The IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error is among one most frequently occurring errors that are classified under the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors related to the Windows OS. The Windows 7/8/10 IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error emerges when either the computer is facing driver issues, or when a corrupted Windows Service tries to access a restricted memory location which triggers unauthorized access.
It always leads to the suspension of activity on the PC as usually the current login session is terminated and the screen turns blue with a message of this error on your screen. For most errors related to this category, it is advised to get the error fixed as soon as possible as; leaving it for prolonged periods of time, It can crash a system and delete the data among other things.
Among many causes for this type of error to occur issues related to the device drivers such as incompatibility and poor installation, issues with hardware and registry and virus and malware attacks are some major causes for this type of error.
Best way to be sure that IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error will not occur is by making sure that the Windows System and the device drivers are all correctly install and up-to-date. Regularly performing checks for updates for the OS as well as any third-party software and backing up system files is the ultimate way to accomplish this.
How To Fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error
6 best methods are list below to solve IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error:
Method 1:- Using Safe Mode To Start The Computer
Step 1:- First, click on Shift+ On-screen power button, then select “Restart” while holding down the shift key.
Step 2:- Now select Troubleshoot and click on the Advanced options setting.
Step 3:- Afterward, click on Startup settings and then select “Restart”.
Step 4:- The computer should now reboot, after which you can select the Safe Mode option.
Note :- If after these steps you still see the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error, it indicates that there is no issue with any third-party applications, device drivers or software and also tells us that the problem originates from the hardware of the computer.
Other methods to solve this problem can be:
Method 2:- Debugging The RAM
This process involves the use of an inbuilt utility to locate the issue within the hardware.
Step 1:- First, in the search bar, type Windows Memory Diagnostic.”
Step 2:- Then open the Windows Memory Diagnostic utility.
Step 3:- This function will lead you to two options. Select the option that says Restart now and check for problems. The scan can perform immediately or during any other restart session.
Step 4:- Performing this scan will show a list of errors in the memory or RAM indicating the need for replacement of the RAM. After replacement, the Computer should function normally now.
Method 3:- Disabling The Memory Cache
This method can be executed in two ways:
First Method Disable The Memory Cache
Step 1:- First use the Basic input/output system feature by clicking on the BIOS set-up keys (generally F2 in most computers but may vary from motherboard to motherboard).
Step 2:- Then find the “Memory Settings” option and disable the “Memory caching feature“.
Second Method Disable The Memory Cache
Step 1:- To start within the Search menu type in Device Manager. Then click on the drop-down arrow next to the Disk Drives option and the name of a drive will show up.
Step 2:- Then click on the drop-down arrow next to the Disk Drives option and the name of a drive will show up.
Step 3:- Afterward, double-click on the drive and go to the Policies window.
Step 4:- Select the option that disables the driver and click on Ok.
Step 5:-At last Restart the computer for the changes to take effect.
Method 4:- Disabling Connected Devices and Drivers
Step 1:- First of all, unplug all devices connected to the computer such as USB sticks, flash drives, etc. (except the mouse and keyboard).
Step 2:- Now also disable all related or other device drivers connected to the computer.
Step 3:- Then try to run the computer without any of these devices being install.
Step 4:- And enable each device individually (only one at a time) and see if the error pops-up.
Step 5:- When it does, it indicates that the driver/device just enabled contains the issue and hence requires action to be taken.
Step 6:- After executing all the steps listed above in “Safe Mode“, uninstall the driver and then reinstall it later. It should solve the error.
Another method which can be use
Method 5 :- Using The Command Prompt Feature To Fix Corrupted Files In The Registry
Step 1:- To begin with type “Command Prompt” or “cmd” in the Cortana Search bar. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
Step 2:- After that, then in the box that pops-up, give the “sfc /scannow” command.
Step 3:- Finally, reset the computer once the scan is complete.
Note:- It is advisable to first back-up the registry before performing these functions.
Step 4:- Finally, restart the computer once the scan is complete.
Note:- It is advisable to first back-up the registry before performing these functions.
Method 6 :- Running System Restore
This method involves the creation of restore points before software and drivers being enabled in case of emergencies as it allows the user to restore the system without encountering data loss.
Step 1:- First, go to Settings and select the Update & Recovery option.
Step 2:- Then click on the Recovery located on the left side of the screen.
Step 3:- Afterward, click on Refresh this PC and select the Get Started option.
Step 4:- Then follow the instructions on the screen after clicking on it.
Conclusion
This article will definitely help you to solve this problem as soon as it pops up in will provide you with a leading-edge over your peers and family. So, in the future, whenever you encounter IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error, hop on and follow the methods mentioned above.