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11 Ways to Fix DPC Watchdog Violation BSoD in Windows 10 + Video

Our solutions and tools make BSoD troubleshooting easier than ever

14 min. read

Updated onNovember 7, 2024

updated onNovember 7, 2024

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One thing persistent in all Windows versions is the dreaded BSoD (Blue Screen Of Death) and the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION error remains one of the most annoying.

This bug check comes with the 0x00000133 error code. DPC is an acronym for Deferred Procedure Call, and the Watchdog term refers to the bug checker which monitors or tracks your programs and the performance of your PC. We have faced this BSoD many times and we know how to fix it!

How do I fix the DPC watchdog violation error in Windows 10?

1. Replace iastor.sys driver

Microsoftsuggeststhat the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION error may be caused by the iastor.sys driver and replacing it with a standard driver will fix the issue. To do so, first make sure that your controller is using a iastor.sys driver, then update the driver in order to replace it.

Right-click theStarticon and selectDevice Manager.
Search for your controller in theIDE ATA/ATAPI controllerslist andright-click on it when you find it.
SelectProperties.
Click theDrivertab, and thenDriver Details. Verify that iastor.sys is a listed driver and clickOK.
Go back to theDrivertab and selectUpdate Driver.
SelectBrowse my computer for driver software.
Up next, selectLet me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.
SelectStandard SATA AHCI Controllerand clickNext.
ClickClose, and then restart the PC.

2. Use a dedicated tool

Fortunately, there aregreat repair toolsthat can help you troubleshoot numerous blue screen errors and many other computer issues.

3. Check your disk

If you do not use the/fparameter, chkdsk displays a message that the file needs to be fixed; but it does not specify any errors.

Thechkdsk D: /fcommand detects and repairs logical issues affecting your drive. To repair the physical problems, run the/rparameter as well.

You can also use utilities to check health-related aspects of your drives. For more information, please look closely at our article, including thebest tools to check your hard drive’s health.

4. Update the firmware for your SSD (if present)

5. Update your drivers

If you want to opt for a faster solution, you can use automated software.PC HelpSoft Driver Updatercan help you detect any outdated driver that slows your PC. After that, it updates your driver with the latest version to improve your PC performance in the blink of an eye.

6. Update your OS

Ensure you’re running the latest Windows OS updates on your machine. As a quick reminder, Microsoft constantly rolls out Windows updates to improve the system’s stability and fix various issues.

Installing the latest Windows updates on your computer could also help you eliminate the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION error.

If the update process is not functioning, look at our dedicated article on what to do if theWindows Update is not working.

7. Run a full system scan

Scanning your computer for viruses is something that you should do all the time, even if you don’t experience the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION error.

However, if you have this problem, scan your computer thoroughly and seek out any malware that might be hiding.

Windows Defender is a great tool, but many other antiviruses are out there that can do a better job searching for all kinds of malware.

Check ourbest antiviruses for Windows 10list to see what tools we recommend to install on your computer.

8. Check software and hardware incompatibility issues

8.1 Software incompatibilities

Most programs created for earlier versions of Windows will work on newer OS versions. However, some older programs might run poorly or cause severe errors, such as the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION error.

You can automatically run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter as indicated above to detect and fix some of the most common issues.

8.2 Hardware incompatibilities

If you’ve built a new computer and just installed Windows 10 and you get this problem, some components might not work well with each other or the OS.

In this scenario, you should research each component and verify their technical specifications to see if they are compatible with each other, especially with the motherboard.

9. Remove the recently installed software

10. Restore your PC to a previous point

If the problem appeared after you’ve installed a driver or modified anything on the software level of your computer, then you should do a System Restore.

This procedure will roll back your system to a point before all this happens, so perform the steps above and see if the problem persists.

11. Run system reset

What is causing the DPC watchdog violation?

