If you are a Windows user, you must be familiar with blue/black screen errors caused by system malfunctioning and indicate a problem with hardware or software. One such error is a DPC watchdog violation in Windows 11 that can harm your files and data. It forces your computer to restart, and your computer fails to boot again. When you encounter this error, you get locked out of the PC until the error is resolved.
So, in this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about stop code DPC watchdog violation Windows 11 and how to get rid of it.
Part 1. Overview of DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION Windows 11
What is DPC Watchdog Violation Windows 11?
DPC is short for Deferred Procedure Call, and Watchdog is a bug checker. DPC Watchdog Violation Windows 11 is a blue screen error that occurs when a piece of hardware or software fails to respond to the Watchdog within 100 microseconds. It results in a timeout, and you see a blue or black screen with error code 0x000000133 and an error message: DPC WATCHDOG VIOLATION.
What Causes DPC Watchdog Violation Windows 11 Error?
The blue screen DPC watchdog violation Windows 11 error is triggered when the Watchdog has to wait for the DPC response for longer than it should. The error is quite common with SSD users. However, there are other causes of the DPC Watchdog Violation error in Windows 11:
- Faulty or incompatible hardware
- Incompatible or buggy software or applications
- Corrupted or missing system files
- Third-party antivirus
- Outdated firmware version of your SSD
- Outdated or corrupted drivers
- Incompatible SATA AHCI driver file
Part 2. How to Fix DPC Watchdog Violation Windows 11?
When facing BSoD dpc watchdog violation, you may end up in one of two situations. Please refer to the corresponding section to get a better guide.
Situation 1: When PC Boots Successfully after the Blue Screen DPC Watchdog Violation Windows 11 and the Error Reccurs
If you can access your computer after encountering the DPC Watchdog Violation Windows 11, you can use simple troubleshooting methods to eliminate the problem.
Method 1: Unplug the External Devices
Unplug all non-essential external hardware like speakers, USB drives, printers, etc., and check if the error persists. If not, one of the previously connected external devices is incompatible and clashes with your system.
Connect one device at a time to catch the culprit and try to get a compatible version of that device, or try updating its driver.
Method 2: Perform PassFab FixUWin
Pasfab FixUWin is a PC repair tool that can resolve Windows errors such as PC crashing, stuck at automatic repair, boot loop, BSoD, and other 200+ issues. It scans your system to identify the problem and resolves it automatically. It can also help you fix the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION Windows 11 error most easily and securely as follows:
Step 1. First, install the PassFab FixUWin, insert a USB drive in the port, and click Create boot disk now.
Step 2. Select your USB drive -> click Next.
Wait for the bootable drive to be created.
Step 3. Now, restart your pc and hit the Boot key upon startup.
Step 4. Set the bootable USB on boot priority, save changes, and press exit key to escape from the boot menu.
Step 5. When you see PassFab FixUWin’s interface, select Automated Repair.
Step 6. Choose the partition to repair and hit Start Repair.
Step 7. Hit Restart to reboot the PC.
When your PC restarts, you will no longer face BSOD DPC watchdog violation Windows 11 error.
Method 3: Replace SATA (SATA) AHCI Controller
Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) is a technology used to link storage devices such as hard drives to your computer. Sometimes, a dpc watchdog violation error occurs due to some problem in the SATA AHCI Controller. Therefore, you can try replacing it.
Step 1. Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.
Step 2. Extend IDE ATA/ATAPI controller by double-clicking on it.
Step 3. Double-click Standard SATA AHCI Controller, switch to the Driver tab and go to details by clicking Driver Details.
Step 4. If iaStorA.sys file appears in the Driver File Details Windows, change it to Storahci.Sys and hit OK.
Step 5. Click Update Driver -> Browse my computer for drivers option.
Step 6. Choose the Let me pick from a list of available drivers option.
Step 7. Choose the Standard SATA AHCI Controller and hit the Next button.
Step 8. Restart your system to apply the altered settings.
