ERROR_SET_POWER_STATE_VETOED - 1140 (0x474)
An attempt to change the system power state was vetoed by another application or driver.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Background
The ERROR_SET_POWER_STATE_VETOED error code is a specific Windows error that indicates an attempt to change the system power state was vetoed by another application or driver. This error typically occurs during operations such as hibernation, sleep, or wake-up processes.
Error Details
- Error Name: ERROR_SET_POWER_STATE_VETOED
- Numeric Code: 1140 (0x474)
- Short Description: An attempt to change the system power state was vetoed by another application or driver.
This error suggests that a driver or application has explicitly prevented the system from transitioning into a specific power state. The veto action could be due to various reasons, such as hardware constraints, software conflicts, or policy settings.
Common Causes
- Incorrect Usage Context: The operation attempting to change the power state might not have been executed in an appropriate context. For example, certain operations may require administrative privileges or specific system states.
- Driver Interference: A driver could veto the power state change if it detects a potential issue that would prevent the system from safely transitioning into the desired state. This is often to avoid hardware damage or data loss.
- Policy Settings: Group policies or local settings might restrict certain power state changes, leading to this error.
Real-World Context
This error can occur in various scenarios where the system attempts to change its power state, such as:
- Initiating a hibernation process
- Entering sleep mode
- Waking up from any of these states
- Executing power management policies set by administrators or security software
Is This Error Critical?
The criticality of this error depends on the context in which it occurs. If the system is unable to change its power state, it may impact user experience and system functionality. However, if the vetoed operation was not necessary for immediate system operations, the impact might be minimal.
How to Diagnose
To diagnose the issue, follow these steps:
- Review Operation Context: Ensure that the operation attempting to change the power state is being executed in an appropriate context. Check for any required permissions or system states.
- Validate Parameters: Verify that all parameters passed to the API functions related to power management are correct and valid.
- Confirm Object Types: Ensure that the objects involved (such as drivers, applications) are correctly identified and do not conflict with the intended operation.
- Verify Input Data: Check for any corrupted or invalid data that might be causing the veto action.
- Check Limits or Constraints: Confirm that the system is not exceeding any resource limits that could prevent power state changes.
How to Resolve
To resolve this issue, consider the following steps:
- Correct Parameter Usage: Ensure all parameters are correctly set and valid before attempting to change the power state.
- Adjust Operation Context: If necessary, adjust the operation context to ensure it aligns with system policies or requirements.
- Restore Data: If corrupted data is suspected, restore the affected files or registry entries.
- Retry Operation: Attempt the operation again after addressing any identified issues.
Developer Notes
Developers should be aware that certain operations related to power management might require specific permissions and context. It is essential to handle these operations carefully to avoid conflicts with system policies or hardware constraints.
Related Errors
- ERROR_POWER_STATEFontAwesomeIcon: Indicates a general error in power state handling.
- ERROR_INVALID_PARAMETER: Occurs when an invalid parameter is passed to a function, which might lead to a veto action.
- ERROR_ACCESS_DENIED: May occur if the operation lacks necessary permissions to change the system power state.
FAQ
Q: What does ERROR_SET_POWER_STATE_VETOED mean?
A: It indicates that another application or driver has prevented the system from changing its power state.
Q: How can I prevent this error from occurring?
A: Ensure that all operations related to power management are executed in an appropriate context and with correct parameters. Check for any conflicting drivers or policies that might interfere with the operation.
Q: Can this error be critical?
A: The criticality depends on the specific scenario. If the system is unable to change its power state, it may impact functionality, but if the vetoed operation was not necessary, the impact might be minimal.
Summary
The ERROR_SET_POWER_STATE_VETOED error code indicates that a driver or application has prevented the system from changing its power state. This can occur due to various reasons such as incorrect usage context, driver interference, or policy settings. By carefully diagnosing and resolving the underlying issues, developers can ensure smooth operation of power management functions in their applications.