Windows logs Kernel-Power Event ID 41 when the prior shutdown was not clean. The event alone cannot tell you whether the cause was power, a stop error, a forced shutdown, or another failure.
Protect your files first
Back up important files when possible. If the drive is encrypted, locate the BitLocker recovery key before recovery changes. Stop if storage appears to be failing or this is a work or school managed PC.
When this guide applies
Windows logs Kernel-Power Event ID 41 when the prior shutdown was not clean. The event alone cannot tell you whether the cause was power, a stop error, a forced shutdown, or another failure.
Check the exact Windows version and whether the PC is managed by a workplace or school before following instructions.
Steps
Record BugcheckCode and PowerButtonTimestamp fields, then compare events around the same time. If BugcheckCode is nonzero, convert that specific decimal field to a bug-check hex value.
Record the result of the step before deciding whether to continue. A failed step is diagnostic evidence; it does not automatically justify a reset or reinstall.
Limits and stop points
Do not replace a PSU based only on Event ID 41. Use manufacturer diagnostics and the complete event context.
If the result does not match the guide, use the official reference below or contact the device maker with the exact error and steps already attempted.
Keep track of your checks
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