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DPC Watchdog Violation in Windows 11: 7 Tested Solutions + Video
This BSoD error is usually caused by corrupted files
6 min. read
Updated onApril 1, 2024
updated onApril 1, 2024
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Fix all BSoD events and keep computer safe and clean:
Fortect will find the cause of BSoD and fix it. Here is how to do it with 3 easy steps:
In Windows 11, the Watchdog_Violation error is a Black Screen of Death, the same as a blue screen issue often followed by a 0x00000133 stop code. That’s precisely what users claimed when encountering theDPC_Watchdog_Violation error on Windows 10.
This error occurs when the DPC (Deferred Procedure Call) runs longer than it should. Then the Watchdog bug checker has to wait too long for a DPC response, which triggers the above-mentioned BSoD error.
This issue often arises on PCs with SSD storage and it appears on Windows 10 and 11. It can also be related to corrupted system files, incompatible external hardware, and software conflicts. Another widely cited cause is an incompatible SATA AHCI driver file. For more details, check outwhat can cause a Blue Screen of Death.
How do I fix the DPC watchdog violation in Windows 11?
1. Unplug external hardware devices
First, try plugging any non-essential external hardware from your PC, such as printers, game controllers, and external USB storage devices. You can keep your mouse and keyboard plugged in, but unplug anything else.
Does the error continue to occur when you’ve disconnected external hardware? If not, one of the previously connected peripheral devices is probably incompatible with your PC.
Try re-connecting one device at a time to discover which one is incompatible. Updating an external device’s driver might fix its compatibility with the computer.
2. Run a System File Checker scan
Using a SFC scan will diagnose your operating system and detect corrupted files, thus removing them from your Windows 11 PC. This is how to perform this task
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Bring up the Windows search box using the handyWindowskey +Shotkey.
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Typecmdin thesearchbox to find and open Command Prompt.
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Right-click theCommand Promptsearch result to select aRun as administratorcontext menu option.
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Input the following command in the Prompt’s window and pressEnter:DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
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Now, scan the system files in your PC. To run a file scan, enter the folllowing command and pressReturn:sfc /scannow
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Wait until the SFC scan has reached the 100 percent mark and displayed an outcome within the Prompt’s window.
3. Run a CHKDSK disk scan
4. Replace the SATA AHCI device’s driver file
5. Update the firmware for your PC’s SSD
If your PC has a solid-state drive, try updating its firmware. To do so, open the manufacturer’s website for your solid-state drive. Then download the latest firmware for your drive from the driver & firmware download section of that website.
To find model details for your SSD drive, simply open theDisk Drivecategory withinDevice Manager. Your PC’s SSD drive will be listed there with its full model number. Enter the model name for your SSD in the search box on its manufacturer’s website to find it there.
Alternatively, you can use third-party driver updater software likePC HelpSoft Driver Updaterto update an SDD’s driver with the latest version from a huge database.
6. Choose an appropriate restore point
Rolling back Windows 11 will uninstall software installed after the chosen date. The software this system restoration removes might have been causing the DPC_Watchdog_Violation error.
You can check what software gets removed by clickingSystem Restore’sScan for affected programsbutton. If you haven’t enabled System Restore, try manually uninstalling some recently installed software viaPrograms and Features.
7. Reset Windows 11
How can I troubleshoot BSOD errors in Safe Mode?
If you can’t log in to Windows 11 because of the DPC_Watchdog_Violation error, try applying the above resolutions in Safe Mode. That’s a special Windows-troubleshooting mode for which only a minimal set of essential drivers and system services are enabled.
First, you’ll need to enter WindowsRE (recovery environment) by hard-booting your PC three consecutive times during the system startup.
Press and hold thePowerbutton for five to 10 seconds at the Windows logo to hard reboot. Then you can activate Safe Mode in WindowsRE as follows:
The DPC_Watchdog_Violation error is one of the more commonly reported BSOD errors for Windows. However, many users have been able to fix that issue by applying the potential resolutions above.
Yet, we can’t promise those solutions will be enough to eliminate this error for all users. Those needing further resolutions can check out Microsoft’sblue screen troubleshooter. That troubleshooting webpage includes more potential fixes for the DPC_Watchdog_Violation error.
Even more,see this guide on how to fix laptop crashes when turning on Wi-Fi. This is related to the same error and the solutions detailed here may be applied by Windows 11 users as well.
You can also discuss the DPC_Watchdog_Violation error in more detail within the comments section below. If you’ve discovered another way to solve the issue, which isn’t cited above, feel free to share your resolution below.
More about the topics:Black screen issues,Windows 11
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
