The “IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL” issue is one of several that Windows users encounter on their operating system. It’s a BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) error, also known as a halt error, that appears on a blue screen with extensive information about the error and prompts Windows to shut down to avoid any harm.
Hardware or software failures, obsolete incompatible drivers, or third-party antivirus software can all cause this problem. You do not need to be concerned if you are experiencing the same mistake. Here is a comprehensive guide for you, in which we will discuss all potential causes and remedies for resolving the problem.
IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error Types
First and foremost, you must determine the type of mistake you are experiencing. The following are the most common:
ntoskrnl.exe IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL – The ntoskrnl.exe file can cause the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL issue. This problem indicates that several system-related functions controlled by the ntoskrnl.exe extension file are not working properly.
Overclocking with IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL – It is evident that you will get the error if you overclock your computer by setting your CPU and memory to run at rates higher than its specified speed grade.
Overheating due to IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL -Overheating the CPU can cause computer instability and even cause the processor to fail. It’s possible that it’s the root of the problem. Allowing your CPU to overclock will cause it to overheat, so avoid it.
Other software or programmes may be overloading the CPU, causing it to overheat; therefore, it is recommended that you stop those applications and programmes to remedy the overheating issue.
After RAM Upgrade, IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL – This BSOD issue can occur when the user changes their RAM. The cause is incorrect RAM installation or RAM upgrade that is incompatible with your device.
IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL – Many people have reported receiving the error IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL after updating their Windows. If the error occurs after the update, it is recommended that you uninstall it since there may have been an installation error while executing the update.
Memory Management with IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL – Memory management and IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL are both BSOD errors. Both of these errors can occur at the same time, with one following the other after the system has been rebooted.
Now I’m hoping you’ve grasped the essence of the dilemma. The causes we’ve mentioned so far are the most prevalent issues that users face. The procedures you must take will vary depending on the error message you receive.
Furthermore, there are numerous options for resolving the irql less or not equal error; we’ll look at each situation separately to see which one resolves your issue.
Read Also:
How To Fix The BSOD Error IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
Before you begin, ensure sure your computer is up to date with drivers and that all other upgrades have been completed. Safe Mode, the Windows Diagnostic Tool, damaged drivers, a comprehensive system scan, and a clean Windows installation will all be covered here.
If you’ve completed the upgrades, try these techniques to resolve the problem.
Method 1: Enable Safe Mode
Safe Mode is a software architecture that allows Windows users to access a modified version of the operating system and fix any issues that are stopping Windows from booting properly. Safe Mode maintains a clean environment free of third-party drivers and apps.
Step 1: On the keyboard, hit the Shift key and then click the on-screen power button.
Step 2: Select the Restart option while holding down the Shift key.
Step 3: You will be given a number of choices. Choose Troubleshoot from the drop-down menu. Then select Advanced Options from the drop-down menu. Choose the Startup options option. Now go to the Restart option and press the button.
Step 4: Windows will begin to reboot; wait for the procedure to finish.
Step 5: Select the Safe Mode option. Check to see if the issue is still present.
After you’ve used Safe Mode, you’ll get one of two outcomes:
1. It may crash again; in this case, there must be a problem with your system’s hardware.
2. If the problem is resolved, it means that something was wrong with your PC’s installed drivers or third-party antivirus software, and that safe Mode corrected it.
Method 2: Examine Your RAM and Hardware
If safe Mode fails to resolve the problem, there is no problem with the programme, and you must troubleshoot your computer at the hardware level.
Except for the mouse and keyboard, you should try to detach all external devices linked to your PC, such as printers, scanners, external hard disc drives, and others. Restart your computer to ensure that the BSOD problem is not caused by an external device.
Furthermore, if your Random Access Memory (RAM) is malfunctioning, the error may occur. You must use the Memory Diagnostic Tool to resolve issues with your computer’s memory. This tool is used to validate and test the RAM.
It will assist you in establishing whether an issue is caused by hardware failure, such as RAM, motherboard, or other components. This tool necessitates a reboot. If you have a slower RAM or a lot of memory installed in your computer, be prepared to wait a long time.
To diagnose memory difficulties, follow these procedures, which will need you to restart your computer. Before proceeding, save any open files and shut any active applications.
The steps are as follows:
Step 1: Press the Windows key, then type Memory Diagnostic into the search box, then choose Windows Memory Diagnostic.
Step 2: In front of you, a new window will open. There are two alternatives available: one will restart Windows immediately, and the other will allow the system to scan the RAM. Select one of the two possibilities.
Step 3: If an error occurs, there is most likely a problem with the RAM, and you will need to replace it with a new one. If, on the other hand, no mistake occurs, the problem is not with the memory, but with something else.
Method 3: Refresh or Restore
If neither of the previous options proves to be beneficial, you should consider refreshing or restoring your computer. If you have previously modified any key settings on your PC, System Restore will restore all of them to their default state.
