![How to Fix Windows Error 0x00000133 — DPC Watchdog Violation [2026]](/images/blog/windows-error-0x00000133-hero.webp)
Windows Error 0x00000133: DPC Watchdog Violation
Quick fix: Update SSD firmware and driver — Visit your SSD manufacturer's website (Samsung, Crucial, WD) and download the latest firmware update tool. Full step-by-step below.
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- Outdated SSD firmware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- Outdated BIOS/UEFI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
| Cause | Best fix |
|---|---|
| Outdated SSD firmware | Update SSD firmware and driver |
| Incompatible storage driver (iastor.sys) | Replace iastor.sys with storahci |
| Hardware conflict with USB devices | Disconnect USB peripherals |
| Outdated BIOS/UEFI | Update BIOS/UEFI |
| Corrupted Windows system files | Run SFC and DISM |
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 /scannowDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart and monitor for the error.
Prefer we just handle it for you? Leave your email — a tech replies fast.
Remote fix, same-day, from $119.99. No fix, no fee.
Still Getting Error 0x00000133?
IT Cares can diagnose and fix this error remotely — usually in under 30 minutes.
Can't fix it yourself? Skip the trial-and-error.
Our certified bilingual tech remotes in, reads your system logs, and resolves it on the spot — same day, from $119.99. No fix, no fee.
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.
Comments
Have a question about error 0x00000133? Leave a comment below.
Leave a Comment