Are you tired of dealing with the frustrating Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error caused by the Windows 10 watchdog violation? Look no further, as we provide 11 solutions to fix this issue and get your computer back up and running smoothly.
Understanding DPC Watchdog Violation
DPC Watchdog Violation is a common error for Windows 10 users, resulting in the dreaded Blue Screen of Death. This error occurs when the system detects a problem with one of its hardware or software components. Some of the common causes include storage drive drivers, graphics card issues, and outdated software. There are various ways to fix DPC Watchdog Violation, including updating drivers, running a virus scan, and repairing disk errors. Restoro and SFC are powerful tools that can help fix this error. Double-checking all devices and ATA/ AHCI Controllers, as well as disabling the watchdog timer, can also resolve the issue. Remember to always create a backup of your files before attempting any repairs.
Causes of the DPC Watchdog Violation Error
- Find the name of the device causing the error
- Go to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver for that device
- Install the driver and restart your computer
Method 2: Run System File Checker (SFC)
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator
- Type sfc /scannow and hit enter
- Wait for the scan to complete
- If any errors are found, type dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth and hit enter
- Wait for the process to complete and restart your computer
Method 3: Check Hard Drive for Errors
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator
- Type chkdsk C: /f /r /x (replace C with the drive letter of your hard drive) and hit enter
- Wait for the scan to complete
- If any errors are found, restart your computer and let the scan run before Windows starts up
Method 4: Disable Fast Startup
- Open Control Panel
- Click on Power Options
- Click on Choose what the power button does
- Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable
- Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended)
- Click Save changes
- Restart your computer
Method 5: Uninstall Recently Installed Programs
- Open Control Panel
- Click on Programs and Features
- Select the program you want to uninstall and click Uninstall
- Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process
- Restart your computer
Method 6: Disable and Re-enable Your Graphics Card
- Open Device Manager
- Expand the Display adapters category
- Right-click on your graphics card and select Disable device
- Wait a few seconds and right-click on your graphics card again
- Select Enable device
- Restart your computer
Method 7: Disable Overclocking
- Restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup
- Disable any overclocking settings
- Save and exit the BIOS
- Restart your computer
Method 8: Check for Malware
- Run a full system scan with your antivirus software
- If any malware is found, follow your antivirus software’s instructions to remove it
- Restart your computer
Method 9: Clean Install Windows 10
- Backup your important files
- Create a Windows 10 installation media
- Boot from the installation media and follow the prompts to install Windows 10
- Restore your files from the backup
Method 10: Replace Your RAM
- Buy a new RAM stick with the same specifications as your current RAM
- Turn off your computer and unplug it
- Open your computer case and locate the RAM sticks
- Remove the faulty RAM stick and replace it with the new one
- Close your computer case and plug in your computer
- Turn on your computer
Method 11: Replace Your Hard Drive
- Buy a new hard drive with the same specifications as your current hard drive
- Backup your important files
- Turn off your computer and unplug it
- Open your computer case and locate the hard drive
- Remove the faulty hard drive and replace it with the new one
- Close your computer case and plug in your computer
- Turn on your computer and install Windows 10 on the new hard drive
- Restore your files from the backup
Disconnecting External Devices to Fix the Error
To fix the Windows 10 Watchdog Violation error, try disconnecting external devices. This can help to resolve any issues with storage drive drivers or other hardware components. First, unplug all devices connected to your PC, including USB drives and other peripherals. Then, restart your computer and see if the error persists. If the issue is resolved, you can reconnect your devices one by one to identify the problem device. This is just one of 11 solutions to the watchdog violation BSOD, so if this doesn’t work, check out the rest of the article for more ways to fix the error. Remember to double-check all software and hardware components to ensure everything is working properly.
Changing SATA AHCI Controller for Error Fix
Changing your SATA AHCI Controller can be an effective solution to fix the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION error on Windows 10. Here’s how:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “devmgmt.msc” and hit Enter to open the Device Manager.
3. Expand the “IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers” tab.
4. Right-click on your AHCI Controller and select “Properties.”
5. Go to the “Driver” tab and click “Update Driver.”
6. Select “Browse my computer for driver software.”
7. Select “Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.”
8. Choose the standard AHCI driver and click “Next.”
9. Restart your PC and check if the error has been fixed.
Make sure to double-check everything before proceeding and create a repair disk to fix any potential disk errors. This simple fix can help resolve the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION error and prevent future blue screen errors.
Updating SSD Firmware to Fix the Error
Updating your SSD firmware can help fix the watchdog violation error. To do this, go to your SSD manufacturer’s website and download the latest firmware for your specific model. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to install the firmware update. This may require creating a bootable USB or CD. Before doing this, make sure to back up your important data in case anything goes wrong during the update process. If you’re unsure about how to create a backup or update your firmware, consult with a professional or use reliable software tools like Restoro to guide you through the process. Updating your SSD firmware can help eliminate potential hardware component issues that may cause the watchdog violation BSOD error.
Repairing Corrupted System Files
To repair corrupted system files that may be causing the BSOD error, you can run the System File Checker tool. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter. This will scan and repair any corrupt files.
Another option is to run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type “dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth” and press Enter. This will repair any corrupt system files that the SFC tool couldn’t fix.
If these tools don’t work, you can try booting into Safe Mode and running the tools again. You may also want to check for disk errors by running the “chkdsk /f /r” command.
In some cases, updating or reinstalling drivers may also resolve the issue. Check the Device Manager for any driver issues and download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
If none of these solutions work, it may be a hardware issue. Check your hardware components for any damage or issues.
Scanning and Repairing Disk Errors
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Press Windows key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) |
| Step 2 | Type “chkdsk /f /r C:” and press Enter |
| Step 3 | Type “Y” and press Enter to schedule disk check on next restart |
| Step 4 | Restart your computer |
| Step 5 | Wait for disk check to complete |
| Step 6 | If errors were found and repaired, restart your computer again |
Checking for Software and Hardware Incompatibility Issues
To fix the Windows 10 watchdog violation error, it’s important to check for software and hardware incompatibility issues. Firstly, ensure that all software components are compatible with the operating system. Check for any outdated or incompatible drivers for hardware components, such as ATAPI controllers.
Use the Command Prompt to run a Repair Disk Errors scan: type “chkdsk /f” and press Enter.
If the error persists, update all drivers and firmware to the latest versions.
Disable the watchdog timer: type “regedit” in the Run dialog box, and navigate to “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Watchdog”. Change the value to “0”.
Check for BIOS updates: consult the manufacturer’s website for the latest version and follow the instructions carefully.
By following these steps, you can fix the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION Windows 10 error and get back to using your device without any further blue screen errors.
Restoring or Resetting Your System to Fix the Error
If you’re experiencing a Watchdog Violation error on Windows 10, restoring or resetting your system may fix the issue. Before proceeding, make sure to back up your important files.
To restore your system, go to the Control Panel and select “Recovery.” Choose “Open System Restore” and select a restore point before the error occurred. Follow the prompts to complete the restoration process.
To reset your system, go to the Settings app and select “Update & Security” followed by “Recovery.” Choose “Get started” under “Reset this PC” and select either “Keep my files” or “Remove everything.” Follow the prompts to complete the reset process.
Note: Resetting your system will remove all installed applications and settings, so make sure to have a backup before proceeding.
