Clock Watchdog Timeout Error: Solved [13 Ways To Fix]

Here we will learn what is Clock Watchdog Timeout Error and understand various ways to fix the clock_watchdog_timeout error in Windows 10:

Every one of us faces errors daily, be it on our system or on other electronic devices. Therefore, one has to train himself/herself in dealing with such errors. Among the list of errors, the BSoD error is one of the most infamous and harmful errors.

In this article, we will discuss another infamous error called the clock watchdog timeout error. Besides explaining the error, we will also discuss the various ways to fix this error.

Clock Watchdog Timeout Error – Causes And Solutions

Computer users face numerous errors while working on their system and the most dangerous among these are the BSoD errors which are often referred to as Blue Screen of Death errors. In such a category of errors, the screen turns completely blue with the following message displayed:

“Your PC ran into a problem that it couldn’t handle, and now it needs to restart”

The users are completely confused regarding the actions they need to take to troubleshoot the error after it is displayed on the screen. There are various ways that can help users to restore the system and fix this error.

There are several errors that result in a BSoD error. In this article, we will discuss one such error called a clock watchdog timeout error.

Suggested reading => How to fix the System Service Exception in Windows

In the terminology, the clock refers to the CPU and the watchdog is referring to the device waiting for the output which can be monitored. The CPU allots a time to the process and when the system is unable to provide the output in the given set of time, then the deadline expires, and the system displays a clock watchdog error.

Causes of Clock Watchdog Error

There are numerous causes that can be a potential reason for the clock watchdog timeout Windows 10 error.

Some of the causes of this error are mentioned below:

#1) Outdated Firmware

The outdated firmware does not allow the device to function smoothly. And when the device is unable to function properly, it cannot complete the process within the given deadline.

#2) Updated Drivers

Sometimes the updates for the drivers may cause a bug in the driver, this may cause the device to function abnormally. The best way to fix such errors is to roll back the driver to the previous version.

#3) Hardware Issues

Most of the time user does not read all the details and just purchases a hardware component for their CPU and when the hardware cannot calibrate with other components, then a clock watchdog error occurs.

#4) Overclocking in the CPU

To attain faster output, sometimes the user increases the clocking or speed of the CPU from the BIOS settings and when the system cannot meet the specified clocking speed, then it can result in this error.

#5) System File Issues

There can be issues in the system files that might not allow the system to access the system files, and this may be the reason for the BSoD errors.

#6) Malware or Virus in the System

The presence of infected files or malware in the system can harm the important files, thereby affecting the efficiency of the system.

#7) Broken or Incomplete System Files

If some DLL files are missing on the system or some system files are incomplete, then a clock watchdog error can occur.

#8) Incompatible RAM

The companies set a limitation for the RAM (Random Access Memory) in the system and when the user plugs in the RAM which exceeds the limited value, then it can result in clock watchdog error.

Some Related Clock Watchdog Timeout Error

There are various sub-categories of this error that can result in a Blue Screen of Death Error.

Some of them are mentioned below:

1. Clock_Watchdog_Timeout-Ryzen: This error is caused by any update in the Ryzen and therefore can be fixed by rolling back the update.
2. Clock Watchdog Timeout HP, Lenovo, Intel, AMD: This error is caused due to an issue with the processor in the system, so it is advisable to check the processor.
3. Clock_Watchdog_Timeout -Overclock: This error is caused by manually overclocking the CPU and thus can be fixed by making changes in it.
4. Clock Watchdog Timeout RAM, GPU: This error occurs due to incompatible RAM or hardware devices in the system, which may result in system failure.
5. Clock Watchdog Timeout Windows 10, 8.1, Windows 7: There can be an error in the system files of Windows which can cause such an error, so it is best preferred to run a system file scan.

Also read =>> How to fix Unexpected Store Exception in Windows 10

Ways To Fix Clock_Watchdog_Timeout Error

Here are various ways to fix clock watchdog timeout error in windows 10:

#1) Update Drivers

The drivers are the main software that looks after the efficiency of the devices and their calibration with the system. And if there are any errors in the system, then drivers can be a sure reason for the same.

In such cases, the user can fix the error by updating the driver to the latest version available. And even after updating the driver, the user cannot fix the problem, then the user can try to roll back the driver to the previous version.

=> For detailed information visit the link – how to update Drivers 

#2) Update BIOS

The outdated BIOS version present on the system can be one of the main reasons for the error, so it is preferred for the user to update the BIOS. The user can download the latest version of the BIOS from the manufacturer’s website and then install it on the system.

Warning: Perform this method under expert guidance and read the manual carefully because if not performed correctly then this method can prove harmful.

[image source]

#3) Disable C1-E In BIOS

Many users have reported fixing clock watchdog timeout errors by simply disabling the C1-E settings in the BIOS. This fix can be performed very easily by navigating to processor settings in the BIOS and further disabling the C1 settings.

#4) Reset BIOS

This error can also occur due to changes made in the BIOS settings, so it is best preferred for the user to reset BIOS, which will revert back all the settings to the native form. So, a user can easily Reset the BIOS by entering the BIOS setup and selecting the “Restore Defaults” option, and click on “Yes” as shown in the image below.

