Your PC restarts with a blue screen and the error code DRIVER_PNP_WATCHDOG. It means a driver didn't respond in time, often for storage (SSD or hard drive), after an update or after a BIOS change. These steps usually fix it.
Simple steps first
- Restart the PC and unplug all external devices (USB sticks, docks, external drives).
- Install all updates via Settings > Windows Update, including optional updates for drivers. See update drivers in Windows 11.
- Update the chipset and storage drivers from your PC or motherboard manufacturer's website.
Repair Windows
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
chkdsk C: /fThen restart the PC.
Does the error come back?
- Undo a recent change: remove a recent update via Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates, or go back to a restore point.
- BIOS settings: did you change the storage mode (for example AHCI or RAID)? Change it back.
- Update the BIOS through the manufacturer.
- Volume Shadow Copy service: check in services.msc that it isn't disabled.
- Safe mode: start in safe mode via Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup to remove a driver.
Last resort
If nothing helps, the SSD may be failing. Back up your files and test the drive with the manufacturer's tool. Then you can reset Windows 11. Also see the most useful CMD commands.
Nederlandstalige versie: Het blauwe scherm DRIVER_PNP_WATCHDOG oplossen in Windows 11
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