IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error windows 11 [solved] 2024

This error typically occur when a piece of software or hardware in your computer makes a mistake and tries to do something it shouldn't with the memory.

Getting IRQL_Not_Less_OR_EQUAL error on your Windows 11 computer? This error usually occurs when a driver attempts to access an invalid memory address, causing system instability. And to avoid future damage Windows 11 restart with Blue screen error. Driver incompatibility, system file corruption, Faulty hardware devices or memory problems are primary reasons behind Irql not less or equal error on Windows 11. This stop code also could be triggered by a virus or malware infection of your system. If you’ve recently upgraded to Windows 11, or add a new hardware device and are facing this issue, this article explores how to fix the IRQL_Not_Less_OR_EQUAL error in Windows 11.

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How to Fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error

This error indicates that a kernel-mode process or driver attempted to access a memory address at an incorrect or higher Interrupt Request Level (IRQL) than it should. The error is typically caused by faulty hardware, incompatible drivers, or software issues.

Issues with RAM modules or other hardware components can lead to this error. It could be a result of defective RAM, a failing hard drive, or other hardware malfunctions.

Outdated or incompatible device drivers, especially those related to hardware, can trigger the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error. It’s important to keep drivers up to date to ensure compatibility with the operating system.

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Conflicts between software applications or system services can lead to this error. Installing or updating certain software may cause conflicts with existing drivers or system services.

System file corruption can result in unexpected errors. This may happen due to various reasons, such as sudden power outages, malware infections, or improper system shutdowns.

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Disconnect external devices and reboot your PC

Sometimes, external devices like USB drives, printers, or external hard drives can cause conflicts that lead to this error. Disconnecting them and then rebooting your PC can help identify if any of these devices are causing the issue.

  • Unplug any external devices such as USB drives, printers, external hard drives, or any other peripherals connected to your computer.
  • Once all external devices are disconnected, restart your computer.

Start Windows 11 in safe mode

Booting into safe mode allows your computer to start with only essential drivers and services, which can help troubleshoot if a third-party driver or software is causing the error. If your computer is restarting frequently, safe mode can help stabilize it so you can perform further troubleshooting steps.

To start Windows 11 in Safe Mode:

  • Press the Windows key on your keyboard, Click on the power icon
  • While holding down the Shift key on your keyboard, click on “Restart.”
  • You will see the “Choose an option” screen. Select “Troubleshoot.”

Troubleshoot windows 11

  • On the next screen, select “Advanced options” then click on “Startup Settings.”

Advanced Boot options on windows 11

  • Click on the “Restart” button to proceed.

safe mode restart

  • And finally press F4 to start Windows 11 In safe mode, or F5 to enable internet access in safe mode.

Safe mode windows 11

Remove third-party antivirus

Third-party antivirus programs may be causing conflicts or contributing to the DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error in Windows 11. You should try removing it to see if it resolves the issue.

In addition, if the problem started after installing a piece of software or app we recommend uninstall the same.

  • Right-click on the Windows 11 start menu select installed apps,
  • Now locate the third-party antivirus, click the three-dot menu next to it select uninstall.

Uninstall apps on windows 11

Follow on-screen instructions to remove the app, the same way you can remove other apps from Windows 11.

Now restart your computer to check if this helps get rid of Windows 11 blue screen error.

Update display driver

This problem mostly occurs because of outdated or incompatible drivers or causes a conflict between the drives and a blue screen. Updating your drivers, especially for critical components like graphics cards, network cards, and chipset drivers, can resolve compatibility issues and prevent the error from occurring.

Here is how to update your driver on Windows 11.

  • Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager,
  • Expand categories and right-click on devices like graphics cards, network cards, and chipsets.
  • Select “Update driver” and Click on the ‘Search automatically for drivers’ to let Windows search for drivers automatically on its servers.

This will check Windows updates for the latest available driver updates and install them.

update driver windows 11

  • Or you can select the second option “Browse my computer for drivers” to locate the driver manually on your device.

update graphics driver

It’s possible that Windows Update won’t be able to find newer driver versions to download and install. In any case, you’ll need to go to the manufacturer’s website to download them yourself.

This way you can update other device drivers on Windows 11 as well. Once done reboot your PC and check if there is no more blue screen occurs.

Reinstall display driver

Also Reinstalling the display driver can help resolve conflicts or corruption issues that may have been causing the DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error. It ensures that you have a clean and up-to-date driver installation, which can improve system stability and prevent further errors.

  • Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select “Device Manager” from the menu.
  • Expand the “Display adapters” category. Right-click on the display adapter listed (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and select “Uninstall device” from the context menu.

A confirmation dialog may appear. Check the box that says “Delete the driver software for this device” if available, and then click “Uninstall.” Once the driver is uninstalled, restart your computer.

uninstall Graphic Driver

Windows will attempt to reinstall the default display driver automatically.

If Windows fails to reinstall the driver visit the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and download the latest driver specifically designed for your graphics card model and Windows 11.

Run the downloaded driver installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.

Install the latest Windows update

Microsoft regularly publishes cumulative updates with numerous bus fixes and security enhancements. May the latest Windows update has bug fix for this blue screen error. Let’s install the most recent Windows update.

  • Press Windows key + x and select settings,
  • Select Windows update then hit the check for updates button.
  • Click download and install if a new update is available.
  • Once done restart your computer to apply the changes.
  • Hopefully, your computer can boot normally now and there are no more BSOD errors.

Windows 11 update Download

Run SFC and DISM command

Still need help, run DISM and sfc commands this is very helpful in certain scenarios as they can repair and replace corrupted Windows files/drivers. Run both of these commands actually helps you fix Driver_irql_not_less_or_equal on Windows 11.

  • Open command prompt as administrator,
  • Type the command sfc /scannow and press enter key,
  • This will scan your computer for corrupted and missing system files.
  • Wait for the whole process to finish and it should give your result.
  • If Windows was able to repair your files successfully it should say that the corrupted files are repaired.

Well if you see the process stuck and the Windows wasn’t able to recover your Windows then run the DISM command

  • On the same command prompt window type command, DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and hit the enter key.
  • Wait for the command to finish the process, it should take a while.
  • Once the command completes its job, restart your computer and check if you are still getting driver irql less or equal error on your PC.

Run Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool

There may be a problem with system memory (RAM) that causes IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error on Windows 11. Let’s run the built-in memory diagnostic tool that helps detect if there is something wrong with RAM.

How to check if the RAM is wrong.

Memory diagnostic tool windows 11

  • Press Windows key + R, type mdsched.exe and press ok,
  • Click Restart now and check for problems (recommended),
  • Your computer will restart and perform a memory check. Allow the process to complete.
  • You need to wait for the computer to find the problems for a period of time,
  • Once the scanning process completes it will display if any problem is detected there.

In addition, shut down your computer, remove power cables and batteries, Open up your computer, unseat the RAM, clear any dust and reseat your RAM.

Make sure the RAM snaps back into place before restarting your PC.

In addition, check your CPU temperature, if it’s getting too high you need to take steps to cool your computer.

Did the above solutions help fix Windows 11 Driver IRQL not Less or Equal error? Let us know on the comments below.

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