[image source]

#5) Remove Over Clocking Feature

The over-clocking feature provides users with the permission to increase or decrease the clocking time of the CPU. The clocking time stands for the time taken by the CPU to complete a process. The overclocking can be harmful to the user’s system because it can make the system over-heat and can also harm the hardware, which can be harmful to the system.

It is best recommended for the users to open BIOS settings, navigate to CPU configuration, and hence make changes in the overclock option by increasing the frequency.

[image source]

#6) Update SSD Firmware

The user can update SSD firmware to fix the clock watchdog timeout error, but one has to be very careful and back up his/her data before updating the SSD firmware.

Follow the steps mentioned below to update the SSD Firmware:

#1) Visit the SSD company’s website and look for the firmware update as shown in the image below.

#2) Review the update and click on the ‘’Update’’ button as shown in the image below.

After the firmware is downloaded and updated, the clock watchdog timeout error will be fixed.

#7) Increase RAM

The major reason for the clock watchdog error is the slow working of the system, therefore, users are advised to shift to another RAM or increase the RAM on the system. There are various companies that provide high-quality and efficient working RAMs which can increase the efficiency of the system.

[image source]

#8) Update Windows

Windows monitors and manages various processes of the system. Whenever an error is encountered on the system, then Windows sends the error report to Microsoft and Microsoft works and adds the fix to the bug in their next updates.

So, it is best recommended to update Windows to the latest version, which can work as a fix to the error.

=> Steps to Update Windows

#9) Run SFC

Windows provide its users with the feature to fix the corrupt files on the system or even remove them from the system. This feature is known as System File Checker. A user can follow the steps mentioned here and perform the System File Checker scan on their system.

#10) Run Memtest/Windows Memory Diagnostic

One of the major reasons for the BSoD errors is the presence of bad memory in the system, the bad memory is referred to as the corrupted memory slots in the hardware memory.

Furter Reading => How to Fix Stop Code Memory Management BSOD Error

Follow the steps mentioned below to fix the clock watchdog timeout error:

#1) Press “Windows+ R” from the keyboard and search for “mdsched.exe” in the search bar and click on “OK” as shown in the image below.

#2) A dialog box will open. Click on “Restart now and check for problems (recommended)”.

#3) System will restart and a process will run as shown in the image below.

[image source]

The scan will look for all the bad memory present in the system and fix them.

#11) Run System Restore

Windows offer its users the feature to back up the data on the system by creating the system images. These images are the data stored on the system at the particular instant when the image is formed, and then later the user can restore the data from that image. This feature is called as System Restore.

A user can perform System Restore, fix this error, and can hence backup the data.

This can be done in two steps:

1. How to create a System Restore point?
2. How to perform System Restore at time of BSoD error?

Follow the steps mentioned here to restore the system to its earlier version.

#12) Troubleshoot in Clean Boot State

There are various files that load up in the boot memory when the system restarts, and this is referred to as the normal boot. But in the Clean boot, the user can restart the system by loading only necessary boot files in the memory.

For detailed information, visit the link -> Clean Boot

#13) Run Windows Troubleshooter

Windows provides its users with the feature to fix the BSoD error which is known as the “Blue Screen Troubleshooter”. Users can follow the steps mentioned below to fix this error:

#1) Open Settings, click on “Update & security” as shown in the image below.

#2) Click on the “Troubleshoot” option from the list of options present on the sidebar.

#3) Click on the “Blue Screen” option and further click on “Run the Troubleshooter” as shown in the image below.

#4) The troubleshooter will start looking for the possible threats of the Blue Screen of Death error.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q #1) How do I turn off overclocking my CPU?

Answer: The user can disable the overclocking in the CPU by opening the BIOS menu, then navigating to “CPU Configurations” and finally changing the CPU frequency to the “earlier values”.

Q #2) Can I turn off my computer during Blue Screen?

Answer: Yes, the user can turn off his/her computer during the Blue Screen error but it is best advised to let the process be completed and the crash dump info be created which can prevent further issues.

Q #3) Is watchdog a virus?

Answer: WatchDog.exe is a renowned process file popularly known as VLC Media Player. It is owned by the WatchDog application, which is developed by the VideoLAN Team. But the people with bad intentions create infected files with this name to harm the targeted systems.

Q #4) What does remove watchdog mean?

Answer: A watchdog timer is a timer present on the system which takes care of the system malfunctions and prevents the software from elapsing out before causing further harm to the system.

Q #5) How does the watchdog timer work?

Answer: When a user loads software, the system sets a watchdog timer on it and if the software is unable to respond within the watchdog timer limit, then the system will declare the software malfunction.

Conclusion

Dealing with errors is the most important skill that one has to grasp when he/she starts working on the system.

In this article, we discussed one such error called clock watchdog time out error and also talked about overclocking and watchdog. In the later part of the article, we discussed various ways to fix this error.

Further reading =>> How to fix the DPC Watchdog Violation error