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ERROR_INSUFFICIENT_POWER
What ERROR_INSUFFICIENT_POWER means
This code is typically returned by power-aware hardware or a driver when an operation would exceed the current power budget or cannot be supported in the present power state. It is not a CPU-performance message.
Where it commonly appears
- USB and peripheral initialization
- Battery-powered systems
- Docking stations and bus-powered hubs
- Device transitions from low-power states
Likely causes
- A bus-powered hub cannot supply the required current
- The system is on battery or in a restricted power mode
- A device or firmware reports an invalid power requirement
- Too many peripherals share the available budget
- A power-state transition is still in progress
Troubleshooting checklist
- Identify the exact device, bus, power source, and current power state
- Test through a powered hub or direct port when appropriate
- Review device-manager and System event logs
- Update firmware and drivers only from trusted sources
- Check whether the failure disappears on external power
Guidance for developers
Expose the device and power condition to the user instead of retrying indefinitely. Defer optional operations until power is available and handle device arrival/removal races.
Guidance for administrators
Reduce the bus load, connect external power, verify the correct adapter, and inspect dock or hub capacity. Replacing cables can help only when they are part of the power path.
Example
A high-current USB device is connected through an unpowered hub already serving several peripherals. Enumeration reaches the driver’s power check and fails with this code. A powered hub or direct connection resolves it.
Related conditions
Do not confuse this with ERROR_NOT_ENOUGH_MEMORY or thermal throttling. The limiting resource is electrical power or the reported power budget.
References
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