DPC (Deferred Procedure Call) latency issues: Let’s tackle how it affects Windows systems. If DPC latency gets too high, you might face annoying problems like audio issues, system freezing, or even the dreaded blue screen of death. A usual suspect is the storport.sys driver, which is Microsoft’s Storage Port driver. It helps your computer talk to storage devices like hard drives and SSDs. This guide is all about fixing those pesky high DPC latency issues linked to storport.sys in Windows 11 or 10.
Also see: How to fix game stuttering on Windows 11
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What’s the deal with storport.sys and high latency?
Before getting into fixes, let’s understand what storport.sys is and why it might be causing high DPC latency. The storport.sys is part of Microsoft’s magic that talks to SATA and NVMe storage devices in Windows. If it’s having a bad day, it can slow down how fast your computer deals with hardware signals, causing problems like bad audio, freezing, or even a blue screen.
Common issues you might notice:
- Audio acting weird: Sounds might crackle or pop.
- The computer just freezes: Sometimes, it won’t respond for a while.
- Blue screen of death (BSoD): The worst-case scenario, a total crash with error codes like “WDF_Violation”.
- Apps running slow: You might see delays in games or other software.
Fixing storport.sys high DPC latency
Fixing high DPC latency from storport.sys often comes down to tweaking storage drivers or settings. By understanding how your computer’s guts work together, you can often sort things out without too much drama.
1. Switching from RAID to AHCI or NVME in BIOS:
Lots of computers start in RAID mode for extra performance or safety. But not all systems need RAID, and sometimes it messes with performance, causing high DPC latency with storport.sys. Switching to AHCI or NVME, better modes for SATA drives, can help fix these issues.
Heads up: Changing from RAID to AHCI might stop Windows from booting. If that happens, you might need to reinstall Windows. So, make sure you save your important stuff first.
Step 1: Save your important stuff
Always back up important data before you mess with BIOS or UEFI settings, to avoid losing everything if Windows won’t start again.
Step 2: Get into BIOS/UEFI settings
- Restart your PC.
- As it starts, hit the key to get into BIOS/UEFI settings. This key varies, but look for messages like “Press [key] to enter setup” when you start up.
Step 3: Find storage settings
- Once in BIOS/UEFI, look for storage settings. These might be under names like “SATA Configuration” or “Integrated Peripherals“.
Step 4: Switch the mode
- Find where it talks about SATA drive modes, probably labeled “SATA Mode“.
- Switch it from “RAID” to “AHCI” or “NVME“.
Step 5: Save and restart
- Save your changes and restart. If Windows doesn’t start, you might need to reinstall it. That’s why backing up is so important.
After you switch from RAID to AHCI, you might run into boot issues. If that happens, a fresh Windows install is your next step. Remember, saving your stuff first is key.
2. Update or uninstall Intel Rapid Storage Technology:
Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST) helps manage SATA drives, especially in RAID setups. But sometimes, it can cause lag, leading to high DPC latency. Here’s how to fix problems with Intel RST.
Step 1: See if you have Intel RST
First, check if your PC even has Intel RST installed.
- Open “Control Panel”.
- Look under “Programs and Features” for “Intel Rapid Storage Technology” or something similar.
Step 2: Update Intel RST
If you have Intel RST:
- Visit Intel’s website.
- Find the latest “Intel Rapid Storage Technology” drivers and download them.
- Install the new drivers and restart your PC.
Step 3: Maybe get rid of Intel RST
If updating doesn’t help, or you don’t need Intel RST’s features:
- Go back to “Control Panel” > “Programs and Features”.
- Find “Intel Rapid Storage Technology” and uninstall it.
- Restart your PC.
Remember: Intel RST can help with performance and safety on older systems or those using RAID. But if you’re not using RAID, it might not be that useful. Think it over before uninstalling.
3. Turn off VMD Controller in BIOS/UEFI:
For some PCs, especially with NVMe SSDs on Intel platforms, the VMD (Volume Management Device) controller can cause high DPC latency. Here’s how to fix it.
Step 1: Back up again
Always back up important stuff before tweaking BIOS or UEFI settings, to keep your data safe.
Step 2: Enter BIOS/UEFI settings
- Restart and hit the key for BIOS/UEFI settings as you boot up.
Step 3: Find the VMD Controller setting
- In BIOS/UEFI, look for PCIe/Storage settings.
- Find the option for “VMD Controller” and turn it off.
Step 4: Save and reboot
- Save your changes and restart. If you run into issues, check your backups.
Note: Not every PC has VMD settings. This tip is more for newer Intel setups with NVMe SSDs. Make sure it applies to your system before changing anything.
Wrapping things up
High DPC latency is a drag, causing delays, freezes, or crashes, often due to storport.sys in Windows 10/11. The tips here—like switching SATA modes, dealing with Intel RST, and tweaking BIOS settings—can help many folks.
But note that, every computer is unique. What helps one might not work for another. Always save your data before making big changes, and if you’re not sure, ask someone who knows their stuff.
