Clock watchdog timeout error on Windows 10 [Full Guide]

by Milan Stanojevic

Deputy Editor

Milan has been enthusiastic about PCs ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Read more

Updated: Mar 5, 2021

Posted: May 4, 2020

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Blue Screen of Death errors are one of the most serious errors you’ll encounter.

These Windows 10 errors are rare, but they can be quite problematic, therefore it’s important that you know how to fix the CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT error.

Clock_watchdog_timeout is a pretty common BSOD error, and speaking of errors, these are some common problems that users reported:

• Clock_watchdog_timeout overclock – This error usually occurs after you overclock your hardware. If your hardware is overclocked, remove the overclock settings and check if that solves the issue.
• Clock_watchdog_timeout Ryzen – Many users reported this error with Ryzen CPUs. It seems that the issue was caused by a problematic update, but after removing it, the problem was completely resolved.
• Clock_watchdog_timeout Windows 8.1, Windows 7 – Just like any other error, the blue screen Clock watchdog timeout isn’t exclusive to Windows 10. Even if you’re not using Windows 10, you should be able to fix the problem with one of our solutions.
• Clock watchdog timeout RAM, GPU – Many users reported that their RAM or GPU was the cause for this error. To fix the problem, remove any overclock settings and check your drivers. In addition, it’s a good idea to check if your RAM is compatible with your motherboard.
• Clock watchdog timeout HP, Lenovo, Intel, AMD – This BSoD Clock watchdog timeout error can appear on almost any device, and users reported it with both Intel and AMD processors on HP and Lenovo devices. However, you should be able to fix the problem by using one of our solutions.

How can I fix CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT BSOD error?

1. Update your drivers

1. Right-click the Windows button and select Device Manager.
   
2. Identify the component you want to update the driver for and expand it.
3. Right-click the driver and select Update driver from the drop-down menu (in our example we update the graphics driver as it’s usually the one responsible for this BSoD).

Blue Screen of Death errors are often caused by outdated or buggy drivers, and you can easily fix this issue by downloading and installing the latest drivers.

Bear in mind that you might have to update all drivers on your PC in order to fix this error and to keep your Windows 10 PC stable.

Update drivers automatically

If updating the drivers by using Device Manager is not fixing the problem, you will need to visit the manufacturer’s website and download the correct driver.

Downloading drivers manually isn’t the best way to update your drivers, but you can use dedicated, third-party software to update all your drivers with just a single click.

2. Update your BIOS

BIOS update is an advanced procedure that installs new firmware for your motherboard, thus unlocking new features.

Users reported that you can fix CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT Blue Screen of Death error by updating your BIOS.

But before you decide to update BIOS be sure to check your motherboard manual for detailed instructions.

Updating BIOS can be potentially dangerous if you don’t do it properly, so be extra careful during the BIOS update process.

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3. Disable C1-6 in BIOS

Few users reported that they managed to fix this error by disabling certain settings in BIOS. According to them, disabling the C1-6 in BIOS fixed the BSOD error, so be sure to try that.

To see how to access BIOS and how to find and disable these settings, we strongly suggest that you check your motherboard manual.

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4. Remove problematic applications

Third-party applications can often cause these types of errors to appear, and in order to fix CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT error, you’ll have to find and remove the problematic application from your PC.

These errors are often caused by antivirus, therefore it’s advised that you temporarily remove your antivirus software.

Removing antivirus software is simple, but we have to mention that you should use the dedicated removal tool to completely remove all files and registry entries associated with your antivirus software.

Most antivirus companies have these tools available for download on their website and you can download them free of charge.

For the Norton users, we’ve got a dedicated guide on how to completely remove it from your PC.

If your problema are with MCAfee instead, you can use this detailed guide to remove it.

If you’re using any antivirus solution and you want to completely remove it from your PC, be sure to check out this amazing list with the best uninstaller software you can use right now.

In addition to antivirus, many users reported that Asus AI Suite can cause this error to appear, therefore we advise you to remove this tool from your PC.

If removing the antivirus solves the problem, you might want to consider switching to a different antivirus software.

There are many great antivirus tools available, but the one you’re looking for has to be trustworthy, must have advanced security options but it doesn’t have to interfere with your apps and system.

⇒ Get Bitdefender

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5. Reset BIOS

As we previously mentioned, certain BIOS settings can cause CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT Blue Screen of Death error to appear, and the simplest way to fix these issues is to reset your BIOS.

