The IRQLNOTLESSOREQUAL Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is a frequent issue that arises when a driver or system process attempts to access a memory address without the necessary permissions. This error can stem from various sources, including faulty drivers, incompatible software, or hardware malfunctions. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to troubleshoot and resolve this error, allowing users to restore their systems to normal functionality. Below is a comprehensive guide to addressing the IRQLNOTLESSOREQUAL error in Windows 10 or 11.
What Causes the IRQLNOTLESSOREQUAL BSOD?
This BSOD can be triggered by several factors, including:
- Outdated or corrupted drivers.
- Faulty RAM or other hardware.
- Corrupt system files.
- Conflicting software, especially antivirus programs.
- Overclocking or misconfigured BIOS settings.
Let’s delve into various methods to rectify the IRQLNOTLESSOREQUAL error.
Method 1: Update or Roll Back Drivers
Drivers are often the primary culprits behind the IRQLNOTLESSOREQUAL error. It is crucial to ensure that all drivers are either up to date or rolled back to a previous version if the error surfaced following a recent update.
Step 1: Update Drivers
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Identify any devices marked with a yellow exclamation mark, particularly in the Network adapters, Display adapters, and Audio devices categories.
- Right-click on the device and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
Step 2: Roll Back Drivers
If the error began after a recent driver update, you can revert to the previous driver:
- Right-click on the problematic device in Device Manager and select Properties.
- Navigate to the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to revert to the prior driver version.
Restart your computer and verify if the BSOD issue has been resolved.
Method 2: Run a Memory Diagnostic Test
Faulty RAM can also contribute to the IRQLNOTLESSOREQUAL error. Utilizing the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool can help identify any memory-related issues.
Step 1: Run Windows Memory Diagnostic
- Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
- Select Restart now and check for problems.
- Your PC will restart, initiating the diagnostic tool to scan for memory issues.
If the diagnostic tool detects memory problems, replacing your RAM may be necessary.
Method 3: Scan for Corrupted System Files with SFC and DISM
Corrupted system files can lead to various BSOD errors, including IRQLNOTLESSOREQUAL. Employing the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM tools can assist in identifying and rectifying these files.
Step 1: Run SFC (System File Checker)
- Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
- In the terminal, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow- Wait for the scan to complete. If any corrupted files are identified, SFC will repair them automatically.
Step 2: Run DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management)
If SFC does not resolve the issue, utilize the DISM tool to repair the system image:
- In the same terminal, enter the following commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth- Once the process concludes, restart your PC.
Method 4: Check for Disk Errors with CHKDSK
Hard drive errors can also trigger the IRQLNOTLESSOREQUAL BSOD. Executing a CHKDSK scan can help identify and rectify these disk issues.
Step 1: Run CHKDSK
- Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
- In the terminal, type the following command and press Enter:
chkdsk C: /f /r(Replace C: with the appropriate drive letter if necessary.)
- If prompted, press Y to schedule the disk check for the next restart.
Upon restarting, the CHKDSK scan will execute, repairing any detected errors.
Method 5: Disable Overclocking or Reset BIOS Settings
Overclocking your system can lead to instability and BSOD errors. Disabling overclocking or resetting your BIOS settings to their defaults may provide a solution.
Step 1: Disable Overclocking
- Restart your computer and access the BIOS/UEFI settings (press the key indicated during startup, typically F2, F12, Delete, or Esc).
- Locate the Overclocking or Performance tab.
- Disable any overclocking settings or revert them to Default.
Step 2: Reset BIOS Settings to Default
- If uncertain about specific settings, you can reset the BIOS/UEFI to default:
- In the BIOS, find the option Load Setup Defaults or Restore Defaults.
- Save the changes and exit.
Restart your PC and check if the BSOD issue has been resolved.
Method 6: Uninstall Problematic Software
Certain software, particularly third-party antivirus programs or system utilities, can interfere with system processes and trigger BSOD errors.
Step 1: Uninstall Recently Installed Programs
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Navigate to Apps > Apps & Features.
- Identify any software installed recently or prior to the BSOD occurrence, and click Uninstall.
Restart your PC after uninstalling the software and verify if the issue persists.
Method 7: Perform a System Restore
If the IRQLNOTLESSOREQUAL error emerged following a recent update or software installation, utilizing System Restore can revert your PC to an earlier, more stable state.
Step 1: Perform a System Restore
- Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.
- In the System Restore window, select a restore point from before the BSOD began.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your system.
Once the restoration is complete, check if the BSOD issue remains.
Method 8: Reset Windows
If none of the aforementioned methods prove effective, resetting Windows may resolve the issue. You have the option to retain your files or remove everything during the reset process.
Step 1: Reset Your PC
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Navigate to Update & Security > Recovery.
- Under Reset this PC, click Get started.
- Select either Keep my files or Remove everything, and follow the prompts to reset Windows.
