FIX: ATTEMPTED_SWITCH_FROM_DPC error in Windows 10

Searching for drivers on your own can be time-consuming. So, we advise you to use a tool that will do this for you automatically.

Using an automatic driver updater will certainly save you from the hassle of searching for drivers manually, and it will always keep your system up to date with the latest drivers.

Driverfix will help you update drivers automatically and prevent PC damage caused by installing the wrong driver versions.

4. Run the SFC scan

1. Right-click on the Start Menu button, and open Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Type the following line, and press Enter: sfc/scannow
3. Wait until the process is done (it may take a while).
4. If the solution is found, it will automatically be applied.
5. Now, close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

If the troubleshooter failed to resolve the problem, we’re going to run the SFC scan. This is a command-line tool that scans your system for potential issues, and resolves them, if possible.

So, it might be helpful with the ATTEMPTED_SWITCH_FROM_DPC error, as well.

5. Run DISM

1. Right-click Start and open Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Paste the following command and press Enter:
   • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
3. Wait until the scan is finished.
4. Restart your computer and try updating again.

• With the Windows installation media

1. Insert your Windows installation media.
2. Right-click the Start menu and, from the menu, choose the Command Prompt (Admin).
3. In the command line, type the following commands and press Enter after each:
   • dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth
   • dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
4. Now, type the following command and press Enter:
   • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /source:WIM:X:SourcesInstall.wim:1 /LimitAccess
5. Make sure to change an X value with the letter of the mounted drive with Windows 10 installation.
6. After the procedure is finished, restart your computer.

Deployment Image Servicing and Management is a command-line utility that reloads the system image. Reloading the system image can eliminate various problems, including the BSOD errors.

We walked you through both the standard and the procedure that utilizes the installation media as above explained.

6. Uninstall the problematic drivers

1. Press Windows Key + X to open Power User Menu. Select Device Manager from the list.
   
2. When Device Manager opens, locate the problematic driver and right click it. Choose Uninstall from the menu.
   
3. If available, select Delete driver software for this device and click OK.
   
4. After the driver is uninstalled, restart your PC.

In some cases, certain drivers just aren’t compatible with Windows 10, and the only solution is to remove them completely.

Users reported that Qualcomm Atheros or all-in-one card reader drivers can cause ATTEMPTED_SWITCH_FROM_DPC error to appear, so be sure to uninstall these drivers.

After uninstalling the problematic drivers, Windows 10 will automatically install the default driver, and you can continue using it if your device is working well, or you can try and find the newer version of the driver.

7. Uninstall the problematic applications

If a certain application isn’t fully compatible with Windows 10 that can cause Blue Screen of Death error such as ATTEMPTED_SWITCH_FROM_DPC.

According to users, tools such as WiseCleaner can cause these types of errors, so you might have to remove them in order to fix this problem.

In addition, many users reported that BitRaider is the common cause for this BSoD error, and in order to fix it, you’ll have to completely disable BitRaider.

Few users also reported that Acronis software can sometimes cause these types of errors, but you can easily fix this problem by updating to the latest version of the Acronis software.

Another common cause for these types of errors can be your antivirus software, and according to the users, the only solution is to remove all third-party antivirus programs.

Bear in mind that removing the antivirus programs might not fix this issue since many antivirus programs tend to leave certain files behind once you uninstall them.

To completely remove an antivirus program, we strongly advise using its dedicated removal tool like IObit Uninstaller.

⇒ Get IObit Uninstaller

8. Disconnect your DVD drive

Several users reported that they managed to fix ATTEMPTED_SWITCH_FROM_DPC error by disconnecting their DVD drive.

Disconnecting your DVD drive might not be the most elegant solution, but it’s a solid workaround according to users.

Just to be sure, you can also try replacing your DVD drive, in case your current one is faulty.

9. Slow down your SSD drive

Few users reported that ATTEMPTED_SWITCH_FROM_DPC error can be caused by your SSD. According to the users, it seems that Windows 10 has certain issues with fast SSDs, and the only solution is to slow down your SSD.

Users reported problems with Samsung SSD, and by using the Samsung Magician Software they managed to slow down their drive a bit and fix this BSoD error.

ATTEMPTED_SWITCH_FROM_DPC Blue Screen of Death error can be problematic, and since this error is usually caused by a faulty driver or some minor hardware issue, it can be easily fixed by using one of our solutions.

We hope that these recommendations from our list were helpful. For more suggestions, please access the comments section below.

FAQ: Learn more about the ATTEMPTED SWITCH FROM DPC error

• What is the ATTEMPTED SWITCH FROM DPC error?

The ATTEMPTED SWITCH FROM DPC error is a BSoD error that can be caused by many possible hardware and software problems. However, most often causes originate from the DVD drive or the SSD drive.

•  How can I solve the ATTEMPTED SWITCH FROM DPC error?

First, try to update Windows 10 and all your drivers, then, run the hardware troubleshooter. If nothing works, follow our step-by-step guide to fix this error.

DPC is an acronym for Deferred Procedure Call, a Windows mechanism that allows high-priority tasks to defer required but lower-priority tasks for later execution. The most common problem with DPC is the DPC Watchdog Violation.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in June 2016 and was revamped and updated in February 2021 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.