How to fix IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error on Windows

The IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error is a memory-related error that typically occurs when a system process or driver attempts to access a memory address without proper access permissions.

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Below is an example of an IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error screen.

How to fix IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error on Windows

• Causes of IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error
• How to fix IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error
  • 1. Uninstall malware
  • 2. Keep your computer cool
  • 3. Disable memory cache
  • 4. Install the latest update
  • 5. Perform Clean boot
  • 6. Remove unnecessary devices
  • 7. Repair corrupted files in the Registry

Causes of IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error

Corrupt system files

The most common cause of this error is corrupted system files. This is due to a virus infection , power failure, or disk write error.

Incompatible device driver

This is also one of the common causes of IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error. When installing a new device driver, it will cause compatibility problems, you need to switch back to the old version to fix the problem.

• 5 basic ways to update drivers for your computer

Hardware failure

This error can be caused by a faulty motherboard or RAM.

Incorrect software installation

Sometimes, this error is also caused by incorrect Windows installation and configuration.

Downgrade Windows version

The last common cause is due to the old version of Windows being installed on the new version. Sometimes the system files are not placed in the right place, users need to back up the files and perform a new installation (clean install) to avoid conflicts between versions.

• Here's how to uninstall Windows 10 to go back to using Windows 7 or 8.1

How to fix IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error

The following fixes apply to Windows 10, 8, 7, Windows Vista, and XP.

1. Uninstall malware

If the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error occurs after you install a software, it is likely that there is a virus on that software that causes the computer to blue screen error. Therefore, you can perform the method of uninstalling this software to see if this problem is resolved.

Step 1 : Click Settings from the Start menu to continue.

Step 2 : Click Apps on the Settngs page to continue.

Step 3 : Click on Apps & features and set the sort by installation date on the right to continue.

Step 4 : Select the application and click Uninstall.

If you uninstalled recently installed software and still get IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error, then you can try the next method.

2. Keep your computer cool

Computers generate a lot of heat when they run. If your computer accessories don't remove the hot air from your computer as quickly as possible, it can cause your CPU to overheat , so you need to take steps to cool your computer . Here are some ways to reduce your computer's temperature:

• Upgrade the CPU fan . If the CPU fan's performance is not high, the heat generated by the computer cannot be removed in time.
• Install another fan . One fan may not solve the problem of overheating CPU, so installing multiple fans will help.
• Install a water cooler . If your computer is configured with a lot of things and the fan is not solving the problem of high CPU temperature, you can install a water cooler. This is a very safe accessory and you do not need to worry about damaging your computer.

This method did not fix the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error? Then you need to try the next method.

3. Disable memory cache

To disable the memory cache on your system, you need to access the BIOS/UEFI menu. Refer to the article How to enter BIOS on different computer models . Once you are in the BIOS/UEFI menu, follow these steps:

Step 1. Access the Advanced menu. Depending on the BIOS/UEFI version, this menu will have different names.

Step 2 . Find the Cache Memory option .

Step 3. Press Enter .

Step 4. Select Disabled .

Step 5. Press F10 to save changes and exit.

Step 6. Restart your computer.

4. Install the latest update

In some cases, you need to make sure that Windows 8/8.1 is installed with the latest version to fix the IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error. You should enable the Automatic Updates option to update automatically.

Follow these steps:

Step 1. Start Windows

Step 2. With Windows Vista, Windows 7, users can type update in the search box to open Windows Updates.

On Windows 8, users can open the Charm Bar by pressing Windows key + C and then Settings > Change PC Settings.

Step 3 . Click Update and Recovery .

Step 4. Click on Choose how updates get installed .

Step 5. Select Install updates automatically .

Step 6. Check the box Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates in the Recommended updates box .

Step 7. Click OK .

5. Perform Clean boot

If the RQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error is caused by a running process, restart the Windows operating system using a Clean boot to fix the problem. With a Clean boot, only those services or processes required for Windows to function are restarted.

Follow these steps:

Step 1. Open the Run dialog box .

Step 2 . Type msconfig and press Enter .

Step 3. Go to the General tab > check the Selective Startup option .

Step 4. Uncheck Load startup items .

Step 5. Go to the Services tab .

Step 6. Check the Hide all Microsoft services box in the lower left corner of the window.

Step 7. Click Disable all > OK .

Step 8. Restart Windows.

To reset these changes and start Windows normally, follow these steps:

Step 1. Go to the General tab .

Step 2. Check the Normal Startup option .

Step 3. Click OK > restart.

6. Remove unnecessary devices

A simple but sometimes effective way to fix this error is to remove all unnecessary hardware devices from the computer and see if the computer boots normally.

7. Repair corrupted files in the Registry

Sometimes, the reason for the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error is corrupted files. To fix this, you need to repair the corrupted files in the Registry. Follow these steps:

Step 1 : Click on the Search icon on the Windows Taskbar .

Step 2 : Search for Command Prompt.

Step 3 : Right-click on the search result and select Run as Administrator .

Step 4 : In Command Prompt, type the command sfc /scannow .

Step 5 : Click Enter after writing the command and the scanning process will start.

Step 6 : Restart your PC after the scan is complete.

Good luck!