The “IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL” error in Windows 10, identified by the stop code 0x0000000A, typically occurs due to hardware, driver, or system file corruption issues. The error means that a kernel-mode driver attempted to access a memory address that it shouldn’t have. Here’s how to fix this issue using the 17 methods listed below.
Reasons for Driver irql_less_or_not_equal Error
Although there are many unidentified reasons for this error, we have compiled a list of common reasons.
- Damaged System Files: System file corruption can occur due to virus attacks or malware infections affecting Windows system files or related program files.
- Incompatible Drivers: Installing new hardware may lead to driver conflicts with existing drivers, causing a BSOD.
- Overheated CPU: If the CPU exceeds a certain temperature, the system may shut down abruptly with a BSOD to prevent damage.
- Windows Updates or Downgrades: Installing updates or downgrades may improperly replace system files and create conflicts between different Windows versions.
- Hardware Issues: Problems with hardware components, such as a damaged motherboard or RAM, can trigger BSODs.
- Corrupted Registry: Recent software installations or uninstallations might corrupt the Windows registry.
How To Fix Driver irql_less_or_not_equal Blue Screen Error
Try each step individually and check if the issue has been resolved after each step. This way, you can ignore the remaining steps after resolving the issue. Let us begin troubleshooting the error without further ado.
Method 1: Disconnect External Devices And Restart Windows
The first step is to remove all external devices except the mouse and keyboard. After disconnecting all other peripherals, external storage, and devices, reboot your PC. If the PC restarts without any issue and you do not get this error again, then you have to attach the external devices one by one and identify which external device causes the error.
Method 2: Keep Your PC Cool
Some experts have suggested that extreme temperature causes PC issues like Blue Screen errors, including the “driver irql not less or equal” error. Ensure the CPU is in a well-ventilated area and the inbuilt fans are working properly.
Method 3: Scan For Malware
Tech reports state that Malware is responsible for 50% of the issues on your PC. A “Driver irql_less_or_not_equal” blue screen error can occur due to malware infection. In this case, we recommend you run a malware scan using the antivirus software you prefer and ensure the system is malware-free. If you are using Windows Security software, here are the steps:
Step 1: Press the Windows key and type “Windows Security”.
Step 2: Click the relevant result under Best Match to launch the Windows Security box.
Step 3: Click on Virus & Threat Protection.
Step 4: Next, click Scan Options and choose the Full Scan option.
Step 5: Finally, click the Scan Now button and wait for the app to scan your PC.
Read Also: Are Windows Defender Security Warning Alerts Fake? – It May be a Virus!
Method 4: Check For Windows Updates
Microsoft Provides regular updates to all genuine Windows 11 users. You can check for new updates by following these steps:
Step 1: Press the Win key, type “Check For Updates,” and click on the relevant result.
Step 2: Click the “Check For Updates” button in the settings window.
Step 3: After the updates have been completed, reboot the PC.
Method 5: Check For Driver Updates
Drivers play an important role in the smooth running of the system and maintaining harmony between hardware and software. In this case, the culprit is the graphics driver, which can be updated in three different ways.
Read Also : [Solved] – GPU Crashes But PC Stays On
Update Via OEM Website
All manufacturers maintain an official website that provides drivers and other resources related to their hardware. Visit the website, enter your model number, and download the drivers compatible with your hardware.
Update Via Device Manager
Open the Device Manager utility by pressing Win + X and choosing Device Manager from the Power menu. Once opened, click on Display Adapters to reveal your graphics card, then right-click and select Update Drivers.
Update Via Advanced Driver Updater
Advanced Driver Updater is a third-party driver updater software that will help users update all the drivers on their PC without any hassles using a few mouse clicks. Here are the steps:
Method 6: Uninstall the Problematic app
The Driver irql_less_or_not_equal blue screen error can also occur due to a particular app conflicting with your operating system. Here are two ways to fix this:
- If this error occurs when you launch a particular app, you must uninstall it immediately.
- If the error occurs randomly, go to the list of apps installed in your system and look for unknown recently installed apps. Remove them as soon as possible.
Here are the steps to remove an app from your system.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and type “add remove program.”
Step 2: Click on the Best Match result.
Step 3: The Settings window will open, listing all the apps installed on your PC.
Step 4: If you know the name of the app you wish to remove, use the search bar at the top to type the name of the app.
Step 5: Otherwise, you can use the drop-down filters at the top right, and in the Sort By option, choose “Date Installed.” The most recently installed app will appear at the top.
Step 6: Click on the three dots next to any app you wish to remove and choose Uninstall.
Step 7: Follow the onscreen instructions, and the app will be removed.
Step 8: Restart your computer to remove any pending uninstallation files.
Method 7: Run Hardware Troubleshooter
The hardware troubleshooter is a useful inbuilt utility provided by Microsoft that checks for faults within the system. Here is how to use it.
Step 1: Open the Run box and type the following command:
msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
Step 2: A new box will open, and you must click on the Advanced link. Ensure that the checkbox before “ Apply Repairs Automatically “ is checked.
Step 3: Click on the Next button and follow the onscreen steps.
Step 4: Reboot the PC for the changes to take effect.
Method 8: Use System File Checker Utility
The SFC tool is a built-in tool that scans your PC’s files detects issues, and fixes them. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Press Win + S to open the search box, type “cmd,” right-click on “Command Prompt” from the search results, and select “Run as administrator.”
