In this article, I will discuss how to fix the DPC Watchdog Violation error in Windows 10 and 11, commonly known as the BSOD.
Understanding the Error
When encountering a DPC Watchdog Violation Error on Windows 10 or 11, it can be frustrating to determine the cause and find a solution. The error typically occurs due to issues with drivers, firmware, or software bugs.
To fix the DPC Watchdog Violation Error, start by checking for any faulty device drivers. Go to Device Manager and update or reinstall any drivers that may be causing the issue.
If updating drivers does not resolve the error, try booting into Safe Mode to troubleshoot further. Safe Mode can help isolate the problem by running Windows with only essential drivers and services.
Another potential fix is to scan your computer for malware using reliable antivirus software. Malware can sometimes cause system errors like the DPC Watchdog Violation, so a thorough scan is recommended.
If all else fails, consider backing up your important data and performing a system restore to a point before the error occurred. This can help revert any recent changes that may have triggered the error.
Common Causes
- Press Windows Key + X to open the Power User menu and select Device Manager.
- Locate the device with a yellow exclamation mark, right-click on it, and choose Update driver.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver.
Check for Windows Updates
- Open Settings by pressing Windows Key + I.
- Go to Update & Security and click on Check for updates.
- Install any available updates and restart your computer.
Run System File Checker
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator by typing cmd in the search bar, right-clicking on Command Prompt, and selecting Run as administrator.
- Enter the command sfc /scannow and wait for the process to complete.
- Restart your computer after the scan finishes.
Remove External Devices
Once you have removed all external devices, restart your computer to see if the DPC Watchdog Violation error persists. If the error is no longer present, you can try reconnecting one device at a time to determine which one was causing the issue. This process may help you identify the problematic device and find a permanent solution to the error.
In addition to removing external devices, it’s also a good idea to update your device drivers and check for any software conflicts that may be causing the error. Keeping your operating system and drivers up to date can help prevent errors like the DPC Watchdog Violation from occurring in the future.
Update SATA AHCI Controller Driver
To update the SATA AHCI Controller Driver in order to fix the DPC Watchdog Violation error in Windows 10 and 11 BSOD, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select Device Manager from the menu that appears.
2. Expand the “Storage controllers” category and right-click on the SATA AHCI Controller.
3. Select “Update driver” from the context menu.
4. Choose the option to search automatically for updated driver software.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver update process.
Updating the SATA AHCI Controller Driver can help resolve the DPC Watchdog Violation error by ensuring that the driver is up to date and functioning properly.
Update SSD Firmware and All Device Drivers
To fix the DPC Watchdog Violation error in Windows 10 or 11, it is essential to update the SSD firmware and all device drivers. Outdated firmware and drivers can cause conflicts and lead to system crashes.
Updating SSD firmware: Visit the manufacturer’s website and download the latest firmware update. Follow the instructions to install the update. This will ensure that your SSD is running smoothly and efficiently.
Updating device drivers: Go to Device Manager and right-click on each device. Select “Update driver” and choose the option to search automatically for updated driver software. Repeat this process for all devices to ensure they are up to date.
Keeping your SSD firmware and device drivers updated is crucial for maintaining a stable and error-free system. Make sure to regularly check for updates to avoid any issues related to outdated firmware or drivers.
Check and Repair Disk Errors
Step 1: Open File Explorer and right-click on the drive you want to check for errors.
Step 2: Click on “Properties” and then go to the “Tools” tab.
Step 3: Under the “Error checking” section, click on “Check” to scan for and repair any disk errors.
If you encounter the DPC Watchdog Violation error, it’s important to ensure that your disk is functioning properly to prevent further issues.
Remove Incompatible Software
To address the DPC Watchdog Violation Error on Windows 10 or 11, one potential solution is to remove incompatible software that may be causing the issue. Start by identifying any recently installed programs or updates that could be the culprit. Go to the Control Panel and uninstall any suspicious software. Additionally, check for any third-party antivirus programs that may be conflicting with the operating system. It’s also a good idea to update device drivers to ensure compatibility with Windows. By removing incompatible software, you may be able to resolve the DPC Watchdog Violation Error and prevent future BSODs.
Scan and Repair System Files
Step 1: Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the menu that appears.
Step 2: In the PowerShell window, type “sfc /scannow” (without quotes) and press Enter to start the System File Checker tool.
Step 3: Wait for the scan to complete. If any corrupt system files are found, the tool will attempt to repair them automatically.
