How to fix
0x00000133 BSOD
on Windows

Hello. My Windows PC keeps crashing with 0x00000133 BSOD. What do I do?

The 0x00000133 error, also known as DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION, is a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)[ref en-1] error that can occur in Windows operating systems. This error indicates that the system's watchdog timer, which is in charge of monitoring and detecting problems with Deferred Procedure Call (DPC) routines, has detected a violation or timeout. This error usually indicates a problem with a driver or a hardware component.

BSOD errors, such as the 0x00000133 error, can have serious consequences for users and their machines. For starters, encountering a BSOD error can result in unexpected system crashes, resulting in the loss of unsaved work and disrupted workflows. The unexpected shutdown can be aggravating, especially for users who are working on critical tasks or projects. Furthermore, BSOD errors can disrupt network connectivity, resulting in a temporary disconnect from online services or communication platforms.

BSOD errors can indicate underlying hardware or software issues that require attention from a machine's perspective. These errors serve as indicators of potential issues with the system's drivers,[ref en-2] memory modules, or other components. These issues, if not addressed, can cause further instability, system failures, or even hardware damage.

To resolve the 0x00000133 BSOD error, there are several potential solutions available. Troubleshooting steps may involve updating or reinstalling problematic drivers, running hardware diagnostic tests, checking for system overheating, or performing system file integrity checks. In this guide, you will find 6 steps that should help you fix 0x00000133 BSOD in Windows.

Solution 1. Fix Corrupted System Files

Use Command Prompt commands to repair system file corruption:

• Open Command Prompt as administrator
• Use the following command and press Enter:
  sfc /scannow

• Reboot your system
• If SFC returned an error, then use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Solution 2. Update Drivers

Outdated drivers could be the cause of this issue. In this case, you can fix it automatically by using [rev id="DriverFix"], which will scan your PC for missing and out-of-date device drivers. Or you can update them manually:

• Open Settings.
• Click on Update & Security.
• Click on Windows Update.
• Click the Check for updates button.
• Click the View optional updates option.
• Click the Driver updates tab.
• Select the driver you want to update.
• Click the Download and install button.

If the View optional updates link is not available after checking for updates, then Windows Update does not have any new drivers or any updates for other products at that particular time.

Solution 3. Reinstall Display Driver

• Open the Start menu and search for Device Manager.
• Click on the Device Manager app that appears in the search results.
• In the Device Manager window, expand the Display adapters category.
• Right-click on the display driver and select Uninstall device.

• Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
• After uninstalling the display driver, it is recommended to restart your computer.
• Open a web browser and navigate to the website of your computer's display driver manufacturer. Common examples include NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel.
• Look for a Support or Drivers section on the manufacturer's website. 
• Search for the appropriate display driver for your specific graphics card model and the operating system you are using. Make sure to download the driver version that matches your hardware and operating system version.
• Click on the download link for the driver file.
• Proceed with the installation process.

Solution 4. Run a Malware Scan

It is possible that a malware infection may be the cause of 0x00000133 BSOD in Windows. It is important to run a comprehensive security scan to rule out this possibility and ensure that the computer is not infected. This can help to prevent further issues with the Windows operating system and ensure that it is functioning properly.

If you have access to a security scanner, or if your organization pays for one, you can use it to scan your entire system to check for a virus infection. Otherwise, you can use Windows Defender to scan your system:

• Click on the Windows Start menu or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
• Type Microsoft Defender in the search bar and click on Microsoft Defender Antivirus to open the application.
• Click on the Virus & threat protection option in the left-hand menu.
• Click on the Quick scan or Full scan option, depending on your preference.

• If you choose Quick scan, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will scan the most vulnerable and commonly infected areas of your computer.
• If you choose Full scan, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will scan your entire computer, including all files, folders, and programs.
• Click on the Scan now button to start the selected scan type and wait for the scan to complete.
• The time it takes will depend on the size of your hard drive and the number of files being scanned.
• Once the scan is complete, you will be informed of any detected threats, and you can choose to quarantine or remove them.
• If no threats are found, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will inform you that your device is secure.

Solution 5. Use System Restore

System Restore is a feature in Microsoft Windows that allows users to revert their computer's state to a previous point in time. This can be helpful if you have made changes to your system that are causing problems.

• Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run box.
• Type SystemPropertiesProtection and press Enter.
• Go to the System Protection tab.

• You will see the System Restore… button. Click it to run System Restore.
• Follow the prompts until you can select a restore point.
• Select the one you want (ideally before the issue started occurring) and go ahead with the process.

Solution 6. Run a System Repair Tool

[d1] is a tool that is designed to diagnose and fix problems with a computer's operating system. It can effectively troubleshoot and repair system errors, BSODs, corrupted files, registry[ref en-3] issues, and other problems that can cause a computer to perform poorly or become unresponsive. Additionally, it can automatically clear cookies and cache which are often the cause of many malfunctions.

To identify and repair problems, the tool performs a scan of the system and replaces or repairs any damaged or corrupted files and other issues that it finds. While many users have reported that it is effective at fixing certain types of computer problems, it is important to note that it is not a guaranteed solution and may not work for all issues.