How to Fix Windows Error 0x00000133 — DPC Watchdog Violation [2026]

Windows Error 0x00000133: DPC Watchdog Violation

This error typically occurs when outdated ssd firmware. Below you'll find 5 proven fixes to resolve it.

What Causes Windows Error 0x00000133?

Windows error 0x00000133 (DPC Watchdog Violation) can be triggered by several issues:

Outdated SSD firmware
Incompatible storage driver (iastor.sys)
Hardware conflict with USB devices
Outdated BIOS/UEFI
Corrupted Windows system files

How to Fix Windows Error 0x00000133 — Step by Step

Update SSD firmware and driver

Visit your SSD manufacturer's website (Samsung, Crucial, WD) and download the latest firmware update tool. Also update the storage driver from the manufacturer — don't rely on Windows generic drivers.

Replace iastor.sys with storahci

Device Manager > IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers > right-click your controller > Update driver > Browse > Let me pick > Standard SATA AHCI Controller. Restart. This replaces Intel's problematic iastor.sys driver.

Disconnect USB peripherals

Unplug all USB devices except keyboard and mouse. Restart. If the error stops, reconnect devices one by one to find the culprit.

Update BIOS/UEFI

Visit your motherboard manufacturer's website. Download the latest BIOS update. Follow their specific flashing instructions carefully — a failed BIOS update can brick your motherboard.

Run SFC and DISM

CMD as Admin:
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart and monitor for the error.

Still Getting Error 0x00000133?

IT Cares can diagnose and fix this error remotely — usually in under 30 minutes.

Call (581) 398-1270 Book Remote Session

Frequently Asked Questions

What does DPC Watchdog Violation mean?

DPC (Deferred Procedure Call) took too long to complete. Windows has a watchdog timer that crashes the system if a hardware operation exceeds the time limit.

Is this a hardware or software problem?

Usually hardware-related — specifically storage drivers (SSD/HDD controller) or USB device conflicts. Less commonly, it's a corrupted system file.

Why does my SSD cause this?

Many SSDs ship with generic Windows drivers that aren't optimized. Installing the manufacturer's specific driver and firmware usually eliminates this error.

Can overclocking cause this?

Yes. Overclocked CPU or RAM can cause timing issues that trigger DPC timeouts. Reset to default BIOS settings to test.

Should I replace my SSD?

Not necessarily. In most cases, updating the SSD firmware and driver fixes it. Only replace the drive if CrystalDiskInfo shows it's failing.

How to Fix Windows Error 0x00000133 — DPC Watchdog Violation