[Updated May 2023] Fix IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL Error

The IRQL Not Less or Equal message is a blue screen of death error (Stop Error). It causes your computer to randomly enter a “blue screen,” which displays the error message. One of the main problems with this type of error is there are usually no signs or warnings as to when it will happen.

Several causes of this error include corrupted system files, incompatible device drivers, faulty hardware, or incorrect software installation. Lucky for you, this kind of error is manageable and easy to fix with just a few tweaks.

Common Reasons Why IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL Error Happens

Understanding the main causes behind the IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error can help troubleshoot effectively and prevent the issue from reoccurring. The following are some of the most common reasons why this error happens:

• Incompatible Device Drivers: One of the most common reasons for this error is having incompatible or outdated device drivers installed on your system. Drivers are essential to communicate with your hardware, and if they are not updated, they can result in conflicts that cause a BSOD error.
• Corrupted System Files: Damaged or corrupted system files can also trigger the IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error. This can happen due to various reasons, such as a power outage, malware, or an incomplete installation or update.
• Faulty Hardware: Hardware issues, such as a failing RAM, a faulty motherboard, or a malfunctioning hard drive, can cause this error. Problems with external devices, like USB drives or peripherals, can also lead to errors.
• Incorrect Software Installation: If a software installation or update is not done correctly, it can cause conflicts with your system files and result in the IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error.
• Overclocking: Overclocking your computer’s hardware components increases their performance, but it can lead to system instability and the IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error if not done correctly.

By addressing these potential causes, you should be able to resolve the error message and maintain a stable system. Make sure to keep your drivers updated, regularly scan for malware, and ensure that your hardware components are functioning properly.

How to Repair IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL Error

Method 1: Check for Windows Updates

The first thing you can do to try to fix the blue screen of death error message on your computer is to check for an update. Your current version of Windows may have an existing bug that causes this error.

Side note: Sometimes, you might want to prevent Windows from updating as a new update could be the cause for your Stop Error.

To check for an update, follow the steps below to guide you through the process.

Step 1. Press the Windows button at the lower-left corner of your screen to open the Start menu.

Step 2. After that, click on the Gear icon to launch Windows Settings.

Step 3. Next, click on Update & Security.

Step 4. Lastly, click on the Windows Update tab, which will automatically scan for any update available on the current version of Windows installed on your computer.

If available, follow the on-screen prompts to download and install the update on your computer. Once the update is done, restart your computer to see if the BSOD error is still an issue.

On the other hand, if you still have issues with your computer and the BSOD error still occurs, you can proceed to the following method below to try and fix the problem on Windows.

Method 2: Update Your Drivers

The next thing you can do to try and fix the IRQL blue screen of death error is to update your device drivers. Your computer may have a faulty network driver causing the BSOD message.

To update your device drivers properly, follow the steps below to guide you through the process.

Step 1. Press the Windows Key + S on your computer and search for Device Manager.

Step 2. After that, click on Open to launch it.

Step 3. Now, click on one of your devices to expand it.

Step 4. Lastly, right-click on your device driver and click on Uninstall Device. Follow the on-screen prompts to remove the incompatible device drivers from your computer.

After uninstalling your driver, restart your computer, and Windows will automatically install the proper driver for your device. Once done, repeat the process until all drivers have been updated and installed correctly.

Method 3: Use System File Checker

The BSOD error on your computer can indicate that some of your Windows system files have a problem. Luckily, the Windows operating system has a built-in scanner that checks your operating system for any missing or corrupted system files.

To use the SFC scanner on your computer, follow the steps below.

Step 1. Press the Windows Key + S on your computer and search for Command Prompt.

Step 2. Click on Run as Administrator to launch the program with administrative permissions.

Step 3. Next, inside the Command Prompt, type sfc /scannow and hit Enter.

Step 4. Lastly, wait for the process to finish.

After that, restart your computer and try to use it to see if the BSOD error is gone.

If you still have the issue after using the file checker, try following the method below to fix the problem.

Method 4: Perform a Clean Boot

You can try performing a clean boot on your computer for the following method. This way, you can find out the possible cause of the BSOD error on your computer.

Follow the steps below to guide you through the process.

Step 1. On your keyboard, press the Windows Key + R.

Step 2. Next, inside the Run Command Box, type in “msconfig” and hit Enter.

Step 3. After that, click on the General tab and click on Selective Startup.

Step 4. Make sure that Load Startup Items is unchecked, then go to the Services tab.

Step 5. Now, inside the Services tab, click on Hide All Microsoft Services, then uncheck all the services on the list.

Step 6. Restart your computer and carefully observe if the BSOD error message still occurs. If not, go back to the Services tab and check one of the services, then restart your computer.

Repeat this scanning process until you find the service that causes the error. Once you have identified the service, uninstall the related program or permanently disable it if it’s unnecessary.

Method 5: Reinstall Windows on Your Computer

If none of the methods above worked, the last resort is to reinstall Windows.

It is possible that some of your system files got corrupted so severely that an update or SFC scan could not fix the issue.

Remember that this whole system process would wipe all your data, so make sure to make a backup before doing the process. If you know how to install Windows on your computer, you can install it yourself.

Just follow our handy guide: How to Reformat a Windows 10 PC (Factory Settings)

However, if you don’t know how to install Windows, we recommend you go to the nearest service center in your location and ask them to install a fresh copy of Windows on your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions