How to fix DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION?

Question

Crash dump file:	C:\WINDOWS\MEMORY.DMP (Full memory dump)
Crash dump file:	C:\WINDOWS\MEMORY.DMP (Full memory dump)
Bugcheck code:	0x133(0x1, 0x1E00, 0xFFFFF806E05C53C8, 0x0)
Bugcheck name:	DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION
Driver or module in which error occurred:	fffff806df8d2bfb : 0000000000000000 0000000000047f82 0000000000000000 fffff8066cf6b180 : nt.sys]() ([fffff806df8d2bfb : 0000000000000000 0000000000047f82 0000000000000000 fffff8066cf6b180 : nt!KeAccumulateTicks+0x59c)
Bug check description:	The DPC watchdog detected a prolonged run time at an IRQL of DISPATCH_LEVEL or above. This could be caused by either a non-responding driver or non-responding hardware. This bug check can also occur because of overheated CPUs (thermal issue).
Analysis:	This is likely caused by a hardware problem, but there is a possibility that this is caused by a misbehaving driver. This bugcheck indicates that a timeout has occurred. This may be caused by a hardware failure such as a thermal issue or a bug in a driver for a hardware device. Read this article on thermal issues
Google query:	fffff806df8d2bfb : 0000000000000000 0000000000047f82 0000000000000000 fffff806`6cf6b180 : nt DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION

I've been having crashing/ bsod issues for months and I cannot figure out what it is. Every time I've checked my hardware everything says it's completely fine which leads me to believe it is a driver issue. I am updated on all drivers and don't understand why I am crashing. Please help.

I tend to crash during any graphic intensive situation in games. Usually happens in Valorant (only game i really play) and during the reaver finisher animation. I can play with my fps capped, but I used to be able to play uncapped and it's become super frustrating as I have reinstalled my drivers and also cleaned my drive and reinstalled windows 10, windows 11, both many times. I'm a bit lost as to solutions. Please help. I've also already repasted.

Answer 1

The DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION (0x133) indicates that either a single DPC/ISR or the system as a whole spent too long at IRQL DISPATCH_LEVEL or above. In the crash described, Parameter 1 = 1, which means the system cumulatively spent an extended period at DISPATCH_LEVEL or higher, typically due to a non‑responding driver or hardware.

From the documentation:

• DPCs should not run longer than 100 microseconds and ISRs should not run longer than 25 microseconds, although actual timeouts are set higher.
• For Parameter 1 = 1, the offending component can usually be identified with a stack trace, but this requires use of the Windows debugger and access to driver source code.

For non‑debugger troubleshooting, the recommended steps are:

1. If a driver is identified in the bug check message, disable that driver and check with the manufacturer for an updated version.
2. Check the System log in Event Viewer for additional error messages around the time of the crash to help identify the device or driver involved.
3. Confirm that any new or recently added hardware (especially GPU or storage controllers) is compatible with the installed version of Windows.
4. If equipped to use WinDbg with the MEMORY.DMP, use !analyze and the DPC watchdog triage structures (for Parameter 1 = 1, cast Parameter 3 to nt!DPC_WATCHDOG_GLOBAL_TRIAGE_BLOCK) and !dpcs to see which DPCs were queued and which driver may be exceeding its normal execution duration.

If the cause is a faulty driver, resolution requires a code fix by the driver vendor. If no driver is clearly identified, continue with basic troubleshooting (driver updates/rollbacks, hardware compatibility checks) and, if necessary, engage the hardware or system vendor with the crash dump for deeper analysis.

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References:

• Bug Check 0x133: DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION
• Bug Check 0xD1: DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
• "DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION (133)" Stop error when lots of data is sent
• Writing a Bug Check Reason Callback Routine

Answer 2

Hi, thank you for replying. Since the issue persists, let us make sure there are no software-related issues on the PC. I suggest doing an in-place upgrade, wherein it will upgrade the device to the latest version and repair all issues without deleting any files.

Go to the Windows 11 website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11

 

Under Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO), select Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO)

 

1.    Once done downloading the ISO, kindly right-click on the ISO, then click Mount> click Setup.exe

2.    You may be prompted by User Account Control. Click on Yes if so

3.    In the Install Windows 11 dialog, click Next

4.    Setup will check your PC and show a license agreement. Click on Accept in the license terms dialog.

5.    Wait for the setup program to check for the available free space.

6.    On the Ready to install page, make sure Keep personal files and apps have been checked.

7.    Then click Install and just follow the prompt.

8.    Windows 11 will restart your device several times and lead you to the lock screen. Depending on the options you set, it will keep all your files, apps, and user accounts.

Note: If the issue persists, I suggest removing the GPU and placing it into another PCIe port available (This is only applicable if you are using a Desktop PC or an External GPU). However, if all fails, I suggest contacting a local technician to physically check the device for any hardware-related issues

Answer 3

Hi, thank you for that information. As per checking and analyzing the DMP file you have, there is an error in nvlddmkm.sys, which is your Nvidia graphics card driver. To fix the issue, kindly follow the steps below:

 

Let us run a clean installation of the Nvidia driver. This is different from doing DDU or updating the driver, as this will remove all entries and replace them with compatible ones. Kindly follow the steps from the link below:

 

https://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/10/~/geforce-experience-driver-installation-failed.-how-do-i-manually-clean-install#:~:text=%20How%20do%20I%20manually%20clean%20install%20the,installation%20process%2C%20close%20any%20programs%20which...%20More%20

 

Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

 

Additional note: If the issue persists, I suggest removing the GPU and placing it into another PCIe port available (This is only applicable if you are using a Desktop PC or an External GPU). However, if all fails, I suggest contacting a local technician to physically check the device for any hardware-related issues

Answer 4

Hi, I'm Bernard. I'm happy to help!

Just to confirm, can you still use the affected device? If so, I need to analyze the error. Can you please check if you have Minidump files on the PC so I can further examine the root cause of the issue?

 

Press Windows key + E (To open File Explorer)

 

Click "This PC" > then follow the file path:

 

C:\Windows\Minidump

 

Copy the Minidump files and save them to another location, like the Desktop or Documents.

 

Then please upload it to Cloud storage like OneDrive or any cloud storage you are using, and please share the shareable link here.

To upload and share the link using OneDrive:

Go to this link: https://onedrive.live.com/, then upload the file.

Then, provide the shareable link by following the steps from this link: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/share-onedrive-files-and-folders-9fcc2f7d-de0c-4cec-93b0-a82024800c07

Note: This is a public forum. I may respond shortly, but I apologize in advance for any delays. I am simply a fellow user trying to provide helpful insights and information.