The most common cause of this issue is an outdated or incompatible driver, but it can also be triggered by corrupted system files, problematic Windows updates, or issues with the hard disk. Before moving on with the solutions provided here, please have a good look and understanding of our article on common blue screen errors.
Solution 1: Change SATA Controller Settings in BIOS
The BIOS is the part of your computer that ensures all the system’s components can communicate. When dealing with a Driver PNP Watchdog error, one key thing to check is the BIOS settings. Often, the problem lies with the SATA controller setting. Changing it from AHCI to IDE can resolve the issue by improving how the system talks to the device. This adjustment can fix the error because AHCI may not always be compatible with certain devices or drivers, while IDE is a more universally accepted setting that can smooth out communication conflicts. Restart the system and check if the Driver PNP Watchdog error BSOD has been resolved.
Solution 2: Check Volume Shadow Copy Service
The Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) helps your computer create backups or copies of data to keep it safe. If VSS isn’t working right, it can lead to errors like the ‘DRIVER PNP WATCHDOG’ stop code, which happens when your system struggles to manage hardware drivers. Restart your computer to check if it is clear of the Driver PNP Watchdog error.
Solution 3: Run a Full System Scan
Viruses and malware can cause the Driver PNP Watchdog error as they can affect any important file/service required by the system to communicate with any hardware device. Therefore, you should scan your PC for viruses and malware to remove them. You can either use Windows’ built-in antivirus, Windows Defender, or any third-party antivirus as per your liking. After restarting the system, check if the Driver PNP Watchdog error has been resolved.
Solution 4: Reset Windows Update-Related Services
System Services are components required by the system to function properly, and if any service is faulty, the system can throw multiple errors, including BSOD errors. The Driver PNP Watchdog error BSOD can also occur due to a faulty service. Tweaking some required services can solve the problem. Restart the system and check if the Driver PNP Watchdog error BSOD has been resolved. If not, move to the next solution.
Solution 5: Run the Windows Updates Troubleshooter
Windows Update is known to create BSOD if it fails to perform a particular operation. Troubleshooting Windows Update is a major step when dealing with BSOD errors. Windows 10 has several built-in troubleshooters, and Windows Updates Troubleshooter is one of them. Running it to troubleshoot Windows Update may solve our problem. Restart your system and check if the Driver PNP Watchdog BSoD problem has been resolved.
Solution 6: Reset the PC to Its Default Settings
Windows 10 allows its users to reset their OS to its factory settings. All the applications, drivers, and services that did not come with the computer will be uninstalled, and all changes made by the user to the system’s settings and preferences are nullified. As for the user’s files and data stored on the computer, the user will be prompted to choose whether to keep them or remove them while resetting the computer. Hopefully, you have solved the problem and are using your PC normally. If you are still having the same Driver PNP Watchdog error BSOD, then you may have a faulty disk drive or a faulty motherboard. To check your disk drive, replace it with another drive and try the above methods with the replaced drive. If you are still experiencing the Driver PNP Watchdog error BSOD, it is very likely a motherboard issue; for that, you should take your system to a service center.
