Microsoft has released a fix for the recently disclosed “IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL” Windows security issue. The update will be automatically downloaded and installed with no user interaction needed. This bug is critical because it could allow attackers to gain control of any PC running an unpatched version of Microsoft’s operating system, leading to unauthorized code execution, data theft or denial-of-service attacks against affected systems.
The “irql not less or equal windows 10” is a stop code that can occur on Windows. This article has instructions on how to fix the error.
Nothing is more frustrating than having our Windows PC show a BSOD error message for a computer issue we can’t solve. One of the benefits of BSODs is the inclusion of an error code or analytic message at the bottom of the blue screen, which describes the issue in technical terms.
If our locked computer displays the message IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL, you’ve come to the right place: we’ll teach you what causes this issue and how to fix it so that the PC can operate again and prevent the emergence of future BSODs or the loss of personal data stored in the computer’s internal memory.
READ ALSO -> Scan for “blue screen” crashes in Windows and hunt for the source of the problem.
The source of the mistake IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL
The error IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL is one of the most perplexing that Windows may produce, since the reasons are so varied (can be compared to the yellow engine warning light, which can mean all or nothing). To help you figure out what caused this issue, we’ve compiled a list of the most common causes of the IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error.
- System files that are corrupted — The system’s files are corrupted, preventing it from starting. Power outages, disk write mistakes, and viruses hiding in the system may all cause file corruption.
- Hardware failure– One of your PC’s crucial components is broken or has an error when it boots up. The issue is almost always with the RAM modules or the motherboard.
- Drivers that are incompatible with the system or have been damaged during installation: We have installed new drivers, but they are incompatible with the system or have been damaged during installation.
- Windows downgrade: this is a very unlikely scenario, but if we go back after upgrading the Windows version, we may encounter the issue due to system files that have been corrupted or destroyed by the downgrade.
- Wrong software installation: If we install applications that have some degree of hardware control (for example, programs that control the CPU fan or the visual card), we may get this error owing to program compatibility issues or erroneous program installation.
- CPU overheated: owing to extreme overheating of the processor, this error may arise shortly before the PC is switched off in the summer. The issue will only display occasionally in this scenario when the outside temperature is really high (above 35 degrees).
- Operating system not up to date: In certain situations, missing Windows updates cause the system to utilize obsolete drivers, resulting in the IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL issue.
As you can see, the list of possible reasons is rather broad, to the point that you’ll have to go through each step to attempt to pinpoint the issue that’s preventing Windows from working properly and causing the BSOD screen to appear.
Correct the mistake. IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL
In most circumstances, Windows will restart and get back up and running after a crash, but this does not guarantee that the issue will not occur again. To avoid making the same mistake again, we’ve compiled a list of practical solutions for all of the issues mentioned above, so you can avoid seeing the IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error in the future.
System and driver updates are required.
The first piece of advise we can provide you for fixing “IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL” issues on Windows is to update the operating system and drivers on your computer as soon as possible, in order to resolve any driver conflicts or restore any damaged system files. On Windows 10, we can swiftly update by going to the Start menu, then to the Settings app, then to the Update and security menu, where we can choose Check for updates and install each suggested update.
So you don’t have to utilize other tools, Windows Update will show you which outdated drivers need to be updated; if no update is provided, we recommend reading our recommendations. A Windows computer’s drivers are automatically updated, and new drivers are downloaded and installed securely.
Use the clean boot option in Windows.
Windows Clean Boot can help you determine whatever software is preventing Windows from starting up, so you may delete (or update) it. To continue with a clean start of Windows 10, enter the Start menu, type msconfig on the keyboard, open the app System configuration, and, under the tab General, deactivate the sub-items at the bottom of the item Selective startup. Now, at the bottom, select OK and restart the computer to get a basic boot with no specified apps or drivers.
If the system does not start in clean boot, we recommend trying safe mode, which is also covered in our instructions. How to Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode e In Windows 10, here’s how to get to the Advanced Startup choices.
System files that have been damaged should be repaired.
To repair damaged system files, we may use the command prompt to execute a particular program that will automatically detect and restore faulty files (where possible). To use this approach, open the Start menu, search for Command Prompt, right-click it, choose More -> Run as administrator, enter sfc /scannow in the black box that appears, and then hit the Enter key on the keyboard.
A scan of the whole system will begin; we recommend that you keep everything turned on and wait for the results of the check to see whether the damaged files can be repaired. If the files are not updated, or if more error displays emerge, IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL, as shown in our tutorials, it is preferable to restore the system without losing personal data. How can I preserve everything and reinstall Windows 10 if it won’t start? How to Reset Your Windows 10 Computer (Reset PC).
Troubleshoot any hardware issues.
If the issues are hardware-related, it’s best to take things slowly and do certain tests in order to locate and replace the broken component. We ask you to read the following instructions to make things simpler for us:
- Windows memory diagnostics may be used to do a PC RAM test.
- Temperature control, CPU stress test, and PC setup verification
- On a PC, all hardware testing and diagnostic tools are available.
If a problem with one of the PC’s components resurfaces throughout the testing, we replace it to prevent the appearance of the error IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL. The issue is usually caused by one of the RAM memory banks; if this is verified, we may continue with the replacement as described in the article How to add or replace PC RAM.
If, on the other hand, we assume that the issue is the heat created by the computer during the summer months, we may attempt to cool it down as described in our articles 8 methods to cool your computer in hot weather e and How to protect your laptop from overheating.
Conclusions
The IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error is one of the most perplexing we’ve ever seen on a computer! If it occurs often and hinders us from working or studying on the computer, it is worthwhile to attempt the methods suggested above to resolve the issues that frequently cause this error to arise. Let’s not forget about the randomness factor: a mistake might emerge once for a transient issue and then vanish totally for months or years, so we only get concerned if it happens more than twice in less than three days.
Read our tips on How to Fix the BSOD Error (0xc00000e) in Windows 10 and What Causes Windows and PC Crashes for more information.
Watch This Video-
The “irql_not_less_or_equal windows 10 reddit” is a common error that can be found on Windows. It’s caused by an IRQL not being less than or equal to the DPC level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Windows Stop Code Irql_not_less_or_equal?
A: This is a stop code that can appear in Windows. It occurs when the value of Irql (an instruction register) has not been less than or equal to zero for at least two CPU cycles, and it indicates an error with the system timer interrupt service routine.
What causes DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error 0x000000D1?
A: This is a well-known error message that can be caused by many different things, but the most common cause of this particular error is a driver crash. Other causes include faulty hardware on your computer or motherboard, and general Windows issues such as overheating.
Related Tags
- irql_not_less_or_equal windows 11
- irql_not_less_or_equal windows 7
- irql_not_less_or_equal windows 10 ram
- irql_not_less_or_equal windows 8.1 error fix
- irql_not_less_or_equal windows 10 amd