Win32k Power Watchdog Timeout: 7 Easy Ways to Fix it

Uninstall conflicting apps or run the SFC scan

by Milan Stanojevic
Milan Stanojevic
Milan Stanojevic
Windows & Software Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He's a PC enthusiast and he... read more
Updated on
Affiliate Disclosure
  • Stop code Win32k power watchdog timeout is a BSOD error, and it's caused by bad drivers.
  • To fix this error, you'll have to find and remove any problematic third-party apps.
  • Some users managed to get things running by getting the hardware inspected and repaired.
Fix the WIN32K POWER WATCHDOG TIMEOUT error
XINSTALL BY CLICKING THE DOWNLOAD FILE

Fix all BSoD events and keep them away:

  • Download Fortect and install it on your PC
  • Launch the tool and Start scanning to find broken files that are causing the problems
  • Right-click on Start Repair to fix issues affecting your computer’s security and performance
Download Now Fortect has been downloaded by 0 readers this month, rated 4.4 on TrustPilot
Illustration

BSOD errors can be problematic, and many users reported WIN32K POWER WATCHDOG TIMEOUT on their PC. Just like any other BSOD error, this one will cause your system to crash, and you’ll lose any unsaved data.

Fixing this issue isn’t as complicated as you think, and in this guide, we’ll show you how to fix this problem and get your PC working again properly.

Before we start, it might be a good idea to check the BSOD log file location and find out more about the error.

What is Win32k Power Watchdog Timeout?

The error is usually encountered after you turn on the computer while it’s in Hibernation or Sleep mode. This indicates that the problem lies with the power source or with the OS’s inability to ensure the supply of the required power.

In some cases, the computer may be unable to realize that it’s being turned on, and subsequently, the external display remains turned off. Also, you may check the MSDN bugcheck for WIN32K_POWER_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT to identify the underlying cause.

Some of the devices where you may encounter the error are:

  • WIN32K POWER WATCHDOG TIMEOUT Dell (especially XPS), Lenovo (x1 Carbon in particular), Asus
  • WIN32K POWER WATCHDOG TIMEOUT Windows 11, Windows 10
  • WIN32K POWER WATCHDOG TIMEOUT blue screen – Watchdog did not stop, reboot starting system
  • Error code WIN32K POWER WATCHDOG TIMEOUT – MSDN bugcheck WIN32K_POWER_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT
  • WIN32K did not turn the monitor on in a timely manner

What causes Win32k Power Watchdog Timeout?

There are several reasons behind the Watchdog Timeout error, including both hardware and software issues. Here’s a list of the common ones:

  • Outdated drivers: When the installed drivers are outdated or incompatible, the error message may show up.
  • Loose or incorrect connections: Improper connections are just as likely to trigger the error.
  • Third-party app conflicts: Several applications, particularly security software or those that overclock the PC, have been found responsible for Win32k Power Watchdog Timeout on Surface laptops.
  • Faulty RAM: Hardware issues with the RAM, say some damage or loose connections, may cause the error.
  • Corrupt files: For many users, the corrupt system files were the underlying cause.
  • Using an older version of the BIOS: The BIOS plays a vital role in the PC, and when it’s not updated for a long time, you may come across errors.

Now that you understand the basics let’s find out how you can fix the WIN32K POWER WATCHDOG TIMEOUT error.

How do I fix Win32k Power Watchdog Timeout?

In this article

1. Use specialized BSOD repair software

The fastest way to fix Win32k power watchdog timeout is to use specialized software that can fix BSOD errors automatically.

2. Roll back updated device drivers

After rolling back your drivers, check if the win32k power watchdog timeout error exists. In case the error persists, roll back all other drivers updated in the recent past and verify if the error is resolved.

