Windows frequently encounters a stop error with the designation IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL. An Interruption ReQuest Line (IRQL), despite its obtuse moniker, is just a line used by personal computers to alert their owners to occurrences that demand immediate action.
In most cases, the IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL (or simply “IRQL”) error occurs when a system process or device driver attempts to access a memory address to which it does not have permission.
The “NOT LESS OR EQUAL” portion of the error message indicates that an attempt to access a memory address bigger than the upper bound address of the process’s memory allocation was made.
How to Fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Errors in Windows 10
Whenever this happens, Windows will abruptly shut down, resulting in the dreaded BSOD (Blue Screen of Death). In the meantime, Windows shows a pause screen while gathering information for forensics purposes.
When the data collection phase is complete, the PC will automatically restart unless you have changed the settings to force a shutdown instead. The first image in this piece is a Blue Screen of Death.
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Solution 1: Try a Clean Boot
It is recommended to perform a clean boot of Windows 10 if the troublesome IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error persists despite the aforementioned troubleshooting steps.
Clean booting Windows 10 initiates the operating system with the fewest possible drivers and startup applications. Problems may have been introduced into the startup environment over time, and this attempt is made to remove them. With a clean boot, you should:
Step 1: To begin customizing your computer’s settings, run the msconfig program. Using the Win+R key combination and typing “msconfig” will take you there.
Step 2: Under the Selective Startup settings, go to the General tab and uncheck the box labeled Load startup items. All startup programs on this computer will now be disabled.
Step 3: Go to the tab labeled “Services,” select the box labeled “Hide all Microsoft services,” and then click “Disable all.” By doing this, any services on this computer that aren’t made by Microsoft (mostly the operating system) will be turned off. The window can be closed by selecting OK from the menu.
Solution 2: Uninstall Malware
There is probably a virus in the software you just installed if you get an IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error message after installing it. If you want to try to fix this by yourself, you can try removing this software from your computer.
Step 1: To go to the next stage, select Settings from the Start menu.
Step 2: Go to the Settings page and then click the Applications tab.
Step 3: Select Apps & features and arrange the list by Install date.
Step 4: Decide which program you want to delete and then click that.
Step 5: If you have already tried uninstalling any recently installed software and are still receiving the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL issue, you can try the following solution.
Solution 3: Keep Your Computer Cool
When the computer is operating, it produces a great deal of heat. The CPU temperature will get dangerously high if the hot air isn’t quickly exhausted from the computer by the various components. Many strategies for cooling down your PC are outlined here.
Step 1: You need to replace the fan in the central processing unit. The computer’s internal temperature cannot be reduced quickly enough if the performance of the central processing unit fan is low.
Step 2: Place another fan in the ceiling. If your CPU is still getting too hot after installing a fan, you should consider adding more.
Step 3: Put in the Water Cooling System. Installing a water cooling system is a good idea if your CPU temperature is constantly too high despite the use of fans. In no way will this attachment cause harm to your PC.
It’s not possible to fix the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL problem in this way, right? If not, move on to the next strategy.
Solution 4: Update Driver
If a blue screen appears because of a disk conflict, it could be because one of the drives has not been updated to the most recent version. Thus if you want to solve IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error, it is a good idea to update the driver. Have a look at these instructions to learn how to upgrade your driver.
Step 1: Launch File Explorer and then right-click This Computer.
Step 2: The next step is for you to select Manage.
Step 3: On the next stage, select Device Manager from the System Tools menu.
Step 4: In the Disk Drives section, right-click the disk device you want to update and select Update driver.
Step 5: When it’s done, restart the computer to see if that fixed the problem. You can move on to the next solution if the problem persists.
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Conclusion
Like with other BSODs, the irql not less or equal error will cause your computer to reboot unexpectedly. The fact that it initiates a never-ending restart cycle is inconvenient for everyone experiencing the problem. It typically occurs at startup but can also occur in the midst of critical tasks. If that happens, you might not have time to save your work before it’s lost forever.
