The IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error is one of the many problems that fall under the BSOD or Blue Screen of Death category when it comes to the Windows Operating System. The Blue Screen of Death, or BSOD, error usually appears when there is a serious problem with the Windows operating system.
The IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error in Windows 7, 8, or 10 indicates that either a corrupted Windows service is attempting to access a restricted memory region, resulting in illegal access, or the computer system is experiencing driver troubles.
What Does IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Mean?
IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL is a Windows stop error (often referred to as a BSOD error) that indicates a problem with the system’s Interrupt Request Level (IRQL).
IRQL is a mechanism used by the Windows operating system to prioritize and manage hardware interrupts. When the system encounters an issue where the IRQL is not at the expected level, it triggers this error.
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Causes of IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error
Several factors can cause the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error:
- Faulty Hardware: Hardware components, such as RAM, drivers, or peripherals, may be malfunctioning or incompatible with the system.
- Driver Issues: Outdated, incompatible, or corrupted device drivers can trigger this error.
- Software Conflicts: Conflicts between software applications or changes in system settings can lead to this error.
- Memory Problems: Issues with system memory, such as faulty RAM modules, can cause IRQL errors.
- Malware or Viruses: While not a common cause, malware or viruses can potentially disrupt system processes and lead to BSOD errors.
Fix: IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error
Because the current login session is terminated and the computer screen becomes blue, this condition causes activities of the computer to be inhibited. There will be an error message displayed.
All faults linked with the category should be corrected as quickly as possible, as leaving the situation as it is for long periods of time will result in data loss and system crashes, among other things.
Device drivers-related issues, such as hardware and registry issues, incompatibility and improper installation, virus or malware attacks, are all common reasons of the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error.
The simplest approach to avoid getting an IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL issue is to make sure the device driver and Windows system are both up to date and correctly installed.
Regularly checking for operating system updates as well as third-party software upgrades, as well as backing up all system files, is a very effective strategy to accomplish this.
The most effective methods for dealing with the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error are listed below. Begin with Approach 1 and work your way down until you find a method that works for you. Let’s get started!
1. Disable Connected Devices and Drivers
Step 1: Disconnect all devices connected to your computer, including flash drives and USB sticks. (With the exception of the keyboard and mouse, that is.)
Step 2: Disable any other device drivers that are connected to your PC.
Step 3: Now try to boot up your computer without any of the disabled devices.
Step 4: Enable one device at a time and check to see whether the fault persists.
Step 5: If the error appears after you’ve enabled a device, it’s a sign that the device/driver you’ve just enabled is the problem, and you’ll need to take action.
Step 6: In Safe Mode, uninstall the driver and then reinstall it. The IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL problem should be resolved using this procedure.
2. Start The Computer in Safe Mode to Uninstall Apps on Mac Computers
Step 1: To begin, press Shift + the on-screen power button.
Step 2: Next, while holding down the Shift key, click on Restart.
Step 3: Select Troubleshoot from the drop-down menu, then Advanced Settings.
Step 4: Next, select Startup Settings from the drop-down menu.
Step 5: Finally, press the Restart button.
Step 6: At this point, your computer will reboot. After the reboot, you can choose to boot into Safe Mode.
Note: If you still get the issue after using this technique, it means there isn’t a problem with any third-party programmes, software, or device drivers. It also informs you that the issue is caused by your computer’s hardware.
3. Run System Restore
This method entails creating Restore Points before enabling drivers and software in the event of an emergency, allowing you to restore the system without losing any data.
Step 1: First, go to Settings and select Update and Recovery from the drop-down menu.
Step 2: Now, on the left side of your computer screen, select the Recovery option.
Step 3: After that, select Refresh this PC and then the Get Started option.
Step 4: After clicking it, follow the instructions on your screen.
4. RAM Debugging
This method necessitates the use of a built-in utility to pinpoint the issue inside your hardware.
Step 1: In the search field, type Windows Memory Diagnostic.
Step 2: Now, open the Windows Memory Diagnostic utility.
Step 3: You will be presented with two alternatives when using this function. You must select the option to Restart now and check for problems. The scan might begin right away or at a subsequent reboot session.
Step 4: This scan will reveal a list of flaws or errors in the RAM or memory, indicating that the RAM needs to be replaced. The computer will resume normal operation once it has been replaced.
5. Disabling The RAM Cache
This could be accomplished in one of two ways:
1.1 Solution:
Step 1: Make use of the Basic Input/Output System. To do so, go to the BIOS set-up keys and click on them. (The key varies depending on the motherboard.) Despite the fact that most computers use the F2 key)
Step 2: Go to the Memory Settings option and turn off the memory caching feature.
1.2 Solution:
Step 1: First, go to the search box and type Device Manager.
Step 2: Next, select Disk drivers from the drop-down arrow next to the choice, and the name of a drive will appear.
Step 3: Next, double-click the drive and choose Policies from the drop-down menu.
Step 4: Select the option to turn off the driver.
Step 5: Select OK.
Step 6: Finally, reboot your computer to apply the changes you’ve made.
6. Using The Command Prompt to Repair Corrupted Registry Files
Note: Before doing this approach, make a backup of the registry.
Step 1: First, in the Cortana search field, type cmd or Command Prompt.
Step 2: Now, right-click on the Command Prompt and select Properties. Select Run as Administrator from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: A box will appear, prompting you to run the sfc/scannow command.
Step 4: Once the scan is complete, restart your computer.
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Conclusion
This article will show you how to solve the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error. We hope that this article has helped you better understand the causes of this error and how to fix it. With an awake mind, carefully follow the directions. We hope you found this advice helpful and that your system is now up and running.
