How to Fix a DPC Watchdog Violation in Windows 10 or Windows 11

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Encountering a DPC Watchdog Violation error can be a frustrating experience, as it often leads to the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). However, understanding what causes this error and how to fix it can help you get your system back on track. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of what a DPC Watchdog Violation is and offer detailed guides on how to resolve this issue in both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

What is a DPC Watchdog Violation?

DPC stands for Deferred Procedure Call, and Watchdog refers to the bug checker that monitors or tracks your system's performance. A DPC Watchdog Violation occurs when the bug checker detects a DPC running for too long or when the system is stuck at an interrupt request level (IRQL) of DISPATCH_LEVEL or above for an extended period. This typically results in a BSOD to prevent potential damage to your system.

Common Causes

1. Incompatible Drivers: Outdated or incompatible device drivers are the most common cause.

2. Software Conflicts: Conflicts between different software programs can trigger this error.

3. Hardware Issues: Faulty hardware or incompatible hardware components can also be a culprit.

4. Firmware Bugs: Issues with firmware, particularly SSD firmware, can cause this error.

5. Corrupt System Files: Corrupt or missing system files can lead to a DPC Watchdog Violation.

Fixing DPC Watchdog Violation in Windows 10

1. Update Device Drivers

1. Open Device Manager: Right-click on the Start button and select "Device Manager."

2. Update Drivers: Locate the devices with outdated drivers (often highlighted with a yellow exclamation mark), right-click, and select "Update driver."

3. Automatic Update: Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software" and let Windows find and install the latest drivers.

2. Check and Update SSD Firmware

1. Identify SSD Model: Open "Device Manager" and expand "Disk drives" to find your SSD model.

2. Visit Manufacturer's Website: Go to the SSD manufacturer's website and search for firmware updates for your model.

3. Download and Install: Follow the instructions on the website to download and install the firmware update.

3. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Tools

1. Open Command Prompt: Type "cmd" in the search bar, right-click on "Command Prompt," and select "Run as administrator."

2. Run SFC Scan: Type `sfc /scannow` and press Enter. Wait for the process to complete and follow any on-screen instructions.

3. Run DISM: Type `DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth` and press Enter. Allow the process to finish.

4. Uninstall Incompatible Software

1. Open Settings: Press `Windows + I` to open Settings, then navigate to "Apps."

2. Remove Software: Scroll through the list of installed applications, identify any recently installed or incompatible software, select it, and click "Uninstall."

5. Check for Windows Updates

1. Open Settings: Press `Windows + I` to open Settings.

2. Update & Security: Navigate to "Update & Security" and click "Check for updates."

3. Install Updates: Download and install any available updates.

Fixing DPC Watchdog Violation in Windows 11

1. Update Device Drivers

1. Open Device Manager: Right-click on the Start button and select "Device Manager."

2. Update Drivers: Find devices with outdated drivers, right-click on them, and choose "Update driver."

3. Automatic Update: Select "Search automatically for drivers" and let Windows update the drivers.

2. Check and Update SSD Firmware

1. Identify SSD Model: Open "Device Manager" and expand "Disk drives" to see your SSD model.

2. Visit Manufacturer's Website: Go to the SSD manufacturer's website and locate firmware updates for your model.

3. Download and Install: Follow the provided instructions to download and install the firmware update.

3. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Tools

1. Open Command Prompt: Type "cmd" in the search bar, right-click "Command Prompt," and select "Run as administrator."

2. Run SFC Scan: Enter `sfc /scannow` and press Enter. Wait for the scan to complete.

3. Run DISM: Type `DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth` and press Enter. Wait for the process to finish.

4. Uninstall Incompatible Software

1. Open Settings: Press `Windows + I` to open Settings, then go to "Apps."

2. Remove Software: Identify and uninstall any recently installed or incompatible applications.

5. Check for Windows Updates

1. Open Settings: Press `Windows + I` to open Settings.

2. Windows Update: Navigate to "Windows Update" and click "Check for updates."

3. Install Updates: Download and install any pending updates.

Conclusion

A DPC Watchdog Violation can be a disruptive issue, but with the right steps, you can resolve it and prevent future occurrences. Whether you're using Windows 10 or Windows 11, ensuring your drivers are up to date, your SSD firmware is current, and your system files are intact are key steps in maintaining a healthy, error-free system. By following these guides, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle a DPC Watchdog Violation and get back to enjoying a smooth and stable computing experience.