Furthermore, there is no risk of data loss throughout this process; however, it is recommended that you build a restoration point for all of your information for security reasons. Now, in order to restore your system, follow the steps below:
Step 1: First, launch Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu. Select System and Security from the drop-down menu. Select System. Select System Protection from the left panel.
Step 2: You’ll see a new window pop up. Select System Restore from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: Now choose a date and time when your system was in good operating order. After that, click Next, and then Finish.
Step 4: Your computer will restart, and the restoring procedure will begin. The system will take a long time to recover. As a result, wait till the process is finished.
Furthermore, if you’re using Windows 10, you’ve advanced the “Reset your PC” option. Follow the instructions below to enable it:
Step 1: To access the Settings, press the Windows key + I hotkey. Choose Update and Security from the drop-down menu.
Step 2: Select the Recovery option from the left side. Select the option to Get Started. To prevent your files from being deleted, select the Keep my files option.
Step 3: If Windows informs you that you won’t be able to roll back to a previous version of the operating system, click Next.
Step 4: When prompted, click Reset. After that, Windows will restart and take a few minutes to reset itself.
Method 4: Repairing Corrupted Files In The Registry
The IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error can also be caused by corrupted files. You can fix corrupted files by repairing the registry. It is recommended that you backup your registry before continue with the solution so that you may restore your earlier version of Windows if a problem arises. Now follow these instructions:
Step 1: Select Start from the Start menu. Simply put cmd into the search tab, then right-click on the Command Prompt option. Now, from the drop-down menu, choose Run as Administrator.
Step 2: A black window will appear on the screen. Press Enter after typing sfc/scannow.
The scanning procedure will commence in step three. Restart your computer after that. All of your corrupted files and software will be replaced as a result of this procedure.
Method 5: Look For Errors On Your Hard Drive
These BSODs can also be caused by disc corruption in some situations. For different Windows users, there are different measures to follow.
The procedures are listed below for Windows 10 users.
Step 1: Select Start from the Start menu. Type cmd into the search bar. Select the Command Prompt option with a right-click. Now, from the drop-down menu, choose Run as Administrator.
Step 2: In the pop-up box, type the command chkdsk C:/f. Enter the code.
Note: CHKDSK stands for Check Disk, C: represents for the drive letter you wish to check, /F stands for fix disc problems, /R stands for recover data from faulty sectors, and x stands for unmount the disc.
Step 3: Now, substitute your hard drive’s letter for the letter ‘C.’
Step 4: When it asks, “Would you like to schedule this volume to be checked the next time the system restarts? (Y/N)”, select “Yes.” By clicking the Y key on your keyboard and pressing Enter, you can answer yes to that question.
Your computer should be restarted. The disc checking operation should begin after resuming. Wait for Windows to do a disc check to see if there are any issues.
The instructions are as follows for Windows 7 or 8.1 users:
Step 1: Go to the hard disc. Now, from the drives, right-click on the one you want to check, and then pick Properties from the options.
Step 2: A new window will appear. Go to Tools now.
Step 3: Select the Check option from the Error-checking section. The drive will then be checked for life system problems.
Method 6: Perform A Complete System Scan
If none of the above suggestions worked, your PC will require a thorough system check.
Because the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error can be caused by viruses, malware, or third-party security software on your system, running a comprehensive system scan can detect and remove all dangerous and infected files from your computer, which could be the source of the problem.
Follow the instructions below to complete the full system scan:
Step 1: First, go to the Start menu. Type “Defender” into the search bar. Select Windows Defender Firewall from the drop-down menu.
Step 2: A window will then appear. Select the Shield icon from the left panel.
Step 3: Finally, select Advanced Scan from the drop-down menu. To begin a full system scan, you must first check the full scan option.
Method 7: Install Windows From Scratch
We’ve attempted every feasible solution; nonetheless, if the problem persists, you’re left with just one option: a fresh Windows installation. One thing to keep in mind is that if you do a clean install, everything on your C: drive will be deleted.
Let’s take a look at how to do a fresh Windows installation:
Step 1: To open the Settings, click the Windows Key + I hotkey.
Step 2: Next, go to the Update and Security tab. Select the Recovery option from the left panel.
Step 3: Next, in the More Recovery Option, click the Learn how to start fresh with a clean Windows installation option. Select it by clicking on it.
Step 4: After that, you’ll see a Download Tool option. Select it by clicking on it. Double-click the file with the extension Refreshtool.exe.
Step 5: To continue the process, accept the License conditions. Choose the option that best fits you from “Keep personal files exclusively and Nothing.”
Step 6: Next, select the Install option to begin a fresh Windows installation. On your computer, the Refresh Tool will begin to download and reinstall the most recent version of Windows.
Step 7: You can cancel the process at any point if you change your mind.
Read Also:
Conclusion
The Blue Screen of Death error is one of the most prevalent problems that Windows users encounter. The most well-known BSOD is the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error occurs due to many reasons.
Here we have 7 methods to fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL in Windows 10. error. There are several causes for this problem, and we’ve explored and defined all of the alternative ways for resolving it.