In some cases, this problem comes along with other BSoDs, and they all have a common cause. For example, if you check theofficial Microsoft website, you will find some information on this error:

This bug check indicates that the DPC watchdog executed, either because it detected a single long-running deferred procedure called (DPC); or because the system spent a prolonged time at an interrupt request level (IRQL) of DISPATCH_LEVEL or above.

The value of Parameter 1 indicates whether a single DPC exceeded a timeout; or whether the system cumulatively spent an extended period of time at IRQL DISPATCH_LEVEL or above.

Microsoft stated that Windows 10 has stopped working because it could not get a response from a hardware component, its driver, or a software program related to it.

Most often, the hardware component in question is a disk drive; Windows crashes once the disk becomes unreadable (similar to unplugging the data cable of the HDD when it’s in use).

In some cases, the problem can be a hardware incompatibility, BIOS or UEFI that has not been updated, SSD issues, overclock not done correctly, or even a virus infection.

Other DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION errors

All our solutions below also work if you encounter the following errors:

How do I get rid of the blue screen on Windows 10?

Because some third-party BSoD fixer tools can cover all the risk factors and fix errors for you, you no longer have to worry about finding an effective method to cure blue screen issues or prevent the file loss they trigger.

Please look at our article with the5 best BSoD fixers to repair Blue Screen errors effortlesslyand choose the best one that suits your needs.

How do I prevent the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION error?

If you managed to get rid of this BSOD error now, it doesn’t mean that it can’t happen again, so it’s essential to take some actions to prevent this from ever occurring.

As this problem can happen because of an improper connection or hardware problem, ensure you keep your PC’s insides clean at all times.

Dusting your computer from time to time can also prevent many other issues and boost your PC’s performance because dusty components will heat up quicker and slow down in time.

However, this can be a complicated procedure requiring technical skills, so if you’re not prepared, you can ask for professional help.

Also, it requires opening the PC case but if you are at risk of voiding any product warranty, call the manufacturer or the point of sale for maintenance services.

Malware and viruses can cause havoc on your system and produce such BSoD errors as the one we just tackled.

Microsoft Windows Defender does a great job protecting your PC. Still, it has its limitations, so getting a solid antivirus can make a lot of difference in preventing BSoDs and many other issues.

If you don’t have such a tool, check our list, including thebest antiviruses for Windows 64-bit systemsto raise your defense level.

Old or malfunctioning drivers can cause a massive mess on your system and produce many errors, including the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION error.

So, make sure you constantly update them. The manual procedure can be a bit time-consuming, but you can also get help from one of thebest driver update softwarethat will do that automatically.

We hope that this guide helped you understand and fix the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION BSoD error and you’re now using your computer at total efficiency.

Hardware problems usually cause BSOD bugs, and you need to take action whenever they occur, but they can also appear out of nowhere, driven by software conflicts or driver problems.

When you first see a blue screen, write down the error message and the stop code. For this one, the error message was DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION, and the error code was 0x00000133.

Knowing the name and the code will help you further troubleshoot the problem by searching for it online and looking for a complete solution as we provided.

If you updated to the latest operating system version and encountered this issue, check our guide on how tofix the Clock Watchdog Timeout error in Windows 11. Our latest guide writes aboutCluster Csv Clussvc Disconnect Watchdog, so you might be interested.

If you have any questions or suggestions, leave us a comment, and we’ll respond as soon as possible.

11 Ways to Fix DPC Watchdog Violation BSoD in Windows 10 + Video#

How do I fix the DPC watchdog violation error in Windows 10?#

1. Replace iastor.sys driver#

2. Use a dedicated tool#

3. Check your disk#

4. Update the firmware for your SSD (if present)#

5. Update your drivers#

6. Update your OS#

7. Run a full system scan#

8. Check software and hardware incompatibility issues#

9. Remove the recently installed software#

10. Restore your PC to a previous point#

11. Run system reset#

What is causing the DPC watchdog violation?#

Other DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION errors#

How do I get rid of the blue screen on Windows 10?#

How do I prevent the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION error?#