This error occurs when the processor is having problems with the co-operation of its cores and threads. The threads are tasks performed by the cores, and some cores can have many threads simultaneously. The problem is that one thread is waiting for an adequate response from another thread – or one kernel is waiting for a response from another kernel – and those responses are not coming. In technical terms, when the processor is not able to continue the processing of tasks because its resources are occupied and are interdependent to get free, this state is called as Deadlock. So, today, we will be trying how to fix this Blue Screen error and prevent it from happening in the future.
CLOCK WATCHDOG TIMEOUT Blue Screen error
The following potential fixes will be carried out to fix BSOD errors related to error CLOCK WATCHDOG TIMEOUT on Windows 11 and Windows 10. If you tend to create a System Restore point usually, you can try to undo any modifications on your computer, by performing System Restore. Secondly, it is recommended that you carry out these tasks mentioned below in Safe Mode with Networking only. If you Overclocked your system, first undo the overclocking and see if that makes the BSOD go away.
1] Rollback a recently updated device driver
If you recently updated your driver, I suggest you roll back your driver and see if that helps.
2] Run Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool
To fix any issues with your RAM, follow these steps. Run the Memory Check on your computer. Start by hitting the WINKEY + R button combination to launch the Run utility. Then type in, mdsched.exe, and then hit Enter. It will launch the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool and will give out two options- Now, according to the option selected by you, the computer will restart and check for memory-based problems. If you get any issues there, it will fix it automatically else if no issues are detected, this is probably not the cause of the issue.
3] Disconnect new hardware
You can try to disconnect any new hardware device you recently plugged in. This error can also be triggered if the newly installed device is keeping the processor engaged with various instructions like faulty driver installation and more. Hence, it is recommended to remove any such hardware devices one by one and check if that fixes your issues. And if you find that particular device that triggers the error, you can just check if the latest driver for it is stable enough with your operating system.
4] Troubleshoot in Clean Boot state
You can troubleshoot further manually by performing a Clean Boot. A Clean Boot starts a system with minimal drivers and startup programs. When you start the computer in clean boot, the computer starts by using a pre-selected minimal set of drivers and startup programs, and because the computer starts with a minimal set of drivers, some programs may not work as you expected. Clean-boot troubleshooting is designed to isolate a performance problem. To perform clean-boot troubleshooting, you must disable or enable one process at a time, and then restart the computer after each action. If the problem goes away, you know that it was the last process that was creating the problem.
5] Updating the BIOS or UEFI
The BIOS is a sensitive part of a computer. Though it is a software component, the functioning of the hardware largely depends on it. Hence, you should be highly careful when modifying anything in the BIOS. I would recommend you to skip this method if you do not know what you are doing or do not know how to do it particularly. To update the BIOS, start by hitting the WINKEY + R button combination to start the Run box and type in msinfo32, and then finally hit Enter. This will open System Information. At the bottom, you will find a search field; there you have to search for BIOS Version and hit Enter. There, you will be able to see the version and developer of the BIOS installed on your computer.
Now, you go to your manufacturer’s website and then get the latest version of BIOS downloaded on to your computer. If you happen to use a laptop, make sure that you keep it plugged in until this BIOS update is installed. Double-click on the newly-downloaded file to install the new version of the BIOS. Once done, just Reboot your computer for the changes to take effect. In case you use an assembled CPU to run your copy of Windows 11/10, it would be a bit complicated for you. If you do not see a proper manufacturer’s name in the System Information window, you will have to check the website of your motherboard’s manufacturer. Once you visit the website, go to the downloads section of the website to get the latest version of the BIOS for your computer. Usually, American Megatrends’ are used to assemble computers, but in either case, you can even check Windows Updates for any new version of BIOS available for your computer.
How to Update BIOS or UEFI without going into it?
Some PCs also come with a dedicated BIOS Update or UEFI Update port and button. Once you download the latest BIOS file, place it in the USB device, and press the button, the system will automatically update the file. However, this needs to be done after powering down the PC. Check your motherboard board manual for such an option, and know the status codes as well.
Is it safe to update BIOS from Windows?
No, it is not. While there are software, even from the OEMs, that can initiate the BIOS update from within the PC, you should avoid it. You should either update from the BIOS interface or from a dedicated BIOS update port. That said, while it works the same way, but it’s best not to use that option. Similar BSOD: PDC WATCHDOG TIMEOUT Blue Screen.
How do I know if there is a BIOS or UEFI Update available?
That is a challenge because I have noticed that even for new PCs and modern motherboards, the BIOS update notification is usually a miss. I have been using the Asus ROG Crosshair VIII Hero for some time, and I never got any notification from the Armory Crate software. So the best way is to go and check in a few months and update if available.
