If you own an “AI PC,” whether it contains an AMD Ryzen AI or Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, you’ve probably noticed that your battery drains faster than expected. Even when leaving the device to idle might lead it to becoming hot to the touch and the battery has dropped significantly. This could be the first sign of a NPU power management bug that might also lead to the NPU not being visible in Task Manager.
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Fix 1. Update Windows 11 to the Latest Version to Remove the NPU Management Bug
The NPU power management bug was widespread, particularly those with newer laptops. Microsoft recognized the issue and released Windows 11 update KB5074109 in January 2026 specifically to address this problem. If you’re running an older version of Windows 11, you’re likely still affected by the bug.
Step 1. Open Settings with “Win + I.”
Step 2. Click on “System” in the left menu, then select “About.”
Step 3. Scroll down and look for “Windows specifications” to verify your current build number. You should be on build 26200.7623 or later (or 26100.7623 if you’re on the 24H2 branch).
Step 4. Go to Windows Update and click “Check for updates.” Windows will automatically download and install the latest patches.
Step 5. You may be prompted to restart. Allow the restart to complete the installation.
Fix 2. Update Your NPU Driver to Fix NPU Power Management Bug
Even with the Windows update, the NPU driver on your system might be outdated. An old driver might not properly support the NPU power management improvements included in KB5074109. The outdated driver could also be causing the NPU to not be recognized at all by your system, which might make it absent from Task Manager’s core views.
Step 1a. For Intel Core Ultra processors: Visit Intel’s official website and search for “Intel NPU Driver” in the support section. Download the latest version available.
Step 1b. For AMD Ryzen AI processors: Visit AMD’s website or your laptop manufacturer’s support page and download the latest chipset driver and Adrenalin driver suite.
Step 2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts. Allow your system to restart if prompted.
Step 3. After installation, open Device Manager (right-click the Start button and select Device Manager). Look for “Neural Processing Units” or “AI Accelerator” in the device list to confirm the driver is properly installed.
Fix 3. Enable NPU in BIOS
Some laptop manufacturers set the NPU to disabled by default in the BIOS, or the setting might have been accidentally turned off during a previous system update or troubleshooting
Step 1. Restart your laptop and enter BIOS. This is typically with “Delete,” “F2,” “F10,” or “F12” immediately after powering on (varies by manufacturer). Your laptop should display a prompt during startup showing which key to press.
Step 2. Look for a setting labeled “NPU,” “AI Accelerator,” “Neural Processing Unit,” or similar. The setting is often found under Power Management, Advanced Settings, or Integrated Peripherals sections.
Step 3. Ensure the setting is “Enabled” or “On.”
Step 4. Save your BIOS changes by pressing “F10” or selecting “Save and Exit,” then confirm when prompted.
Step 5. Your laptop will restart.
Fix 4. Perform a Clean Restart to Fix NPU Power Management Bug
Sometimes Windows Update or driver installation processes leave behind remnants that interfere with new drivers. A standard restart might not fully clear the system. In these cases, a clean restart or even a fresh installation of Windows might be the only solution.
Step 1. Open Settings and go to “Recovery” in “System.”
Step 2. Go to “Reset this PC” and click “Reset PC.”
Step 3. Choose “Keep my files” to preserve your personal data while refreshing the system files and drivers.
Step 4. Windows will reinstall itself. This process takes 20-30 minutes. Your laptop will restart multiple times.
Step 5. Immediately install the NPU driver again and ensure Windows Update is fully up to date with KB5074109 or later.
