What Does the WDF_Violation Error Mean?

In Windows, WDF violation falls under a special category of blue screen of death (BSOD) bugs called “Stop code” errors. You can identify each one of them by a unique hexadecimal code (base 16) starting with 0x, followed by a string of eight different characters. Based on this format, WDF violation stop code has a value of 0x0000010D. This specifically refers to the Kernel Mode Driver Framework (KMDF) detecting an error in a framework-based driver. KMDF in Windows is primarily concerned with plug and play applications, memory access, and power management (hence, the failed startups and blank screens due to WDF violation). In order to troubleshoot this unique bluescreen error, proceed as shown here.

1. Uninstall Recent Updates and Any Latest Software

If you discovered the WDF violation issue after a specific update to your Windows device, you’re possibly dealing with incompatible files and drivers that need to be uninstalled along with the update/software. As you may be encountering a black screen, you’ll have to restart the device in “Safe mode”. There are two distinct ways to do that:

Initiate Safe Mode

Remove Recent Updates/Apps

2. Use Different Windows Recovery Environment (RE) Options

Whether or not you were able to regain access to your regular Windows desktop after uninstalling the updates/programs in “Safe mode”, the Windows Recovery Environment (RE) offers everything you need to fix the device issues.

Startup Repair

System Restore

From the above “Advanced options” menu, you can also choose “System restore”. It is a very handy tool to recover any PC errors due to recent file corruptions. The aim here is to return your device to an earlier state of configuration where the recent errors were absent. To perform “System restore” using a previous restore point on your device, follow this detailed guide.

Factory Image Restore

The WDF violation error should not resurface after a “Startup repair” or “System restore”. But in case you are still encountering this error, there is a last option called “Factory image restore.” This setting can also be accessed from the solution blue screen under “Troubleshoot.” Note: before performing factory image restore, it is advisable to have your device repaired by a competent and authorized person. That said, if you’re encountering any problems due to this lengthy procedure, just turn off your laptop or PC using the “Power” button. Each PC or laptop has its own unique support assist program to help you go back to the device factory settings. If you’re doing this procedure on your own, be patient as the entire process can consume many hours or even a few days. The factory image restore, as name suggests, is the nuclear option and you should not use it for casual bugs but only persistent, long-term system errors. If you had migrated from Windows 10 to Windows 11 on your computer, the factory image restore will again downgrade it to Windows 10.

3. Using WinDbg Commands

There can be many causes of WDF violation, such as power state failure, fatal CPU errors, and framework-based driver issues. According to Microsoft, one of the best ways to solve the problem is to use a diagnostics tool called WinDbg which can be downloaded here for Windows 11 and Windows 10. The full installation details of WinDbg have been covered in this tutorial, which does not take very long.

Use !Analyze

Note: It is not safe to manually uninstall System32 drivers like ntdll.dll as they are used in booting, display, and other essential PC operations. Also don’t ever download them from DLL download websites unless you wish to experiment with viruses! The best way to replace a corrupted ntdll.dll or similar Windows update errors is to run DISM command line in administrator mode.

Parameter Analysis

4. Using BlueScreenView Freeware Tool

If you don’t want to learn WinDbg or its commands, there is a relatively easy diagnostics freeware tool called BlueScreenView which gives an exact picture of blue screen errors including WDF violation. You can download its Zip file and run the executable directly, or do a proper installation on your Windows 10/11 PC. The software has been tested malware-free. Image credit: Flickr | All screenshots by Sayak Boral