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Quick Fix: Clock Watchdog Timeout BSoD in Windows 11 [2024 Guide]

Discover effective steps to recover from any BSoDs

6 min. read

Updated onNovember 8, 2024

updated onNovember 8, 2024

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Key notes

Fix all BSoD events and keep computer safe and clean:

Fortect will find the cause of BSoD and fix it. Here is how to do it with 3 easy steps:

The Clock Watchdog Timeout error is aBSODissue that can occur on Windows 11 and other Microsoft desktop platforms, for example,Windows 10 users often experience the same issue.

When this issue arises it is very easy to identify as a blue screen will be displayed with the messageclock_watchdog_timeout. Windows 11 users have sometimes reported that this error can sometimes be displayed frequently, even multiple times a day.

Thisusually happens in the middle of working, not immediately after booting his PC.However, as the Clock Watchdog Timeout error forces a system to restart, it can be a serious issue if it occurs with regularity.

Table of contents:

What is a Clock Watchdog Timeout error?

What is a Clock Watchdog Timeout error?

A Clock Watchdog Timeout error refers to the hardware in your system, specifically pointing out a problem with how your system and processor speak to one another.

The operating system informs the CPU when you instruct your computer to perform a task, pausing the processor to explain what is happening.

The Clock Watchdog Timeout blue screen error results from a nonresponsive or deadlocked CPU (central processor unit). Consequently, the processor stops processing interrupts.

What causes Clock Watchdog Timeout?

The clock watchdog timeout Windows 11 problem may be caused by a variety of factors, including:

How do I fix the Clock Watchdog Timeout error in Windows 11?

How do I fix the Clock Watchdog Timeout error in Windows 11?

Before you go into any complex fixes, we recommend that you unplug all superfluous USB peripherals connected to your PC, like storage or DVD drives.

If the Clock Watchdog Timeout error doesn’t arise after that, one of the previously connected devices might have been causing the issue.

1. Run an SFC scan

  1. OpenWindows 11’s search utility by pressing theWindowskey.

2.Typecmdin the search box, then click theCommand Prompt’sRun as administratoroption.

3.Before running a system file scan, input this command and pressEnter:DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

4.Next, type the following system file command in thePrompt’s window and hitEnter:sfc /scannow

  1. Wait until the scan is 100 percent complete and displays an outcome message.

The first fix we recommend for the Clock Watchdog Timeout error in Windows 11 is running the SFC scan. It can be done very easily with the help of the built-in command-line tool on your PC.

The SFC scan will check your PC for issues and fix them in no time.

Third-party software can also be very helpful here because it can perform this task for you.

2. Update Windows 11

3. Undo PC overclocking

Have you done any system overclocking with a dedicated tool? If yes, that might be why you need to fix the Clock Watchdog Timeout error.

So, undo any overclocking by restoring the settings in your overclock software to their default values.

4. Check for yellow driver error indicators in the Device Manager

Scanning your PC with reputable third-party driver updater software is also recommended. A third-party driver updater will list all your PC’s devices with antiquated drivers and update them automatically.

5. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Utility

If Windows Memory Diagnostic highlights a RAM issue, you might need to replace a memory module on your PC.

6. Restore Windows 11 to an earlier date

7. Update your PC’s BIOS

A BIOS (Basic Input Output System) update might be needed to resolve the issue if you’re utilizing an older PC.

To update the BIOS, you’ll need to download its latest firmware. Then, with a few steps, you willeasily update your BIOS.

As a last resort, you can try reinstalling the platform. You can reinstall the OS with a Windows 11 USB flash drive. Alternatively, you mayreset the platform.

The support section of Microsoft’s website also includes an informativetroubleshooter for blue screen errors. We also have a great guide onWin32k Power Watchdog Timeoutthat might provide you with more solutions.

Tell us about your experience and the solution that worked for you in the comments below.

More about the topics:BSoD error codes

Matthew Adams

Windows Hardware Expert

Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.

He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.

In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.

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Matthew Adams

Windows Hardware Expert

He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.