Windows is a relatively stable and easy-to-use operating system, but it isn’t immune to random bugs and glitches over time. Sometimes, you might break something without realising it and send your computer crashing into a BSoD.
In this article, we’re looking at the PDC Watchdog Timeout error and giving you a few fixes to solve the problem.
What causes the PDC Watchdog Timeout error?
PDC Watchdog Timeout is a bug check with a value of 0x0000014F. This might seem like gibberish to you, but it indicates that a system component, hardware or software failed to respond within a specific time period which further prevented the system from doing a particular task.
While this doesn’t indicate a massive problem, the cause of the error can be anything from a corrupt driver to damaged RAM modules.
Also read: What is SCMS-T? All you need to know
How to fix this?
Here are a few simple fixes you can try to resolve the PDC Watchdog Timeout error.
Restart your PC
At times, something as simple as restarting your computer can fix seemingly random issues, including BSODs and any booting errors you might run into. If you see this error, try restarting first to see if Windows can work the problem out on its own (it usually does).
Update your BIOS
Updating your BIOS is also a good idea if you’re running into this error. However, keep in mind that updating the BIOS differs greatly depending upon the make and model of your PC’s motherboard, so be sure to consult with an expert if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Also read: SCP permission denied: 3 Fixes
Update the drivers
Since the leading cause of this error is your device driver failing, updating the driver at fault is the best shot at fixing the problem.
Step 1: Right-click Start and select Device Manager from the menu.
Step 2: Locate the driver you want to update, right-click on it and click on Update Drivers.
Step 3: Click on Search automatically for drivers. Windows will then automatically look for and download the latest drivers for your hardware.
While this should help resolve the PDC Watchdog Timeout error, in case it doesn’t, click Uninstall device and restart your PC to force Windows to install the required drivers. You can then update them later.
Run the Windows hardware troubleshooter
Windows comes with a few handy troubleshooters that can resolve a bunch of issues. However, for some reason, Microsoft has removed the hardware troubleshooter from the troubleshooter’s menu. So here’s an alternative way to run the hardware troubleshooter.
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run prompt. Type cmd and hit enter.
Step 2: Type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic and press enter. This will launch the hardware troubleshooter.
Proceed along as instructed by the troubleshooter.
Also read: What is msixvc? How to delete it?
Run an SFC Scan
Corrupt files can be the reason your PC might behave weirdly. Here’s how you can get rid of them and potentially resolve your issue.
Step 1: Press Windows Key + S to bring up the Cortana/Search box and search for Powershell. Open Windows Powershell from the search results.
Step 2: Type sfc /scannow to scan your system for issues.
Step 3: If the SFC scan finds any problems, use the following command to resolve them.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart your PC, and the PDC Watchdog Timeout error should be resolved.
Run the Check Disk utility
Corrupt or bad sectors on the storage drive can also cause these issues. Run the Check Disk utility to ensure your storage drive is alright.
You can refer to our detailed guide here on how to run the check disk utility.
Also read: How to fix the ‘It looks like we don’t support this file format’ error?
Run the Windows Memory Diagnostics tool
If your RAM is seated properly but is failing, it can trigger this error. Follow these steps to check if there’s an issue with your RAM.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Windows Memory Diagnostics. Then, click the corresponding search result.
Step 2: Run the tool and click the Restart now button to check for problems.
Try running the auto-troubleshoot to resolve the PDC Watchdog Timeout error if you see some issues.
Repair your system
If nothing else works, the best way to get rid of the error is by simply reinstalling or repairing your OS.
The Windows Media Creation tool is a great way to install Windows and repair the OS. Using this, you can perform a clean installation or repair your OS without affecting your data.
You can download the Media Creation Tool here
Also read: What is ‘Fixing (C:) Stage 1’? 4 fixes
