Fixing DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION Error in Windows 11/10

The “DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION” (Stop code 0x00000133) is a common Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error in Windows computers. Here DPC stands for Deferred Procedure Call and violation happens when the bug checker, called a “watchdog,” detects a DPC that is running too long. In simple terms, we can say that a driver took too long to execute its tasks, causing the system to crash and display the error message. Several factors can contribute to the error, including outdated drivers, hardware issues, software conflicts, corrupted files and overclocking. Here are some of the most effective methods that help other users resolve the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION error in Windows 11/10.

Fix DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION Error

This error indicates a problem with Deferred Procedure Call (DPC) processing, which is a mechanism used by the Windows kernel to prioritize and manage tasks. One of the most common reasons for this error is outdated or malfunctioning device drivers.

Faulty hardware components, such as a failing hard drive or incompatible RAM, also can trigger this blue screen error on your computer. Again Incompatible or corrupt software installations, particularly those related to system utilities or antivirus programs, can lead to conflicts that result in the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION error.

For some users, Overclocking your CPU or GPU beyond their stable limits can also cause this error, as it puts additional strain on the system.

Remove external Devices

External devices such as USB drives, printers, or external hard drives can sometimes interfere with system processes, and the reason behind delays in DPC execution. Well, Disconnecting external devices can help isolate the source of the issue.

Additionally, faulty or malfunctioning external devices may trigger different blue screen errors, so unplug them and restart your computer.

Well, if this blue screen triggers frequently we recommend start Windows safe mode to perform further troubleshooting.

Update Device Drivers

Device drivers enable communication between the operating system and hardware components. However Outdated or incompatible drivers can disrupt the flow of information between hardware and software, resulting in DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION errors.

• Press Windows Key + X and select “Device Manager” from the menu.
• Expand the categories to find the devices with outdated drivers (they usually have a yellow exclamation mark).
• Right-click on the device, select “Update driver,” and choose either “Search automatically for updated driver software” or “Browse my computer for driver software” if you have the driver downloaded.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver update process.
• Repeat this process for all devices with outdated drivers.

Fix any errors with your storage drivers

Storage drivers, such as those for hard disk drives (HDDs) or solid-state drives (SSDs), play a crucial role in managing data access and storage operations on your computer. Errors or inconsistencies within these drivers can lead to delays in data retrieval or storage, impacting overall system performance and triggering DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION errors. Running the built-in CHKDSK command utility helps identify and resolve any issues affecting your storage devices.

• Open the command prompt as administrator
• Type chkdsk C: /f /r  and press Enter to execute the command.
• You will be prompted to schedule the disk check on the next system restart. Type “Y” and press Enter.

• Save your work and restart Windows, this will check the disk drive for errors and try to recover them.
• After completing the 100% scanning process, the System starts normally without any BSOD error.

Run System File Checker (SFC utility)

System files are essential for the proper functioning of the Windows operating system. However, Corruption in these files can occur due to various reasons, including malware infections, improper system shutdowns, or hardware failures. If for some reason important system files are corrupted, it can lead to various errors including this BSOD. But you can run built-in Windows utilities like System File Checker (SFC) or Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) can help detect and repair corrupted system files, restoring system integrity and resolving error.

1. Open Command Prompt with administrative privileges by typing “cmd” in the search bar, right-clicking on “Command Prompt,” and selecting “Run as administrator.”
2. Type sfc /scannow and hit the enter key to start the scanning process.
3. Wait for the scanning process to complete. It may take some time.
4. If any corrupted files are found, the System File Checker will attempt to repair them automatically.
5. Note: Run the DISM command, If SFC scan results “sfc /scannow found corrupt files but was unable to fix them”.

Turn off the fast Startup Feature

Fast Startup, also known as Hybrid Boot, is a feature in Windows that combines elements of hibernation and shutdown to reduce the time it takes for your computer to boot up. While this feature can speed up the boot process, but can cause compatibility issues with certain hardware configurations and drivers, and may trigger dpc watchdog violation. Disabling Fast Startup can help eliminate this potential source of conflict and improve system stability.

1. Open the Control panel, And look for “power options”.
2. On the left side click on “Choose what the power button does“
3. Then click on “Change settings that are currently unavailable”.
4. Scrolling down you will locate Turn on Fast Startup option. Uncheck this option to turn off the setup.
5. Save the changes. Click exit.

Update the IDE ATA/ATAPI Controller, drivers

The SATA AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface) driver is responsible for managing communication between the system’s SATA controller and storage devices, such as HDDs or SSDs. An outdated or incompatible SATA AHCI driver can result in communication errors or performance issues, leading to system crashes.

Updating the SATA AHCI driver to the latest version provided by the manufacturer can address potential compatibility issues and improve the stability of data transfers between the storage devices and the system.

1. Press Windows Key  + R, type devmgmt.msc and ok
2. This will open the device manager and display all installed device driver list
3. Expand the IDE ATA/ATAPI controller section and choose the one called SATA AHCI.
4. Right-click on it, and select Update Drivers.
5. Choose the manual update “Browse my computer for driver software”.
6. When prompted with the location, select Let me pick from a list of device drivers in my computer.
7. Select Standard AHCI Serial ATA Controller and click next.
8. Restart your computer.

Update the SSD firmware if available

If you are using SSD on your System, outdated incompatible “SSD firmware” can also be the possible reason for the occurrence of DPC Watchdog Violation.

• Open Device Manager and expand Disk Drives
• Right-click on your SSD drive select properties and note down the  Model number from your SSD.
• now visit SSD manufacturer’s website download the latest SSD firmware if available and install on your PC
• Restart Windows and check if this helps.

Install the latest Windows updates

Microsoft regularly releases updates that address system vulnerabilities and improve overall stability. Ensure your system is up to date by checking for Windows updates.

• Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
• Click on “Update & Security” and then “Windows Update.”
• Click on “Check for updates” and wait for Windows to search for available updates.
• If updates are found, click on “Download and install” to install them.
• Restart your computer if prompted

Also, Some users mention running the Memory diagnostic tool helps them to resolve the Windows 10 BSOD error.

Some others found helpful information from “Event Viewer”  to find out the culprit that is causing DPC Watchdog Violation.

How to avoid DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION?

I hope the above tips help to fix the “DPC watchdog violation” BSOD error. Now here are some tips help to avoid this blue screen error in the feature.

• Always install the latest Windows updates and security patches.
• Keep all your software and other drivers up to date, and avoid installing nulled, pirated applications on your system.
• Always Turn off your PC properly and never go for a forced shutdown of PC.
• Clear temp, junk, and cache files regularly, or use third-party free system optimizers like Ccleaner to do the task with one click.
• Install good Antivirus software with the latest updates.

Also read

• 3 ways to Check What version of Windows 10 installed you have
• Troubleshoot blue screen errors on Windows 10 (Updated)
• Solved: uTorrent not responding or opening on Windows 10
• How to make your Windows 10 computer fast and Efficient (9 easy steps)