Method 4: Update SSD Firmware
If your PC runs on an SSD, the unsupported SSD firmware can also cause this DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION Windows 10 error. You should update the SSD firmware by following the instructions below:
Step 1. Press Windows key + R to launch Run dialog.
Step 2. Launch Device Manager by typing “devmgmt.msc” and clicking OK.
Step 3. Expand the Disk drives and notice the model number of your SSD.
Step 4. Now, visit the manufacturer’s website and search for your SSD’s model number.
Step 5. Search, download, and install the compatible SSD firmware in your system.
Method 5: Repair Windows 11 Missing/Corrupted Files with SFC & CHKDSK Commands:
Corrupted or damaged system files are a major cause of many BSoD-related problems. You can fix them by using SFC and CHKDSK commands.
SFC Command
The System File Checker (SFC) is a Windows tool to automatically repair system files.
Step 1. Press Windows + S, type “cmd,” and choose run as administrator.
Step 2. Enter the “sfc /scannow” command to scan the system files and hit Enter button.
CHKDSK Command
CHKDSK Command scans your hard disk for corrupted files.
Step 1. Open Command Prompt as described earlier, type “chkdsk c: /f /r /x”, and hit Enter to execute it.
Step 2. Now, for confirmation, press the Y key and Enter.
Step 3. Restart your system after the command completes.
Method 6: Check the Windows Hard Disk problem (DISM command)
The DISM command checks the System image file for corruption and fixes it.
Step 1. Open the Search bar, type “cmd”, and select Run as administrator.
Step 2. Type the “DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /RestoreHealth” command and hit Enter button.
Step 3. Wait until the process completes, then restart the PC.
Situation 2: The System Fails to Boot into Windows after the DPC Watchdog Violation Error:
If you face a DPC watchdog violation Windows 11 on startup, you must enter into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) first as follows:
- Restart your computer and press the power button when you see the Windows logo. Repeat this at least three times, and you will enter into WinRE.
Now, proceed with the methods below:
Method 7: Perform System Restore
System restore is best if DPC watchdog violation Windows 11 error occurs after installing a new program, updating, or changing any system settings. However, this method is applicable only if you have a restore point. Also, do not forget to back up your important data before restoring the system.
Step 1. In WinRE, click Advanced options button.
Step 2. Choose Troubleshoot -> Advanced Options and then System Restore.
Step 3. Choose a Restore point and click Next.
Step 4. Click Next and then Finish to start the system restore.
Method 8: Run the Windows Built-in Command tool
You can use the Startup Repair option under WinRE to run Windows automatic repair command tool as follows:
Step 1. Under WinRE, click Advanced options button.
Step 2. Navigate through Troubleshoot -> Advanced Options -> Startup Repair.
The Automatic repair will start.
Step 3. Choose your user account, enter your password and click Continue to proceed.
The Startup Repair will start diagnosing your system and fix it automatically.
Method 9: Reset Windows 11
To Reset Windows 11, you will have to run the Startup Repair utility from WinRE. If the Startup Repair fails, follow the steps below:
Step 1. Click on Advanced options when you see the following screen:
Step 2. Now, choose Troubleshoot and click Reset this PC option.
Step 3. Choose Keep my files if you want to keep your data intact.
Step 4. Choose local reinstall, follow the on-screen steps, and wait for the process to complete.
Method 10: Clean Install Windows 11
To clean install Windows, you will need a Windows Installation Media. If you have access to one, you can perform a clean installation as follows:
Step 1. Plug in the Windows Installation Media, and restart your computer.
Step 2. Enter the BIOS settings by pressing the corresponding key and boot from the installation media.
Step 3. Choose your language and other settings and click Next.
Step 4. Click on Install Now and continue choosing the appropriate options for you.
A fresh Windows will be installed on your PC, and you will no longer face DPC watchdog violation Windows 11.
Conclusion
What is Watchdog issue in Windows 11? How to fix DPC watchdog violation Windows 11? We have discussed this thoroughly in this article. We have suggested the 10 best fixes to resolve the issue and regain access to your computer. We hope this guide served its purpose!