Windows 10 is one of the most widely used operating systems globally, providing users with a versatile platform for various tasks. However, like any complex system, it can encounter problems—one of the most dreaded being the Blue Screen of Death (BSoD). Among these errors, the "IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL" error can be particularly frustrating. This error usually indicates that a driver is trying to access a memory address that it shouldn't, which can stem from various sources, including hardware issues, driver conflicts, or software bugs. In this article, we will provide you with comprehensive guidance to fix this error effectively.
Understanding the IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL Error
What Does IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL Mean?
The IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error is an indication that something has gone wrong with the system's handling of interrupt requests. An "IRQL" (Interrupt Request Level) is a number that indicates the priority of a device's request to access the CPU. When a driver or a program tries to access a memory address that it doesn't have the permission for, the operating system raises this error to prevent potential data corruption or crashes.
Common Causes of the Error
Before diving into solutions, it's essential to understand the potential causes:
- Faulty Drivers: Outdated or incompatible drivers can lead to this error.
- Corrupted System Files: Damaged files in Windows can disrupt the normal operations.
- Faulty RAM: Physical issues with the memory can also trigger this error.
- Malware Infection: Malicious software can corrupt drivers or system files.
- Software Conflicts: Newly installed programs may conflict with existing ones.
Initial Troubleshooting Steps
Before we move on to more complex solutions, let's start with some initial troubleshooting steps that can often resolve the error without needing extensive fixes.
1. Restart Your Computer
It might sound simplistic, but sometimes a simple restart can rectify many transient issues causing the BSoD error.
2. Boot in Safe Mode
Booting Windows in Safe Mode loads only essential drivers and services, which can help diagnose if third-party software or drivers are causing the problem. Here’s how to boot into Safe Mode:
- Step 1: Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog.
- Step 2: Type
msconfigand hit Enter. - Step 3: Navigate to the Boot tab and check Safe boot.
- Step 4: Click OK and restart your PC.
If the error does not occur in Safe Mode, it's likely a third-party application or driver causing the issue.
3. Update Windows
Ensure that your Windows operating system is updated to the latest version. Microsoft regularly releases updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and enhance security. You can check for updates by:
- Step 1: Open Settings from the Start Menu.
- Step 2: Click on Update & Security.
- Step 3: Click Check for updates.
If updates are available, allow them to download and install, and then restart your computer.
Fixing the IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL Error
Now that we have gone through some preliminary steps, we can delve deeper into more effective solutions.
1. Update Device Drivers
Faulty drivers are one of the primary culprits behind the IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error. To update your drivers:
- Step 1: Right-click on the Start Menu and select Device Manager.
- Step 2: Expand the categories to find the device you wish to update (for example, Network adapters or Display adapters).
- Step 3: Right-click on the device and select Update driver.
- Step 4: Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
You can also visit the manufacturer's website to download the latest driver version directly.
2. Uninstall Recent Drivers or Software
If you recently updated or installed new software, it might be the cause of the problem. To uninstall recent drivers or software:
- Step 1: Go back to Device Manager.
- Step 2: Right-click on the recently installed driver and select Uninstall device.
- Step 3: Confirm any prompts and restart your computer.
3. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic
Since hardware issues can also cause this error, it's prudent to check the memory for faults. You can use the built-in Windows Memory Diagnostic tool:
- Step 1: Press Windows + R, type
mdsched.exe, and press Enter. - Step 2: Choose whether to restart now or check for problems the next time you start your computer.
Once the diagnostic is complete, any issues found will be reported, and you can take the necessary steps to resolve them.
4. Check for Corrupted System Files
Windows includes a utility called the System File Checker (SFC) that can scan and repair corrupted system files.
- Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator by searching for "cmd", right-clicking, and selecting Run as administrator.
- Step 2: Type
sfc /scannowand press Enter. - Step 3: Wait for the scan to complete (this may take some time) and follow any on-screen instructions.
If SFC doesn’t fix the issues, you can run the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) for a more in-depth scan:
- Step 1: In the same Command Prompt window, type
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthand press Enter.
5. Restore Your System
If the error started appearing after a recent change, restoring your system to a previous point may resolve the issue:
- Step 1: Type "Create a restore point" in the Windows search bar and select it.
- Step 2: Under the System Protection tab, click on System Restore.
- Step 3: Follow the prompts to choose a restore point and restore your system.
6. Check for Malware
As malware can corrupt system files or drivers, running a full system scan can be beneficial. You can use Windows Defender or a reputable third-party antivirus program to scan and remove any detected threats.
- Step 1: Open Windows Security from the Start Menu.
- Step 2: Click on Virus & threat protection.
- Step 3: Select Scan options and choose Full scan.
7. Reset Windows
If none of the above solutions work, you may need to consider resetting Windows. This will reinstall Windows but allows you to choose whether to keep your personal files.
- Step 1: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
- Step 2: Under Reset this PC, click on Get started.
- Step 3: Choose between Keep my files or Remove everything, depending on your preference.
Resetting Windows should be a last resort, as it may require you to reinstall applications and reconfigure your settings.
Conclusion
The IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error can be a significant inconvenience for Windows 10 users, but with the proper approach, it can often be resolved effectively. By methodically following the steps outlined in this article, you can identify and remedy the underlying issues causing this error. Whether it's updating drivers, running system diagnostics, or even resetting Windows, you have the tools at your disposal to get your system back on track.
By understanding the nuances of your operating system and taking proactive measures, you can minimize the chances of encountering this frustrating error in the future. Remember, the key is to remain calm and troubleshoot methodically.
FAQs
Q1: What is IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL?
A: It is a Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) error indicating a driver or program attempted to access memory improperly, leading to a system crash.
Q2: Can faulty hardware cause this error?
A: Yes, defective RAM or other hardware issues can trigger the IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error.
Q3: Is this error fixable?
A: Absolutely! Following the troubleshooting steps outlined above can help resolve this error in most cases.
Q4: How do I prevent this error from reoccurring?
A: Keep your Windows and drivers updated, regularly scan for malware, and ensure your hardware is in good condition.
Q5: What should I do if none of the solutions work?
A: If all else fails, consider backing up your important data and performing a system reset or clean installation of Windows.