1. Right-click on Start and select Device Manager.

dpc watchdog violation device manager

2. In the Device Manager, double-click on the relevant entry, right-click on the problematic device and then select Properties.

win32k-power-watchdog-timeout

3. Now, navigate to the Driver tab, and then click on the Roll Back Driver button.

roll back driver to fix win32k power watchdog timeout

4. Choose a reason for it, and then click on Yes at the bottom.

win32k-power-watchdog-timeout/

3. Check and remove third-party apps

  1. Press Windows +R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl, and then click OK.
    win32k-power-watchdog-timeout
  2. Right-click on the conflicting program and select Uninstall.
    uninstall to fix win32k power watchdog timeout
  3. Follow the required steps to remove that program.

In many cases, this BSOD Win32k power watchdog timeout screen error can be fixed by removing certain programs from your PC.

Windows users have reported that certain third-party apps can cause the Win32k Power Watchdog Timeout error. If you notice a program causing the issue, uninstall it and then restart your computer.

The software that generally causes the error is virtual image managers such as VirtualBox or Daemon Tools, for instance.

The best way to remove applications is to use a dedicated uninstaller software, such as CCleaner. With this type of software, you’ll remove the application and all of the files and registry entries associated with it.

Users reported WIN32K POWER WATCHDOG TIMEOUT timeout on Lenovo, Dell, HP, ASUS, and many other brands, so your PC can be affected regardless of the brand you’re using.

4. Disconnect any new hardware device

It is possible that your recently connected hardware can cause the WIN32K POWER WATCHDOG TIMEOUT error. That will occur if you have new hardware devices installed improperly.

This is why we recommend you disconnect any new hardware from your computer. If you don’t know which device caused this error, disconnect all external devices and peripherals except the mouse and keyboard.

Now, reconnect them one at a time, restart the computer after each to identify the problematic device, and remove it to fix the error.

5. Use the Windows Memory Diagnostics tool

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run command, type mdsched in the text field, and then click OK or hit Enter.mdsched command
  2. Select the Restart now and check for problems (recommended) option.restart now and check for problems

This solution will restart your computer and automatically fix any memory error. As an alternative, if the error is not solved, then you might need to change your memory modules or interchange the slots.

A faulty RAM module is one of the common causes of stop code WIN32K POWER WATCHDOG TIMEOUT in Windows 11 and other BSOD errors, so be sure to check your memory.

6. Launch the System File Checker

  1. Press Windows + S to open the Search menu, enter Terminal in the text field, right-click on the relevant search result, and then select Run as administrator.terminal
  2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.Yes
  3. Press Ctrl + Shift + 2 to open the Command Prompt in a new tab.
  4. Type in the following command, and then press Enter:sfc /scannowsfc scan to fix win32k power watchdog timeout
  5. Wait for the scan to complete, and then restart the computer.

This variant of the Blue Screen of Death error will sometimes appear when your computer’s system files are corrupted. System File Checker will help you solve this issue.

After repairing your files, check if WIN32K_POWER_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT in Windows 10 is still there. If that’s the case, head to the last method.

7. Update your BIOS firmware

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type msinfo32, and then press Enter.msinfo32
  2. Find BIOS Version/Date and then verify your firmware version.
  3. Go to the motherboard manufacturer’s website, select your motherboard and then navigate to Driver & Utility.
  4. Go to BIOS & Firmware section and then download the latest version.
  5. Unzip and extract the BIOS file to your computer.
  6. Examine the content of the readme file from the BIOS folder.
  7. Copy the BIOS update file to an empty USB drive or on your computer.
  8. Restart the computer, and enter BIOS by pressing F2 or the dedicated key on your device.
  9. Go to the BIOS update section, and select the file from your flash drive to start the update.
  10. Wait for the process to finish.

Back up your important files to an external device before performing a BIOS update. Before using this solution, verify the version of your BIOS firmware, and make sure to download a later version. Once done, the BSOD Power Watchdog Timeout error will be fixed.

The WIN32K POWER WATCHDOG TIMEOUT is an error affecting many Windows users, but you should be able to fix it with our solutions.

Give us a comment below and let us know if they have proven helpful in solving this Windows error.

This article covers:Topics: