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PC FIX
Windows

DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION Blue Screen Issue

If you see “dpc watchdog violation” symptoms, possible causes include storage, graphics, network driver delays, firmware issues, etc. Record the stop code and when it occurred, then narrow down the cause by recent changes, RAM/storage, and system files.

Solving Order
We've organized the methods starting with the simplest and least expensive ones. Please check the solutions one by one, starting from the top.

Do you have these symptoms?

  • dpc watchdog violation
  • Watchdog Blue Screen
  • 0x133

main causes

  • Storage, graphics, and network driver delays
  • firmware problem

How to solve

Please check them in order from the top. If the issue is resolved, you do not need to proceed to the next step.

1

Record stop codes and what happens

The stop code is a key clue to narrowing down the cause, including drivers, memory, storage, and GPU.

Difficulty Easy time 5 minutes cost 0 won
  1. 1Take a picture of the stop code and the 'What failed' item displayed on the screen.
  2. 2It records when things like gaming, booting, sleep, etc. occur.
  3. 3Make sure it's always the same code.

confirmation point

After these steps, see if the “dpc watchdog violation” symptom decreases or disappears. If there is no change, check for possible storage, graphics, and network driver delays in the next step.

2

Revert recently added hardware, drivers, and programs

This is often caused by elements that were changed just before the blue screen.

Difficulty Moderate time 15-30 minutes cost 0 won
  1. 1If you have recently installed hardware, remove it and compare.
  2. 2Roll back the most recently updated driver or reinstall the manufacturer's stable version.
  3. 3Also check the system utilities installed immediately before the problem.
3

Check the same symptom in safe mode

Safe mode loads only a minimal number of drivers and services, which is helpful in narrowing down the cause.

Difficulty Moderate time 10-20 minutes cost 0 won
  1. 1Go to Settings → System → Recovery → Advanced startup.
  2. 2After restarting, select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
  3. 3See if the issue reproduces in safe mode.

confirmation point

In safe mode, if normal, third-party drivers, services, and startup programs are suspected first.

4

Diagnosing RAM and storage

Memory and system drive errors can create a variety of stop codes.

Difficulty Moderate time 30~120 minutes cost 0 won
  1. 1Run Windows Memory Diagnostic or Trusted Memory Scan.
  2. 2Check system drive SMART status and manufacturer diagnostics.
  3. 3If an error occurs, back up important files first.
5

Check Windows system files

Corrupted system files can create boot, explorer, app, and update problems.

Difficulty Moderate time 15-40 minutes cost 0 won
  1. 1Open a terminal or command prompt with administrator privileges.
  2. 2Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
  3. 3After completion, run sfc /scannow.
  4. 4When the scan is finished, restart your PC.
6

Review BIOS defaults and firmware updates

WHEA/Memory/Power Status errors may be related to unstable overclocking or an outdated BIOS.

Difficulty Advanced time 20~40 minutes cost 0 won
  1. 1Temporarily set Overclock, Undervolt, and XMP/EXPO to default settings.
  2. 2Check with your motherboard/laptop manufacturer for stable BIOS and chipset drivers.
  3. 3Never turn off the power during the BIOS update.

Frequently Asked Questions

We've put together a list of things we frequently check regarding this issue.

Related issues

If the symptoms do not match exactly, please check the issue below.

Windows

INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE Blue Screen Issue

If the current symptom is closer to “inaccessible boot device”, first check for storage controller driver or mode changes or boot drive errors. Record the stop code and when it occurred, then narrow down the cause by recent changes, RAM/storage, and system files.

View solutions →
Windows

PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA Blue Screen Issue

If “page fault in nonpaged area” repeats, it is better to narrow the scope to RAM or driver errors, storage/antivirus filter driver problems, rather than changing several settings at once. Record the stop code and when it occurred, then narrow down the cause by recent changes, RAM/storage, and system files.

View solutions →
Windows

CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED Blue Screen Issue

Among Windows issues, the “critical process died” symptom may be related to system file corruption or storage errors. Record the stop code and when it occurred, then narrow down the cause by recent changes, RAM/storage, and system files.

View solutions →
Windows

DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE Blue Screen Issue

If “driver power state failure” is repeated, it is better to narrow the scope to device driver power state transition failure, power saving, USB, and network device problems rather than changing several settings at once. Record the stop code and when it occurred, then narrow down the cause by recent changes, RAM/storage, and system files.

View solutions →

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