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Driver PNP Watchdog: 9 Easy Fixes For Windows

7 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Did you get theBlue Screen of Death(BSoD) with the stop codeDriver PNP Watchdogerror? If so, don’t panic; this post is meant for you.

Windows users reported getting Driver PNP Watchdog error while installing Windows updates. During the process of updating their Windows 10 OS, the update is initiated and then freezes while displaying the BSoD with the Driver PNP Watchdog error.

Meanwhile, the reasons for this error include malware or viruses, damaged PC registries, outdated drivers, or faulty hard drives, among others.

If you are embattled with Driver PNP Watchdog error, youmay not be able to install important updatesbecause of the error. However, Windows Report will show you several methods on how to fix Driver PNP Watchdog error.

How can I fix the Driver PNP Watchdog error?

1. Repair PC Registry

Due to several issues,the system files may be corrupted leading to adamaged Windows registry. Although, sometimes the windows registry may be bloated thereby causing Driver PNP Watchdog error.

Therefore, you need to repair your Windows registry by using System File Checker (SFC). The System File Checker utility program authenticates the veracity of all system files and fixes files with problems when possible.

Here’s how to run an SFC scan on Windows 10:

In addition to running SFC Scan, you can alsouse DISMto fix Driver PNP Watchdog BSoD problem. Deployment Image Servicing and Management is a tool that is used to scan and resolve issues of corrupted system files as well.

Here’s how to run DISM in Windows:

Note: Ensure that you replaced the repair source path with your own.

2. Run Automatic Repair

You can also fix Driver PNP Watchdog BSoD by performing automatic repair. However, you may need to use Windows bootable installation DVD for this purpose.

Here’s what to do:

If the error still persists, we suggest you use professional software that automatically repairs the BSOD error for good. Using such dedicated software is safer in order to avoid any PC malfunction.

3. Run CHKDSK

Some Windows 10 users were able to fix Driver PNP Watchdog BSoD problem by performing CHKDSK on your hard drive.Unwanted files or folderswhich occupy your disk space can cause the Driver PNP Watchdog error as well; therefore, you need to free up your hard disk.

Here’s how to do this:

Further solutions to get rid of Driver PNP Watchdog error

4: Run a full system scan

Viruses and malware can cause the Driver PNP Watchdog error; therefore, you need to scan your Windows 10 PC for viruses and malware so as toremove them.

You can either use Windows’ built-in antivirusWindows Defenderor anythird-party antivirusto run a full system scan.

However, we do recommend that you use specialized software. This free tool will scan and remove malware that could be responsible for Driver PNP Watchdog error from your computer.

Once you download the software, install it and run the system scan. The software will detect any malfunctioning or suspicious activity on your device and deal with it accordingly.

Meanwhile, if you still get Driver PNP Watchdog error while running Windows update, you may proceed to the next solution.

5. Install Microsoft Hotfix

Several Windows users reported success in fixing Driver PNP Watchdog BSoD simply by installing Microsoft Hotfix as reported by some Windows users.

Here’s how to do this:

6. Run the Windows Updates troubleshooter

Windows 10 OS has several troubleshooters to fix several issues. Meanwhile, for the purpose of the Driver PNP Watchdog BSoD problem which takes place during Windows Update, we recommend that you use Windows Update troubleshooter.

The Windows Update troubleshooter, on the other hand, fixesissues arising from recent Windows updatesand it’s only available on Windows 10 PCs only.

Here’s how to run the troubleshooter:

If you still cannot fix the Driver PNP Watchdog BSoD problem after running the Windows Update troubleshooter, you may consider resetting your Windows 10 PC.

7. Update system drivers

Outdated system drivers can cause system errors and most especially Driver PNP Watchdog BSoD errors. Moreover, Driver PNP Watchdog error is related to ‘driver’; therefore, you may have to update all your system drivers without using Windows Update. This is because Driver PNP Watchdog BSoD problem emerges while running Windows Update.

To cut a long story short, you need to use third-party programs to update your ol’ system drivers. We strongly recommend a dedicated driver updater tool to automatically download all the outdated drivers on your PC. Using such a tool is time-saving and safer.

Thebest driver updater softwareautomate the whole process and come with additional optimization and restore features.

8. Reset this PC

This is an advanced recovery option thatreinstates your PC to its factory state. Here’s how to reset your Windows 10 PC:

9. Rerun Windows Update

There are instances where Windows Update process is halted or disrupted by the background process causing Driver PNP Watchdog BSoD problem.

Therefore, we recommend that you rerun the Windows update. In order to do this, restart your PC after getting Driver PNP Watchdog BSoD error, ensure your PC is connected to an uninterrupted power source before proceeding with Windows Update.

Follow these steps to run Windows update:

In conclusion, all of the solutions we mentioned above can potentially fix the Driver PNP Watchdog BSoD problem. Therefore, if you have any questions concerning the solutions we mentioned above. Let us know by commenting below.

You can see ourtroubleshooting BSoDs sectionsfor articles on other error codes that show when a Blue Screen of Death is displayed.

Make sure to visit the greatWindows 10 Errors Hubfor guides and troubleshooter on anything related to the latest Windows operating system.

Driver PNP Watchdog: 9 Easy Fixes For Windows#

How can I fix the Driver PNP Watchdog error?#

1. Repair PC Registry#

2. Run Automatic Repair#

3. Run CHKDSK#

Further solutions to get rid of Driver PNP Watchdog error#

4: Run a full system scan#

5. Install Microsoft Hotfix#

6. Run the Windows Updates troubleshooter#

7. Update system drivers#

8. Reset this PC#

9. Rerun Windows Update#