DPC Watchdog Violation Error

Question

DPC Watchdog Violation Error

Francis Geff Li 0

DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION

For those who experience this error, it occurs occasionally but repeatedly and seemingly at random. The PC then collects information and restarts. The Bug Check code for this bluescreen is 0x00000133.

How do I resolve this error?

I've been strangely gettting this error recently, and I'd like to troubleshoot it. Is there any way I can find out what's the culprit behind it? If I go to safe booting, Im able to log in and use my computer. If I dont use safe booting, then its a gamble. I've updated my bios and windows. My PC Hard drive health is in good condition.

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Answer 1

Hello Francis Geff Li, I'm Hendrix

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Q&A Forum regarding the issue you're experiencing with the DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION error on your Windows 10 Home gaming PC. I understand this must be frustrating, and I'm here to help you resolve this.

Please follow these troubleshooting steps to rule out the cause and fix the issue.

Step 1: Analyze the Minidump File to Identify the Culprit

Boot into Safe Mode with Networking (press F8 or Shift + Restart > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Safe Mode with Networking).
Navigate to C:\Windows\Minidump using File Explorer.
If a .dmp file exists (e.g., MMDDYY-XXXXX-01.dmp), copy it to a USB drive or cloud storage (e.g., OneDrive).
Download and install WinDbg (Windows Debugger) from the Microsoft Store or via Microsoft’s Official Website.
Open WinDbg, go to File > Open Crash Dump, select the .dmp file, and run the command: !analyze -v
Note the driver or module listed as the cause (e.g., nvlddmkm.sys for NVIDIA drivers).

The minidump file contains details about the BSOD, often pinpointing the specific driver or hardware causing the issue. If no minidump exists or you can’t analyze it, proceed to the next steps and share the dump file with support for further analysis.

Step 2: Run System File Checker and DISM

In Safe Mode, open Command Prompt as Administrator (Win + X > Command Prompt).
Run the following commands: sfc /scannow DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Wait for both to complete, then restart and test in normal mode.

Corrupted system files can cause BSODs, and these tools repair Windows system components.

Step 3: Perform a Clean Boot or System Reset

Perform a clean boot to isolate software conflicts:

Run msconfig > General tab > Selective startup > uncheck Load startup items.
Restart and test in normal mode.

If the issue persists, consider a system reset:

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC > Keep my files.
Back up critical data before resetting.

A clean boot minimizes software interference, while a reset reinstalls Windows, preserving files but removing potentially problematic applications.

Disclaimer: A “clean boot” starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. It helps to determine whether a background service is interfering with your game or program and to isolate the cause of a problem. These steps of "clean boot" might look complicated at first glance. However, to avoid any trouble for you, please follow them in order and step-by step so that it will help you get back on track.

If the BSOD continues, please escalate to Microsoft Support.

If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

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Best regards,

Hendrix-MSFT | Microsoft Q&A Support Specialist

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DPC Watchdog Violation Error

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