool by the name of SFC (System File Check). This tool will specifically check for missing or corrupt system files and fix them. To run SFC tool on your system, follow these steps:
Step 4. Open the Command Prompt in an elevated mode as in Step 1.
Step 5. Type sfc /scannow, and press the Enter key to execute the command.
Both these commands will check the drives and system files and automatically resolve the error if identified. Otherwise, move on to the next step to resolve Kernel Power 41 error on Windows 10.
Also Read: How to fix 100% CPU usage in Windows
Method 4. Test your Power Supply Unit.
The computer’s power supply unit can be checked physically by using a VOM multitester. But it is not possible for all of us to get our hands on this device, and open the CPU tower. Thus, it would be convenient if an application designed to perform a stress test the CPU can be used. Once such tool available, that is free to use, is the OCCT v5.0. You can download OCCT from the link given below:
Download OCCT for Free. https://www.ocbase.com/
Once you download and install it, you can run the application to test for issues that are causing the event 41 Kernel Power error on your Windows 10 PC. There are a few pointers to keep in mind before running this program:
- Close all other programs running on your system
- Run the test for at least an hour.
- It does not run on a PC connected to a business domain.
Image Source: OCCT.
OCCT generates a log file that informs the user of any potential issues with the Power Supply Unit or any other hardware in the system
Note: If you don’t wish to use OCCT then I suggest you take your PC to a hardware technician who could do a physical check-up of the CPU and replace the PSU if needed.
Also Read: Windows 10 Crashing Every Now And Then? Here’s What To Do
Method 5. Update your BIOS
Every computer has a fixed set of instructions stored in the ROM (Read-Only-Memory) chip of the BIOS (Basic Input Output System). However, these sets of instructions can be updated once in a while by visiting the official website of the motherboard’s manufacturer and downloading the latest update file. Updating the BIOS is not an easy task and may require a certified technician to do so.
Note: You can read the instructions provided on the OEM website and attempt only, if you clearly understand the procedure.
Also Read: Quick and Simple Steps to remove Bloatware in Windows 10
Method 6. Update All Drivers
Drivers are software programs that establish and maintain communication between the operating system, application and hardware. A Kernel Power 41 error in Windows 10 can occur if the drivers are not updated, resulting in a communication gap between the hardware and the software. To update the drivers, you can follow these steps:
Step 1. Type “Device Manager” on the search box located on the taskbar. A new window will open.
Step 2. If you notice a yellow triangle next to any of those mentioned in the list of drivers, then make a right-click on it and from the contextual menu choose “Update Driver”.
Step 3. If you have no yellow triangles then, you can right-click on the topmost entry that states the name of your PC and choose Select for any Hardware Changes. This will detect any hardware changes and update drivers if needed.
If you think that manually checking each driver and updating it takes time and effort, then you can opt for a third-party tool to scan, download and install all the latest drivers compatible with your system in no time. I personally recommend Smart Driver Care, which is a complete solution for enhanced and uninterrupted performance of your computer.
Download Smart Driver Care Now.
Method 7. Remove and Re-fix your RAM and Graphics card.
Note: This method should only be attempted by trained or experienced personnel only.
One of the obstacles in the way of a smooth-running PC is the dust that gets accumulated in the CPU. If you have some experience of working with the computer’s hardware, and if the PC is no longer in Warranty, then I suggest you open the CPU tower case and use the air blower to clean the dust out of your CPU. Also remove the RAM, Graphics card & other removables, including cables and clean them and reseat them. According to Windows forums, this method has worked for many, but be cautious in doing so. It is best to get professional help on this one.
Also Read: Alternate Ways To Keep Your CPU Cool
Method 8. Schedule a Technician
If none of the above fixes works for you, then you probably will have to contact a technician or visit the service centre for a complete check-up of your system. The Kernel Power 41 on Windows 10 can then be more of a hardware issue rather than software.
The Final Word On Kernel Power 41 In Windows 10.
Microsoft Windows 10 has a unique way of identifying issues and displaying error messages. Each error message displayed has a meaning and can be fixed if the correct troubleshooting steps are taken. After you have updated your Windows 10, A chkdsk and SFC scan will resolve most of the errors on your computer. If not, then a visit to the technician is deemed necessary. Do not ignore the Event 41 Kernel Power issues for that can lead to serious consequences you wouldn’t want to face ever.
Do share your thoughts on Kernel Power 41 in Windows 10 and if you have used any of these methods before to resolve this error in the comments section below.