The “IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL” error, also known as the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), is a common issue that Windows users may encounter. This error typically occurs when a system process or driver attempts to access a memory address without the proper access rights. This can lead to system crashes, freezes, and other stability issues. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to fix this problem and get your Windows computer back up and running smoothly.
Disable Memory Cache
One potential solution to the “IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL” error is to disable the memory cache on your Windows system. To do this, you’ll need to enter your computer’s BIOS or UEFI menu. The exact steps may vary depending on your computer’s manufacturer, but generally, you can access the BIOS/UEFI by pressing a specific key (such as F2, F12, or Del) during the boot process.
Once in the BIOS/UEFI, look for an option related to memory caching or memory optimization and disable it. This can help prevent the system from attempting to access memory addresses it doesn’t have permission to. After making this change, save the settings and exit the BIOS/UEFI, then restart your computer to see if the issue has been resolved.
Update Drivers and Windows
Another common cause of the “IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL” error is outdated or incompatible drivers. To fix this, you’ll need to update your drivers to the latest versions. You can do this by opening the Device Manager, right-clicking on the problematic device, and selecting “Update driver.” Alternatively, you can visit the manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your specific hardware.
In addition to updating drivers, it’s also a good idea to ensure that your Windows operating system is up-to-date. Microsoft regularly releases updates to address security vulnerabilities, fix bugs, and improve system stability. To check for and install any available updates, open the Settings app, go to “Update & Security,” and click “Check for updates.”
Run System File Checker and DISM
Corrupted system files can also be a contributing factor to the “IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL” error. To address this, you can use the built-in System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools in Windows.
To run the SFC tool, open an elevated Command Prompt (run as administrator) and type the following command: `sfc /scannow`. This will scan your system for any corrupted files and attempt to repair them.
If the SFC tool doesn’t resolve the issue, you can try using the DISM tool. Open an elevated Command Prompt and run the following commands:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
These commands will scan and repair any issues with your Windows image, which may help fix the “IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL” error.
Perform a System Restore
If the previous steps haven’t resolved the issue, you can try performing a system restore. This will revert your Windows system to a previous state, which may fix the “IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL” error if it was caused by a recent change or update.
To perform a system restore, open the Start menu, search for “System Restore,” and follow the on-screen instructions to select a restore point and complete the process. Keep in mind that this will undo any changes or installations made since the restore point, so be sure to back up any important data before proceeding.
Check for Hardware Issues
In some cases, the “IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL” error can be caused by faulty hardware, such as a failing memory module or a malfunctioning storage device. To check for hardware issues, you can run a memory test using the built-in Windows Memory Diagnostic tool.
To do this, open the Start menu, search for “Windows Memory Diagnostic,” and select the option to “Restart now and check for problems.” This will reboot your computer and run a comprehensive test on your system’s memory. If any issues are detected, you may need to replace the affected memory module(s).
Additionally, you can check the health of your storage device by running the `wmic diskdrive get status, model` command in an elevated Command Prompt. If the status shows any issues, you may need to replace the affected storage device.
Perform a Clean Boot
If the “IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL” error persists despite the previous steps, you can try performing a clean boot. This process disables all non-essential startup programs and services, which can help isolate the root cause of the issue.
To perform a clean boot, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type `msconfig` and press Enter.
- In the System Configuration window, go to the “Services” tab and check the “Hide all Microsoft services” box.
- Click “Disable all” to disable all non-Microsoft services.
- Go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager.”
- In the Task Manager, select each startup item and click “Disable.”
- Close the Task Manager and the System Configuration window.
- Restart your computer.
After the clean boot, check if the “IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL” error persists. If it doesn’t, you can start re-enabling the disabled services and startup items one by one to identify the culprit.