In this article, I will discuss how to fix the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error on Windows.
Update Device Drivers
- Open Device Manager by pressing Windows Key + X and selecting Device Manager from the menu.
- Locate the driver causing the issue by looking for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark next to them.
- Right-click on the device and select Update driver to search for the latest driver software online.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver update process.
Run Hardware Diagnostics
1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS or UEFI settings. Look for an option to run hardware diagnostics.
2. Run a full scan of your hardware components, including the CPU, RAM, hard drive, and any other connected devices.
3. Make note of any errors or issues that are detected during the diagnostic scan.
4. If any hardware components are found to be faulty, replace them as needed to resolve the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error.
5. Once you have addressed any hardware issues, restart your computer and check if the error has been fixed.
Restore System to a Previous State
To restore your system to a previous state and potentially fix the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error on Windows, you can use the System Restore feature. System Restore allows you to revert your computer’s settings and configurations to a point in time when it was functioning properly.
To access System Restore, type “System Restore” in the Windows search bar and select “Create a restore point.” Click on the “System Restore” button and follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point from a list of available dates.
Follow the prompts to restore your system to the selected restore point. This process will undo any changes made to your computer after that date, potentially resolving the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error.
After the restoration process is complete, restart your computer and check if the error has been resolved. If the issue persists, you may need to try other troubleshooting steps to pinpoint and fix the underlying cause of the error.
Check for Windows Updates
- Make sure your Windows operating system is up to date by checking for Windows updates.
- Open Windows Settings by clicking on the Start menu and selecting Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Windows Update in the left pane.
- Click on Check for updates to see if there are any available updates for your system.
- Install any updates that are found and restart your computer if necessary.
FAQs
How to fix error IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL?
To fix the error IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL, ensure that your drivers are up to date by checking for the latest Windows updates. Restart your device after updating the drivers to apply the changes.
Can faulty RAM cause IRQL less or equal?
Faulty RAM can indeed cause IRQL less or equal errors. This indicates a communication issue between the RAM and the operating system, potentially due to corrupt system files or malfunctioning memory. Running a system file check and DISM health restore can help address this issue.
Can SSD cause IRQL not less or equal?
An SSD can potentially cause the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error on a Windows system, although it is less common than other causes. One possible reason for this error could be a faulty SSD driver.
What causes IRQL?
IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL is caused by attempting to access a pageable or invalid address at an interrupt request level that is too high, often due to drivers using improper addresses.