Step 2: If the prompt box for administrative privileges appears, click “Yes” to proceed.
Step 3: In the Command Prompt window, type “sfc /scannow” and press the Enter key.
Step 4: After completing the scan, exit the Command Prompt window and reboot your computer.
Method 9: Utilize Deployment Image Servicing And Management Tool
There is another tool that helps to fix internal issues called the DISM. This tool can fix many issues, and here is what you need to do:
Step 1: Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
Step 2: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Step 3: Allow the process to complete and reboot your PC.
Method 10: Run Chkdsk
Most users who experience this error code have reported that it is due to disk errors or a faulty hard disk. The easiest way to diagnose and fix hard disk issues is by using the Check Disk tool in Windows. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Press Win + R to open the RUN box.
Step 2: Type CMD and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt in elevated mode.
Step 3: If you get the User Account Control Prompt box, click Yes.
Step 4: Copy and paste the following command.
chkdsk /f /r
Step 5: Reboot your PC.
Method 11: Run Memory Test
A memory test in Windows checks your computer’s RAM for errors that could cause system instability or crashes. To run a memory test, use the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool:
Step 1: Press Win + R to launch the RUN box.
Step 2: Type “mdsched.exe” and hit the Enter key.
Step 3: A new box will appear where you must click the “Restart now and check for problems (recommended)” option.
Windows will automatically perform a diagnostic, which may take several minutes. After it finishes, your PC will restart, displaying the results on your desktop.
Method 12: Run Driver Verifier
Running the Driver Verifier can also address the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error, though this method is better suited for advanced users.
Step 1: Type cmd in the search box, select the best match, right-click on it, and choose Run as administrator to proceed.
Step 2: Type “verifier” in the Command Prompt window followed by the Enter key.
Step 3: Select Create standard settings and click on the Next button.
Step 4: Please choose the “ Automatically Select All Drivers Installed …” option.
Step 5: Click the Next button and wait for the process to complete.
Step 6: Reboot your PC to complete the Driver Verification process.
Method 13: Check Storage Health; Consider Replacing OS Drive
If the SSD where your Windows 11/10 operating system is installed becomes faulty, it can cause instability and result in a BSOD error. Here’s how to check the health of your storage on Windows 10.
Step 1: Press Win + R to open the Run dialog. Type “CMD” and click OK.
Step 2: When the CMD window opens, copy and paste the command below, then press Enter.
wmic diskdrive get status, model
Step 3: Your drive’s status will be displayed, as shown below. If it says ‘OK,’ your drive should be in good condition.
Step 4: If your SSD or HDD does not appear to be in good condition, consider replacing the drive and reinstalling the operating system.
Method 14: Disable Third-Party Services
After using Windows 10/11 for an extended period, various services may be scheduled to start automatically when you boot your PC. These can sometimes cause problems. To address this, we will disable third-party services and ensure that Windows only loads essential system services. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Press Win + R to open the Run dialog. Type “msconfig” and click OK.
Step 2: Next, navigate to the ‘Services’ tab.
Step 3: Check the box for ‘Hide all Microsoft services’ to ensure these services are hidden. Then, click ‘Disable All’.
Step 4: Click ‘OK’ when finished and restart your system to apply the changes.
Method 15: Disable on-board graphics
Step 1: Restart your computer and enter BIOS/UEFI settings. This is usually done by pressing a key such as F2, Del, Esc, or F10 during the startup process (refer to your motherboard’s manual if needed).
Step 2: Look for settings related to graphics or display. This might be under sections like Advanced, Chipset Configuration, or Integrated Peripherals.
Step 3: Locate the option for Primary Display or IGD (Integrated Graphics Device) and set it to Disabled or select the dedicated graphics card as the primary display adapter.
Step 4: Save your changes and exit BIOS/UEFI. Your computer will restart.
Method 16: System Restore
A system restore will revert your PC to a previous state where everything functions correctly without losing your files. However, you will lose any applications installed after the restore point and any settings changes made since then. Here’s how to perform a system restore:
Step 1. Reboot your PC into the Windows Recovery Environment and select Troubleshoot.
Step 2. Choose “Advanced options” and then “System Restore”.
Step 3. Select your Administrator Account, enter your password, and click “Continue”.
Step 4. Choose the system restore point you created and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Read Also: How to Fix Windows 10/11 System Restore Is Taking a Long Time
Method 17: Reset This PC
If the previous solutions haven’t worked, resetting Windows may be the final step to fix the “driver irql not less or equal” error. Here’s how to reset Windows 10 and 11:
Step 1. Open the Start menu and search for ‘Reset this PC.’ Then, select the appropriate option from the search results.
Step 2. Click on “Reset PC.”
Step 3. Select “Keep my files.”
Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to start the reset process for your Windows computer.
Note: Although Windows provides an option to keep your data during the reset, it is recommended to manually back up your files externally to prevent any potential data loss.
Have You Fixed The “Driver irql_less_or_not_equal” Error On Windows 10?
We hope that you have fixed the Driver irql_less_or_not_equal blue screen error on your Windows 10 PC with the above-recommended steps. Please tell us in the comments section below which method helped you fix the issue and what you think caused it.
