The IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is a common error that occurs when a driver or system process tries to access a memory address it doesn’t have the proper permissions for. This error is usually caused by faulty drivers, incompatible software, or hardware issues. Fortunately, there are several methods to troubleshoot and resolve this error, so you can get your system back to normal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to fixing the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error in Windows 10 or 11.
What Causes the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL BSOD?
This BSOD can be triggered by several factors, including:
- Outdated or corrupted drivers.
- Faulty RAM or other hardware.
- Corrupt system files.
- Conflicting software, especially antivirus programs.
- Overclocking or misconfigured BIOS settings.
Let’s explore various methods to fix the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error.
Method 1: Update or Roll Back Drivers
Drivers are often the primary cause of the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error. It’s essential to ensure that all your drivers are up to date or, if the error began after a recent update, roll back to a previous version.
Step 1: Update Drivers
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark (which indicates an issue), especially in the Network adapters, Display adapters, and Audio devices categories.
- Right-click on the device and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
Step 2: Roll Back Drivers
If the error started after a recent driver update, you can roll back the driver:
- Right-click on the problematic device in Device Manager and select Properties.
- Go to the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to revert to the previous driver version.
Restart your computer and check if the BSOD issue is resolved.
Method 2: Run a Memory Diagnostic Test
Faulty RAM can also cause the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error. Running the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool will help detect any memory-related problems.
Step 1: Run Windows Memory Diagnostic
- Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
- Choose Restart now and check for problems.
- Your PC will restart, and the diagnostic tool will begin scanning for memory issues.
If the diagnostic tool finds memory problems, you may need to replace your RAM.
Method 3: Scan for Corrupted System Files with SFC and DISM
Corrupted system files can lead to various BSOD errors, including IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL. Using the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM tools can help identify and fix these files.
Step 1: Run SFC (System File Checker)
- Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
- In the terminal, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
- Wait for the scan to complete. If any corrupted files are found, SFC will repair them automatically.
Step 2: Run DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management)
If SFC doesn’t fix the problem, use the DISM tool to repair the system image:
- In the same terminal, enter the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Once the process is complete, restart your PC.
Method 4: Check for Disk Errors with CHKDSK
Hard drive errors can also cause the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL BSOD. Running a CHKDSK scan can help identify and repair these disk issues.
Step 1: Run CHKDSK
- Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
- In the terminal, type the following command and press Enter:
chkdsk C: /f /r
(Replace C: with the appropriate drive letter if necessary.)
- If prompted, press Y to schedule the disk check for the next restart.
After restarting, the CHKDSK scan will run, repairing any detected errors.
Method 5: Disable Overclocking or Reset BIOS Settings
If you’ve overclocked your system, this could lead to instability and BSOD errors. Disabling overclocking or resetting your BIOS settings to their default can help.
Step 1: Disable Overclocking
- Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (press the key shown during startup, usually F2, F12, Delete, or Esc).
- Look for the Overclocking or Performance tab.
- Disable any overclocking settings or set them to Default.
Step 2: Reset BIOS Settings to Default
- If you’re unsure about specific settings, you can reset the BIOS/UEFI to default:
- In the BIOS, look for the option Load Setup Defaults or Restore Defaults.
- Save the changes and exit.
Restart your PC and check if the BSOD issue is resolved.
Method 6: Uninstall Problematic Software
Certain software, especially third-party antivirus programs or system utilities, can interfere with system processes and cause BSOD errors.
Step 1: Uninstall Recently Installed Programs
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Apps > Apps & Features.
- Look for any software that was installed recently, or before the BSOD started, and click Uninstall.
Restart your PC after uninstalling the software and check if the issue is resolved.
Method 7: Perform a System Restore
If the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error started after a recent update or software installation, using System Restore can roll your PC back to an earlier, more stable state.
Step 1: Perform a System Restore
- Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.
- In the System Restore window, select a restore point from before the BSOD started.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your system.
Once the restore is complete, check if the BSOD issue persists.
Method 8: Reset Windows
If none of the above methods work, resetting Windows may resolve the issue. You can choose to keep your files or remove everything during the reset.
Step 1: Reset Your PC
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Update & Security > Recovery.
- Under Reset this PC, click Get started.
- Choose either Keep my files or Remove everything, and follow the prompts to reset Windows.
Conclusion
The IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL BSOD error in Windows 10 or 11 can be caused by faulty drivers, hardware issues, or corrupted system files. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can troubleshoot and fix the error.
Start with easier solutions like updating drivers and running diagnostic tools, and if needed, move on to more advanced options like performing a system restore or resetting Windows. With a systematic approach, you should be able to resolve the BSOD and restore your system’s stability.
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