Fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL: IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL (Windows)

The IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error, often indicated by a blue screen of death (BSOD) with the stop code 0x0000000A, is a common and often frustrating issue in Windows. It signifies that a kernel-mode process or driver attempted to access a memory address at an interrupt request level (IRQL) that was too high. Essentially, a piece of software or hardware is trying to do something it shouldn’t at a critical moment.

🧐 Causes

This error can stem from a variety of sources, but the most frequent culprits include:

• Faulty Hardware: This is a very common cause. Issues with RAM (memory modules), graphics cards, hard drives, or even other expansion cards can lead to this error.
• Corrupted or Incompatible Drivers: Outdated, misconfigured, or incompatible device drivers are a prime suspect. When a driver tries to interact with the system at an incorrect IRQL, this error can occur.
• Corrupted System Files: Critical Windows system files can become damaged due to disk errors, malware, or improper shutdowns, leading to instability and BSODs.
• Overclocking: Pushing your CPU, GPU, or RAM beyond their stable limits can cause memory corruption and trigger IRQL errors.
• Malware Infections: Malicious software can interfere with system processes and drivers, leading to memory access violations.
• New Hardware or Software Installation: Sometimes, a newly installed piece of hardware or software might not be compatible with your existing system, causing conflicts.

🔧 Fixes

Addressing the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error often requires a systematic approach to pinpoint the exact cause. Here are the most effective fixes:

• Check and Update Drivers: This is usually the first and most important step.
  • Go to Device Manager (search for it in the Windows search bar).
  • Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark, indicating a driver issue.
  • Right-click on the device and select “Update driver.” Choose to search automatically for drivers.
  • If that doesn’t work, visit the manufacturer’s website for your specific hardware (e.g., graphics card, motherboard) and download the latest drivers directly.
  • Consider using a driver uninstaller tool to completely remove problematic drivers before reinstalling them.
• Run a Memory Diagnostic: Faulty RAM is a very common cause.
  • Search for “Windows Memory Diagnostic” in the Windows search bar and open it.
  • Select “Restart now and check for problems (recommended).”
  • Your computer will restart and run a series of tests on your RAM. If errors are found, you’ll likely need to replace the faulty memory module(s).
• Check for Windows Updates: Ensure your Windows operating system is up-to-date. Microsoft often releases patches that can fix driver and system file issues.
  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
  • Click “Check for updates.”
• Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM: These tools can repair corrupted Windows system files.
  • Open Command Prompt as an administrator (search for “cmd,” right-click, and select “Run as administrator”).
  • Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Let the scan complete.
  • If SFC finds errors it cannot fix, run DISM: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  • Restart your computer after the scans are finished.
• Disable or Uninstall Recently Installed Software/Hardware: If the error started occurring after a new installation, try reverting those changes.
  • If it was software, uninstall the recently added program.
  • If it was hardware, physically remove it and see if the error persists.
• Undo Overclocking: If you’ve overclocked any components, revert them to their default settings in the BIOS/UEFI.
• Scan for Malware: Run a full system scan with your antivirus software.
• Check Disk for Errors:
  • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  • Type chkdsk /f /r and press Enter. You may be prompted to schedule the scan for the next reboot. Type ‘Y’ and press Enter.
  • Restart your computer.
• Clean Boot: This helps identify if a background application is causing the conflict.
  • Search for “System Configuration” and open it.
  • Go to the “Services” tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services,” and then click “Disable all.”
  • Go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager.” Disable all startup items.
  • Restart your computer. If the error is gone, you can re-enable services and startup items one by one to find the culprit.