Fixing the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION Error in Windows 10

Windows 10 users may sometimes encounter a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) accompanied by the error code DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION. This critical error indicates a serious system malfunction and requires immediate attention to restore normal PC operation. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of this error and practical ways to resolve it.

What is DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION?

The DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION error indicates that Windows has detected a delay in executing a process or driver that exceeded its allowed limit. This delay can occur when the system is unable to complete a critical operation due to a driver or device hanging, leading to the BSOD error.

Common Causes of the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION Error

There are several reasons why the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION error may occur:

  • Outdated or faulty drivers — This is one of the most common causes of the error, particularly affecting SSD and network device drivers.
  • Hardware conflicts — Device or driver incompatibility can also trigger the error.
  • Corrupted system files — Problems within Windows or issues in the file structure can lead to BSOD.
  • Faulty hard drive or SSD — This is especially true if outdated SSD firmware or software is incompatible with Windows 10.

How to Fix the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION Error

There are several steps you can take to resolve this error and prevent it from recurring. Let’s go through each in detail.

1. Update Drivers

Checking and updating drivers is the first step. To do this:

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Look for devices that may need driver updates, especially ATA/SATA controllers and network adapters.
  3. Right-click on the device and select Update Driver.

If Windows cannot find a suitable driver, try downloading it from the manufacturer’s website.

2. Check System File Integrity

Errors in system files can cause BSODs. To check and repair these files, use the sfc /scannow command:

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator (press Win + X and select Command Prompt (Admin)).
  2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the scan to complete. Windows will attempt to fix any detected issues automatically.

3. Update Windows

Windows updates often include fixes that address such errors. Ensure your system is up-to-date by following these steps:

  1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
  2. Go to Update & Security and click Check for updates.

4. Check the Hard Drive or SSD

If the error is linked to an SSD, you should check its status and update its drivers:

  1. Visit the SSD manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver or firmware.
  2. You can also run a disk check with chkdsk /f /r to detect and fix any errors on the drive.

5. System Restore or Reinstallation

If none of the above methods help, you may need to perform a full system restore or reinstall Windows. This can resolve the issue if it’s due to corrupted system files or hardware incompatibility.