If the System File Checker does not resolve the DPC Watchdog Violation error, you may need to consider other troubleshooting steps such as updating device drivers or checking for software conflicts.
Use Event Viewer for Diagnosis
To diagnose the DPC Watchdog Violation error in Windows 10 or 11, you can use Event Viewer. Open Event Viewer by searching for it in the Windows search bar and clicking on the app. Look for critical errors or warnings in the Windows Logs section. Expand the Windows Logs section and click on System to view logs related to system events. Look for any entries with a time stamp matching when the error occurred. Pay attention to the details of the error message to help identify the cause of the DPC Watchdog Violation.
If you see any specific error codes or messages, you can use them to search online for solutions. Make note of any recurring patterns or specific events that seem to trigger the error. This information can be helpful when troubleshooting the issue. Consider checking for software updates, including device drivers and Windows updates, as outdated software can sometimes cause errors like the DPC Watchdog Violation.
Ensure Hardware and Software Compatibility
Check Device Manager: Open Device Manager by pressing Windows key + X and selecting Device Manager. Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark, as this could indicate compatibility issues. Update or reinstall the drivers for these devices.
Compatibility Mode: If you are using older hardware or software, try running it in compatibility mode. Right-click on the program or driver, select Properties, go to the Compatibility tab, and choose the appropriate compatibility mode.
Run Windows Update: Make sure your operating system is up to date by running Windows Update. This can help resolve compatibility issues and ensure that your system is running smoothly.
Update System and BIOS/UEFI
To fix the DPC Watchdog Violation error on Windows 10 or 11, it is important to update your system and BIOS/UEFI. This can help resolve any compatibility issues that may be causing the error. Make sure you have the latest updates installed for your operating system and motherboard.
Updating your BIOS/UEFI can be a bit more complex, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. You may need to visit the manufacturer’s website to download the latest BIOS/UEFI update for your specific model.
Before updating your BIOS/UEFI, it’s a good idea to back up your important data just in case anything goes wrong during the process. This can help prevent any potential data loss.
Once you have updated your system and BIOS/UEFI, restart your computer and see if the DPC Watchdog Violation error has been resolved. If the error persists, you may need to consider other troubleshooting steps to pinpoint the cause of the issue.
Preventative Measures
To prevent the DPC Watchdog Violation error on Windows 10 or 11, update your device drivers regularly. Make sure to install the latest Windows updates as well. Run a full system scan using your antivirus software to check for any malware that could be causing the issue.
Additionally, check your hard disk drive for errors by using the built-in Windows tool. Disable any unnecessary startup programs that could be contributing to the problem. Consider upgrading to a solid-state drive if you are still experiencing issues.
If you have recently installed any new software or hardware, uninstall it to see if the error persists. Make sure your computer is not overheating by checking the temperature of your components. Finally, backup your important files regularly to prevent data loss in case of a system crash.
When to Consult a Professional
If you have tried fixing the DPC Watchdog Violation error on Windows 10 or 11 and are still experiencing the BSOD, it may be time to consult a professional. A professional can help diagnose the root cause of the error and provide a more advanced solution that may require technical expertise.
They can also assist with hardware issues such as problems with the solid-state drive, computer hardware, or device drivers. Additionally, a professional can help with software bugs or conflicts that may be causing the error.
If you are unsure about how to backup your personal computer or need help with network configurations, consulting a professional is a good idea. They can also provide guidance on updating software and drivers to prevent future errors.
In some cases, the DPC Watchdog Violation error may be related to a hardware failure or a more serious issue. A professional can diagnose the problem and provide the necessary repairs or replacements to get your computer up and running smoothly again.
F.A.Q.
What causes a watchdog violation?
A watchdog violation is typically caused by outdated or incorrectly installed device drivers. For instance, not installing the necessary video card driver for a new operating system can lead to a DPC Watchdog Violation when trying to watch videos online.
How do I fix watchdog problem?
To fix a watchdog problem, you can start by removing all external devices from your computer. Additionally, changing the SATA AHCI controller, updating the SSD firmware, and checking and fixing disk errors with CHKDSK can help resolve the issue. Removing any newly installed software, scanning and fixing system files, and running Event Viewer can also help diagnose and fix the problem.
Can faulty RAM cause watchdog violation?
Faulty RAM can indeed cause a watchdog violation error on your system.
How do I fix watchdog violation on Windows 11?
To fix watchdog violation on Windows 11, start by unplugging any external devices and then run the SFC /Scannow command to repair corrupted system files.
