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Got a "clock watchdog timeout" blue screen? How do I fix and stop this from re-occuring?

Anna Rya 135 Reputation points
2024-04-09T01:10:53.5633333+00:00

Around and hour ago my laptop froze and I got a blue screen with the stop code "clock watchdog timeout". I didn't think it'd be a big deal until the percentage wouldn't move from 0%? It was stuck on 0% for 10-15 minutes while I was on my phone searching for the best way to handle this and just decided to turn off my laptop by pressing the power button.

After my laptop turned back on I checked if I had any missing updates, which I didn't, and then I did the Window's memory diagnostic which also said I didn't have any problems.

I'd like to know what caused this to happen, how to fix it, and how I can stop this from re-occurring again. And I'm not sure what exactly caused this as I was just using firefox normally, without anything in the background either.

From what I've searched and gathered, I think my BIOS has something to do with it? I'm not tech savvy so I'm not exactly sure how or why, but here is my System information if it's needed.

Screenshot 2024-04-08 200335

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Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | User experience | Other
Answer accepted by question author
  1. Wesley Li 11,570 Reputation points
    2024-04-09T07:29:14.2166667+00:00

    Hello

    CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT error is a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error that occurs in Windows systems. It usually indicates a problem with the processor or CPU.

    [Bug Check 0x101 CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT - Windows drivers | Microsoft Learn](https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flearn.microsoft.com%2Fen-us%2Fwindows-hardware%2Fdrivers%2Fdebugger%2Fbug-check-0x101---clock-watchdog-timeout&data=05%7C02%7Cwesleyl%40wicresoft.com%7C4f7beb1b0af44f37ea6e08dc586397a3%7Cb2ae8dd9097749768706861b488b1512%7C0%7C0%7C638482432000281984%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=46Tr4gCJtXhskhhVKsvkzn%2FvhFtWF5mv7v%2BfjL2j1fs%3D&reserved=0"原始 URL: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/debugger/bug-check-0x101---clock-watchdog-timeout。如果你信任此链接, 请单击或点击。")

    In addition to checking for updates and memory diagnostics, you can take the following steps to troubleshoot and resolve this error:

    1.Check Hardware Connections:

    Ensure that all hardware components (CPU, RAM, GPU, etc.) are properly seated in their respective slots.

    Re-seat the CPU if necessary.

    2.Update Drivers:

    Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause this error. Update your chipset drivers, graphics drivers, and other relevant drivers.

    Use Windows Update to check for driver updates.

    3.Check for Overheating:

    Overheating can lead to system instability. Monitor your CPU temperature using tools like HWMonitor or Core Temp.

    Clean the CPU cooler and ensure proper airflow within the case.

    4.BIOS Update:

    Update your motherboard’s BIOS to the latest version. Check the manufacturer’s website for instructions.

    5.Check for Hardware Issues:

    Test your CPU using tools like Prime95 or Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool.

    6.Check Power Supply Unit (PSU):

    A faulty PSU can cause instability. Make sure your PSU is functioning correctly.

    Consider replacing it if necessary.

    7.Disable Overclocking:

    If you’ve overclocked your CPU, revert to default clock speeds and see if the error persists.

    8.Check for Malware:

    Run a full system scan using Windows Defender or a reliable third-party antivirus program.

    9.Check Event Viewer:

    Open Event Viewer and look for any critical or error events related to the CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT.

    Note down the details for further investigation.

    3 people found this answer helpful.

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  1. Ed Gerson 0 Reputation points
    2025-03-06T01:23:50.4733333+00:00

    Thank you. I was afraid to turn off computer, but I did and it rebooted w/o any sign of a prior problem. this still leaves unanswered as to WHY the Blue Screen happened in the 1st place. Very scary.

  2. Mike H 0 Reputation points
    2025-10-17T07:47:54.02+00:00

    My ASUS tower computer was online when suddenly it froze up. I pushed the power button for a few seconds to shut down, waited 30 seconds and then pushed the power button to start up. I then signed in and carried on with my work. When my work was done, I closed all the open apps and used Windows Defender to conduct a full virus scan in case something evil had invaded my machine. I came back after a few minutes and found the Stop Code message with a 0% restart status. I looked up this site and followed Anna Raya's advice - pushed the power button until the machine shut down, waited and then pushed it again to start up. My machine started up as usual. I signed in, opened a few apps to check operations - no problems and so I closed all the apps down and started another full scan. After over 2 million files scanned, 0 threats found and everything appears to be in order again.

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