How to Fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL BSOD Error Windows 11

Last updated on February 9th, 2024 at 12:58 pm

I experienced IRQL Not Less or Equal errors multiple times on my Windows 11 machine. It’s hard to figure out the problem using older hardware, but we have to take several factors into account. A BSOD issue with the irql_not_less_or_equal BSOD error code results in the system shutting down abruptly on Windows 10/11 PC.

It creates inconvenience for anyone experiencing the issue since it starts an endless loop of restarts. The error occurs when a service or application attempts to access a portion of memory that it shouldn’t be accessing at that moment.

You should remain persistent and try multiple approaches to resolve this issue since its origin can be elusive. Don’t be discouraged if one method doesn’t work; simply try another until you solve the problem.

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What is IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error?

There are usually memory problems that cause the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL BSOD error. Windows uses the “Interruption ReQuest Line” component to alert administrators to situations that require immediate action. IRQL occurs if a device driver asks for access to a location in memory for which it does not have the necessary approval or privileges.

The IRQL error occurs when a driver attempts to access an address that is either outside or larger than the allocated boundary value. This is due to the fact that memory allocations for processes often have a fixed border value.

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What May Cause The IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL?

Here are some reasons why you might encounter IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL BSOD issue in Windows 10/11:

This error may be caused by corrupted system files. It is likely this error will occur on your PC if you have corrupted system files.
You may also encounter this error if your device drivers are incompatible. There is a possibility that you will receive the IRQL error if the device drivers on your PC are incompatible with the system.
There is also a chance that you are encountering this error because of faulty or incompatible hardware. You can encounter this error if your PC is attempting to run faulty or incompatible hardware.
It is also possible that you have encountered this issue because you failed to install the software completely.

Fix 1: Run SFC And DISM Scans

It is most often caused by damaged system files that you see the error IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL. It is particularly likely to happen if your computer has been shutting down intermittently or forcefully. There is a built-in tool in Windows that can alleviate this problem and repair the pre-existing operating system.

Go to the start menu and search for CMD. To run as administrator, right-click the command prompt and select run as administrator.
To perform the scan, type SFC /scannow at the command prompt and hit Enter.
By doing this, you will be able to scan your computer for corrupted files. Wait until the process is complete before closing the command prompt.
After that, run DISM by running these instructions:

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Fix 2: Perform a System Restore

One easy way to resolve this IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL BSOD is to simply restore a previous system restore point. Even if you don’t have a system restore point, chances are Windows or another app has already created one for you before you made changes.

To fix the ‘IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL’ BSOD, you can restore your system to an earlier state using one of these. To perform a System Restore, you must follow these steps:

To open the Settings app, press Windows + I on your keyboard. In the search box, type System Restore, as shown below. In the result, click Create a restore point.
Select System Restore from the menu.
Click on Next when System Restore opens. If there are any restore points, you will find them there.
Choose a restore point from when the IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error did not occur. Next, click Next.
Last but not least, click Finish. System Restore will then begin automatically.

Fix 4: Launch Windows Memory Diagnostic

You must also try using the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool on your Windows 10/11 PC in order to resolve the irql_not_less_or_equal BSOD error and here are the steps to do so:

Search for Windows Memory Diagnostics in the Search Menu and then select it from the search results. When you’re ready to begin using it, click the Open button.
For a diagnostic check, click Restart now and check for problems.
If your memory needs to be tested, your computer will restart, and you will get a thorough report.

Fix 5: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode

Whenever your PC won’t boot up normally, you will have to boot into safe mode. Using safe mode, you can boot your PC as follows:

Let your PC shut down completely before turning it on again.
To turn your PC on, press the power button after your computer has been shut down.
When your PC begins to boot up, press and hold the power button again to turn it off. Repeat this a few times.
When you do this, you will enter an automatic startup repair process, which interrupts the normal boot process. Next, select Troubleshoot.
The next step is to select advanced options.
Then, tap on startup settings. To restart your PC, click the restart button.
In the next step, you will see a button that will allow you to enter safe mode. To start in safe mode, press the key associated with it.

Nevertheless, if you can boot your PC normally, then safe mode is not required.

Fix 6: Update, Uninstall, or Rollback Your Drivers

There are many users who reported that updating or uninstalling, or rollback the driver to the previous version helped them to resolve the irql_not_less_or_equal BSOD error issue on your Windows 10/11 PC:

From the Taskbar, click Search, type device manager, and select the app.
To expand a section, click on it, then right-click the driver and choose Properties.
On the Driver tab, select Update driver and then click Next. If a better driver is found, the system will install it. If that does not solve the problem, you can also try Roll Back Driver or Uninstall Device options.

Fix 7: Windows Updates

Don’t forget to update the older hardware with the newer software updates to keep it stable. Hardware that is newer, such as processors, motherboards, storage drives, and other components, will run smoothly with Windows 11, but older hardware may experience some issues.

Even though the older hardware does support the latest operating system, you should update your software as well. Ensure that quality updates, feature updates, and cumulative updates are installed. It is not necessary to install the optional updates from Microsoft.

In order to display the Settings app, press the Windows key + I together.
In the main menu, click Windows Update.
To continue, click Check for updates.
Download and install the latest drivers and quality updates.

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So, that’s all we have for you on how to fix the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL BSOD error on your Windows 10/11 PC. It’s our hope that this guide has helped you. Well, in case you still have any doubts or queries, comment below and let us know.

How to Fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL BSOD Error Windows 11

What is IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error?