← Back to DatabaseHow to Fix DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION
Topic: Windows 10 Blue Screen Errors | Status: Updated
What is this error?
The "DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION" error is a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in Windows 10 indicating a problem with the system's device driver or hardware. This error often arises when the system detects that a deferred procedure call (DPC) is taking too long to execute, which may be due to incompatible drivers or issues with hardware components.
How to Fix It
If you encounter the "DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION" error, follow the steps below to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
- Restart Your Computer: A simple restart may clear temporary glitches causing the error.
- Update Drivers: Go to Device Manager, right-click on critical drivers (especially for graphics, network, and storage devices), and choose "Update driver".
- Roll Back Drivers: If the issue started after a driver update, right-click the driver in Device Manager and select "Properties", then choose "Roll Back Driver" under the Driver tab.
- Check for Windows Updates: Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install any available updates.
- Run Hardware Diagnostics: Use built-in tools such as the Windows Memory Diagnostic or manufacturer-specific diagnostic tools to check for hardware issues.
- Scan for Corrupted Files: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run the command “sfc /scannow” to replace corrupted system files if any exist.
- Disconnect Non-Essential Hardware: Temporarily remove external devices like USB drives, printers, or docking stations and check if the error persists.
- Reset BIOS Settings: Restart your system, enter BIOS, and load default settings to ensure BIOS is correctly configured.
- Consider Restoring the System: If none of the above steps work, use System Restore to revert your computer to a previous state where it functioned correctly.
Disclaimer: This is an educational guide. We are not responsible for data loss. Always backup your system.
