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FIX: Synthetic_watchdog_timeout blue screen in Windows 10/11

5 min. read

Updated onApril 22, 2024

updated onApril 22, 2024

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Key notes

The Synthetic Watchdog TimeoutBSODerror in Windows 10 frequently occurs when the system is idle or playing games. This error usually occurs when the specified processor is not processing interrupts.

This error is triggered when the processor is unable to continue the processing tasks because its resources are occupied, resulting in a deadlock. When the system is in the deadlock state, it will hang or freeze, resulting in ablue screen of death.

The error Synthetic Watchdog Timeout can occur due to a glitchy Windows update, outdated drivers, or even issues with the peripherals.

In this article, we have listed a few troubleshooting steps to help you determine the cause and fix the Synthetic Watchdog Timeout error in Windows 10.

How do I fix the Synthetic Watchdog Timeout error?

1. Update outdated drivers with professional software

Missing or outdated system drivers can trigger theblue screen of deatherror. To fix the problem, try updating the system drivers using aspecialized driver updater.

These tools allow you to update all your drivers with one click and enjoy better gaming and overall system performance. With huge databases of drivers, you can fix missing and outdated drivers in no time.

2. Install pending Windows updates

After the restart, check if the Synthetic Watchdog Timeout Hyper-V error is resolved.

Several users have reported the error to have occurred due to an undisclosed bug in the OS that was fixed with a KB update. If you encounter an issue after installing a Windows update, try to install any KB update that is available.

3. Rollback to the previous version of Windows

If the error is triggered after installing a Windows update, you can back to the previous Windows within ten days of installing the update. After 10 days, the Get started button is greyed out, and you would have to rollback manually if required.

4. Repair Windows 10 image with DISM command

If the tool is stuck at 20 or 40 percent, do not exit or turn off your computer, as it is a normal behavior. After a few minutes, the process will complete successfully.

If the issue persists, run the system file checker tool to scan the system files for corruption and repair them automatically.

Run System File Checker tool

Once the fix is applied, reboot the computer. After the restart, check if the Synthetic Watchdog Timeout Windows 10 error is resolved.

5. Update BIOS

Check bios version

Start the update process

If you are using a laptop, you can download the latest BIOS version using the OEM system utility software.

Lenovo offers the Vantage utility to help users keep their systems up to date. You can also download the latest version of BIOS from the laptop’s OEM website.

For a custom-built PC, visit the motherboard manufacturer website to download the latest BIOS version for your system. You can refer to our detailed guide on how toupdate BIOS on Windows 10for more details.

If updating the system BIOS did not fix the problem, check for hardware issues.

Consider using a third-partyBSoDrepair softwareto help you diagnose and fix the problem automatically.

6. Check for hardware issues

One of the common reasons for theblue screen of deatherror is faulty hardware or outdated driver.

If you had recently added a new piece of hardware to your computer, such as upgrading your RAM or adding a USB device, check if the device is triggering the error.

Remove the connected USB device and reboot the computer. After the restart, check if theblue screen of deatherror occurs.

If the issue persists, check for internal hardware issues. Faulty RAM slots are also a known cause ofBSODerrors. Empty your primary or secondary RAM slot and reboot the computer to diagnose the problem.

The Synthetic Watchdog Timeout error usually occurs due to a buggy Windows update or hardware issues. Follow all the steps in this article one by one to diagnose and fix the problem quickly.

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

FIX: Synthetic_watchdog_timeout blue screen in Windows 10/11#

How do I fix the Synthetic Watchdog Timeout error?#

1. Update outdated drivers with professional software#

2. Install pending Windows updates#

3. Rollback to the previous version of Windows#

4. Repair Windows 10 image with DISM command#

5. Update BIOS#

6. Check for hardware issues#