IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL | Blue Screen of Death error (Solved)

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The IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error, often accompanied by the stop code 0x0000000A, is a common Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) issue in Windows. This error usually occurs when a system process or driver attempts to access a memory address without proper permissions, leading to a system crash. This guide will walk you through various solutions to resolve this issue and prevent it from recurring.

IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

1. Update or Roll Back Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers are a common cause of the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error. Ensuring that all drivers are up-to-date can often resolve the problem.

  1. Open Device Manager:

    • Press Windows + X and select "Device Manager."

  2. Identify Problematic Drivers:

    • Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark. Right-click the device and choose "Update driver."

  3. Search for Updated Drivers:

    • Select "Search automatically for updated driver software." If an update is found, install it.

  4. Roll Back Drivers (if the issue started after a recent update):

    • If the issue began after updating a driver, right-click the device, select "Properties," go to the "Driver" tab, and click "Roll Back Driver."

  5. Restart Your Computer:

    • After updating or rolling back drivers, restart your computer and check if the BSOD error persists.

2. Run Memory Diagnostics

Faulty RAM can cause the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error. Running a memory diagnostic can help identify and resolve memory-related issues.

  1. Open Windows Memory Diagnostic:

    • Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.

  2. Choose a Restart Option:

    • Select "Restart now and check for problems" to begin the diagnostic process immediately.

  3. Allow the Test to Run:

    • Your computer will restart and run a memory test. If errors are detected, you may need to replace your RAM.

  4. Review the Results:

    • After the test completes, your computer will restart, and the results will be displayed. Check for any issues reported.

3. Check for Corrupted System Files

Corrupted system files can lead to the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error. Running the System File Checker can repair these files.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

    • Press Windows + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows Terminal (Admin)."

  2. Run SFC Scan:

    • Type the following command and press Enter:
      sfc /scannow
    • The scan may take some time. If any corrupted files are found, the system will attempt to repair them.

  3. Restart Your Computer:

    • After the scan, restart your computer to see if the error is resolved.

4. Uninstall Problematic Software

Certain software applications, particularly those related to system utilities or security, can conflict with Windows and cause the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error.

  1. Open Control Panel:

    • Press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter.

  2. Uninstall Recent Applications:

    • Go to "Programs" > "Programs and Features." Look for recently installed or updated software and uninstall it.

  3. Restart Your Computer:

    • After uninstalling the software, restart your computer and check if the issue persists.

5. Check for Windows Updates

Installing the latest Windows updates can resolve compatibility issues and fix bugs that may be causing the BSOD error.

  1. Open Windows Update:

    • Press Windows + I to open Settings, then go to "Update & Security."

  2. Check for Updates:

    • Click "Check for updates" and install any available updates.

  3. Restart Your Computer:

    • After updating, restart your computer and see if the BSOD error has been resolved.

6. Disable Overclocking

If you have overclocked your CPU or GPU, this could be causing instability in your system, leading to the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error. Disabling overclocking may resolve the issue.

  1. Enter BIOS/UEFI Settings:

    • Restart your computer and press the designated key (usually Del or F2) to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings.

  2. Reset Overclocking Settings:

    • Navigate to the overclocking section and reset settings to default or disable overclocking.

  3. Save and Exit:

    • Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI. Your computer will restart with default settings.

  4. Check System Stability:

    • Once the system is back up, check if the BSOD error persists.

7. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot can help identify if a third-party application or service is causing the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error.

  1. Open System Configuration:

    • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.

  2. Disable Startup Programs:

    • Go to the "Services" tab, check "Hide all Microsoft services," and click "Disable all." Then, go to the "Startup" tab and click "Open Task Manager." Disable all startup items.

  3. Restart Your Computer:

    • Click "OK" in System Configuration and restart your computer in a clean boot environment.

  4. Test System Stability:

    • If the error no longer occurs, re-enable services and startup items one by one to identify the culprit.

8. Perform a System Restore

If the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error started recently, you can use System Restore to revert your computer to a previous state when it was functioning correctly.

  1. Open System Restore:

    • Press Windows + S, type "System Restore," and select "Create a restore point."

  2. Choose a Restore Point:

    • In the System Properties window, click "System Restore," and select a restore point from before the error occurred.

  3. Restore Your System:

    • Follow the prompts to restore your system. Your computer will restart during the process.

  4. Check if the Issue is Resolved:

    • After the restore is complete, see if the BSOD error persists.

Conclusion

The IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL (0x0000000A) error is a frustrating issue that can disrupt your workflow and cause significant inconvenience. However, with the solutions provided in this guide, you can troubleshoot and resolve the error effectively. Whether it's updating drivers, checking for corrupted files, or adjusting system settings, these steps can help you get your system back to stable and reliable performance. Regular maintenance, such as keeping your drivers and system updated, can help prevent this error from recurring in the future.