Resetting BIOS will set all settings to the default value, thus fixing this error.

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6. Remove the overclocking settings

Overclocking your hardware can give you better performance, but overclocking comes with certain risks as well.

Sometimes, your PC cannot handle certain overclock settings, and you’ll get a BSoD error such as CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT.

In a worst-case scenario, overclock can burn and permanently damage your hardware components if you’re not careful, therefore we urge you to be extra cautious while overclocking your PC.

If your PC is overclocked, we advise you to remove overclock settings and check if that fixes the error.

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7. Update your SSD firmware and disable LPM

CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT error can be caused by outdated SSD firmware, therefore if you’re using SSD, we advise that you update your firmware.

Updating firmware on your SSD can be risky, therefore you need to be extra careful and back up your files.

In addition to updating your firmware, few users are suggesting disabling LPM, so you might want to do that as well.

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You don’t know how to backup your data? Read this simple guide and learn doing it like a pro.

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8. Disable C1E and Intel Speedstep in BIOS

Few users reported that CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT error is caused by certain settings in BIOS, therefore we advise you to disable them.

According to users, C1E and Intel Speedstep caused this error to appear, therefore if you have these settings enabled in BIOS we advise you to disable them and check if that fixes the problem.

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9. Manually set the speed of your RAM and turn off Asus Turbo feature in BIOS

Sometimes this error can be caused if you don’t manually set the speed of your RAM in BIOS. To see how to do that check your motherboard manual for instructions.

In addition to setting RAM speed, users also suggest to disable Asus Turbo feature, so you might want to do that as well.

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10. Unplug your DVD drive during Windows 10 installation

Several users complained that they cannot install Windows 10 due to CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT BSOD error.

Apparently, you can fix this problem by unplugging your SATA DVD drive during the Windows 10 installation process.

After you disconnect your DVD drive, you should be able to install Windows 10 normally.

If your DVD drive is missing in Windows 10, check out this useful guide that will help you get it back.

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11. Clean your computer case and check for faulty hardware

Many BSoD errors can be caused by hardware failure, and to fix this error you need to check if your hardware is working properly.

Few users reported that a faulty motherboard can cause this error, but few users reported that a faulty CPU or graphics card can cause this error as well, so be sure to check them first.

If your hardware is working properly, be sure to clean your computer case from dust. Sometimes dust can clog your fans or even your slots, therefore it’s advised to clean your PC with pressurized air.

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12. Install the latest updates

1. Open the Settings app. You can do that quickly by using Windows Key + I shortcut.
2. When Settings app opens, navigate to Update & Security section.
   
3. Now click on Check for updates button.
   

If you’re getting CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT error on your PC, the problem might be the missing updates.

Sometimes your version of Windows 10 might have certain bugs that are interfering with your system and causing this error to appear.

However, you can easily fix this issue by updating your PC and installing the latest updates.

This process is automated on Windows 10, and Windows will usually download the necessary updates in the background automatically.

Sometimes, certain bugs can occur once in a while, which can cause you to skip certain updates. To fix this issue, it’s advised to check manually for updates by following the steps above.

Windows will now check for updates and download them in the background. Once the updates are downloaded, they will be installed as soon as you restart your PC.

After installing the updates, check if the problem still persists.

If you can’t launch the Setting app, take a look at this useful article to solve the issue.

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Having trouble updating your Windows? This guide will help you solve them in no time.

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13. Remove the problematic updates

1. Open the Settings app and navigate to Update & Security section.
2. Now select View installed update history.
   
3. Now you should see the names of recent updates. Memorize or write down the last few updates since they are the most likely cause of this issue. Click on Uninstall updates.
   
4. Now double click the update that you want to remove and follow the instructions on the screen.
   

Many Ryzen owners reported CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT error on their PC. It seems that this issue is caused by a problematic update, and in order to fix the problem, you need to find it.

If removing the update solves the problem, you need to prevent that update from installing again. Windows 10 will automatically install the missing updates, which will cause the issue to reappear.

To prevent this update from installing again, be sure to check our guide on how to block automatic Windows updates.

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CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT is one problematic error, and it’s mostly caused by outdated firmware or your BIOS settings, but you can easily fix this error by using one of our solutions.

If you have any other suggestions or questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below and we’ll be sure to check them out.