Blue Screen Error: IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL in Windows 10 and Windows 11

The IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL blue screen error is a common issue that many Windows 10 and Windows 11 users face. It can occur for a variety of reasons and is often related to driver or hardware problems. In this article, we’ll break down the main causes of this error and discuss effective solutions to resolve it.

What Does the IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL Error Mean?

The IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error occurs when the system tries to access data with incorrect privilege levels. This issue often stems from driver failures, corrupted files, software conflicts, or hardware issues. Most of the time, it indicates a malfunctioning device driver or a conflict between multiple drivers.

Main Causes of the IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL Error

  • Driver Issues – Outdated or incompatible drivers are a common cause of the IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error.
  • Corrupted System Files – Windows system files that are damaged or missing can trigger this error.
  • Software Conflicts – Certain programs, especially antivirus software and third-party system utilities, can create conflicts that lead to this error.
  • Hardware Problems – Incompatible or faulty hardware, such as RAM or a hard drive, can also be a source of the error.

How to Fix the IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL Error in Windows 10 and Windows 11

1. Update Your Drivers

The first step is to update your device drivers. Windows often checks for updates automatically, but you can do it manually as well:

  1. Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting Device Manager.
  2. Look for any devices with a yellow triangle or other error indication.
  3. Right-click the device and choose Update driver.

2. Check System Files Using the SFC Tool

Damaged system files can be repaired with the System File Checker (SFC) tool:

  1. Press Windows + S and type Command Prompt, then select Run as administrator.
  2. Enter sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the scan to complete, then restart your computer.

3. Disable or Remove Third-Party Antivirus Software

In some cases, antivirus programs can cause conflicts in the system. Try temporarily disabling or uninstalling your antivirus software. If the error stops, consider using alternative antivirus software.

4. Test Your Memory and Hard Drive

Faulty RAM or hard drives can also lead to the IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error. Run a memory diagnostic test with the built-in tool:

  1. Press Windows + R and enter mdsched.exe, then press Enter.
  2. Select Restart now and check for problems.

Additionally, check your hard drive by running the chkdsk /f command in Command Prompt.

5. Install Windows Updates

Microsoft regularly releases updates to fix various bugs and improve system stability. Make sure your system is up to date:

  1. Open Settings and go to Update & Security.
  2. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.