How to Fix “Computer Exceeds Power Rating” Error in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Seeing the “Computer Exceeds Power Rating” error on your Windows 11 device can be confusing and worrying. This message typically indicates that your computer’s power supply is struggling to meet the demands of your hardware. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can try to resolve this issue.

This guide will walk you through easy-to-follow solutions to fix the error without needing deep technical knowledge. Each step is explained in detail to ensure you understand why it’s important.

Before diving into advanced troubleshooting, it’s best to check a few quick things. These checks often solve the problem quickly and safely.

Let’s get started with some basic fixes to help your computer run smoothly again.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Check your power source: Make sure your PC is plugged directly into a reliable power outlet. Avoid using cheap or faulty power strips.
Inspect cables: Verify that all power cables and connectors are firmly attached and not damaged.
Close unnecessary programs: Running many high-performance apps simultaneously can temporarily increase power demand.
Restart your computer: Sometimes, a simple reboot clears temporary glitches causing the error.

Step 1: Reduce Power Load by Closing Background Applications

Many programs running in the background can increase your computer’s power consumption. Closing unnecessary apps can reduce the load and help avoid power rating errors.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Look under the “Processes” tab for apps using a lot of CPU, memory, or disk resources.
Select any non-essential application and click End Task.
Repeat for multiple apps if needed, then check if the error persists.

Why this matters: Lowering power usage reduces the strain on your power supply unit (PSU), making the system more stable.

Step 2: Update Windows and Device Drivers

Outdated system files and drivers can cause hardware to malfunction or misreport power usage. Keeping Windows and drivers updated ensures compatibility and efficient power management.

Click on the Start button, then select Settings.
Navigate to Windows Update on the left menu.
Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
To update drivers, open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button.
Expand categories like “Display adapters” or “System devices.”
Right-click each device and choose Update driver > Search automatically.

Why this matters: Updated drivers improve hardware communication, preventing errors related to power management.

Step 3: Adjust Power Settings in Windows 11

Your current power plan settings might be pushing your system to use more power than necessary. Adjusting these settings can help keep power consumption balanced.

Go to Settings > System > Power & battery.
Under Power mode, select Balanced or Power saver instead of Best performance.
Click on Screen and sleep and reduce the time before your screen turns off or your PC goes to sleep.

Why this matters: Lower power modes reduce overall energy consumption, easing the load on the power supply.

Step 4: Inspect Your Power Supply Unit (PSU)

If you use a desktop PC, the power supply unit might not be providing enough wattage for your components. This is a common cause of the “Computer Exceeds Power Rating” error.

Check the wattage rating printed on your PSU label.
Compare it to the minimum power requirements of your CPU, graphics card, and other hardware.
If your PSU wattage is insufficient, consider upgrading to a higher-rated model.

Why this matters: A weak power supply can cause instability and errors. Ensuring your PSU meets or exceeds your system’s power needs is crucial for smooth operation.

Step 5: Run Windows Power Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix power-related issues.

Open Settings and go to System > Troubleshoot.
Select Other troubleshooters.
Find Power and click Run.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Why this matters: The troubleshooter can fix common power configuration problems without manual intervention.

Alternative Method: Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup can sometimes cause power management issues by not fully shutting down your PC. Disabling it can help resolve errors.

Press Win + R, type control, and hit Enter to open Control Panel.
Go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
Click on Choose what the power buttons do.
Select Change settings that are currently unavailable.
Uncheck the box next to Turn on fast startup.
Save changes and restart your PC.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes the “Computer Exceeds Power Rating” error?

This error usually means your computer’s hardware is drawing more power than your power supply can provide. It can be caused by heavy workloads, faulty power supplies, or incorrect system configurations.

Can this error damage my computer?

While the error itself is a warning, consistently running your PC with insufficient power can lead to instability, crashes, or potential hardware damage over time.

Is it safe to continue using my PC with this error?

It’s not recommended. You should address the issue promptly to avoid unexpected shutdowns or hardware failure.

How do I know if my PSU is failing?

Signs include unexpected shutdowns, strange noises, burning smells, or frequent power-related errors like this one.

Can a laptop get this error or is it only for desktops?

Laptops can also show similar errors if the battery or charger is faulty or underpowered, but it’s more common on desktops due to PSU limitations.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the steps above and still see the error, it may be time to seek professional help. You can:

Contact your PC manufacturer’s support for guidance.
Visit a certified repair center to check your power supply hardware.
Refer to Microsoft’s official support pages for Windows 11 power issues: Microsoft Support.

Replacing or upgrading your PSU or battery (for laptops) might be necessary if hardware faults persist.

Conclusion

The “Computer Exceeds Power Rating” error in Windows 11 is a sign your system needs better power management. Starting with simple fixes like closing apps and updating software can often resolve the issue. Adjusting power settings and inspecting your PSU are important next steps if the problem continues.

Remember, ensuring your power supply matches your hardware demands is key to avoiding this error. If all else fails, professional assistance can help protect your computer from damage and restore stability.

By following these clear and basic steps, you can troubleshoot and fix power rating errors effectively, keeping your Windows 11 PC running smoothly.