IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Fix: Step-by-Step Guide

This guide walks you through the quickest ways to resolve the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) on Windows 10. This error typically means a driver or system process accessed memory at an invalid interrupt request level. You’ll learn to diagnose and fix the most common causes, from driver conflicts to faulty RAM, without needing advanced technical skills.

What You’ll Need

Windows 10 installed on your PC (any recent version)
Administrator account access
Optional: a USB drive with Windows 10 installation media (for advanced repair)

Step-by-Step

Boot into Safe Mode. Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before the Windows logo appears (or use Shift + Restart from the login screen). Choose Safe Mode with Networking from the Advanced Startup Options. This loads only essential drivers, allowing you to work without the crash.
Uninstall recently installed software or drivers. If the error started after adding new hardware or software, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Sort by install date and uninstall the newest items. Also, open Device Manager (right-click Start), expand categories, and right-click any device with a yellow warning icon to Uninstall device.
Run Windows Memory Diagnostic. Type “memory” in the Start menu and select Windows Memory Diagnostic. Choose Restart now and check for problems. The test runs automatically; wait for it to complete. If errors appear, your RAM may be faulty.
Update all drivers. In Device Manager, right-click each device (especially display, network, and chipset) and select Update driver > Search automatically. For critical updates, visit your PC manufacturer’s support site and download the latest drivers for your exact model.
Run the System File Checker. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (right-click Start > Windows Terminal (Admin)). Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait for the scan to finish. Then run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and reboot.
Check for Windows updates. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install all pending updates, including optional driver updates.
Disable Fast Startup. In Control Panel, go to Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable, uncheck Turn on fast startup, and save changes. This often resolves memory-related BSODs.
Reset your PC (last resort). If nothing works, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery and click Get started under Reset this PC. Choose Keep my files to reinstall Windows without losing personal data.

Common Mistakes

Skipping Safe Mode – trying to fix drivers while the system is unstable can cause more crashes.
Ignoring the error code details – the BSOD often names the faulty driver (e.g., nvlddmkm.sys). Noting this helps target the fix.
Using third-party driver updater tools – these often install wrong or outdated drivers. Stick to Windows Update or manufacturer sites.
Overclocking without testing – if you overclock RAM or CPU, revert to default settings first.

Tips

Check the minidump files – use the free tool BlueScreenView to see which driver caused the crash. This narrows down the fix.
Keep your system clean – regularly update drivers and Windows to prevent recurrence.
Test RAM with MemTest86 – if the Windows memory test passes but issues persist, run a more thorough test from a USB boot drive.
Create a restore point before making major changes, so you can roll back if needed.

Troubleshooting

If the error persists after following all steps:

Reinstall the faulty driver – if you identified a specific driver, download the latest version from the manufacturer and do a clean install (uninstall first, then reboot and install).
Check hardware connections – reseat RAM sticks and expansion cards. Dust can cause intermittent shorts.
Run a disk check – open Command Prompt as Admin and type chkdsk /f /r. Restart and let it scan.
Use System Restore – if you have a restore point from before the issue, boot into Safe Mode and run rstrui.exe to revert.
Contact support – if your PC is under warranty, contact the manufacturer. If not, consider professional repair for hardware issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL mean?

It means a driver or system process tried to access memory at an interrupt request level that was too high, causing a system crash.

Can this error be caused by faulty RAM?

Yes, defective RAM is a common cause. Running the Windows Memory Diagnostic or MemTest86 can confirm.

How do I boot into Safe Mode if Windows won’t start?

Interrupt startup three times (power off/on) to trigger Automatic Repair, then choose Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart > press 4 for Safe Mode.

Will resetting my PC delete my files?

Choosing “Keep my files” preserves your personal files but removes installed apps and settings. Always back up important data first.

Is this error related to overheating?

Overheating can cause memory errors, but IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL is more often driver-related. Still, check your CPU and GPU temperatures.

Can outdated BIOS cause this error?

Yes, an outdated BIOS can cause compatibility issues with newer drivers. Check your motherboard manufacturer’s site for updates, but only update if you’re comfortable.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →