If you’ve encountered the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) with the message “IRQL Not Less or Equal” on your Windows 11 system, you’re not alone. This error is a common but frustrating issue that can interrupt your work or gaming sessions. Don’t worry — this guide will help you understand what this error means and how to fix it with easy-to-follow steps.
What Is the “IRQL Not Less or Equal” Error in Windows 11?
The IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL (STOP 0x0000000A) error is a BSOD that occurs when a driver or kernel-mode process attempts to access a memory address to which it does not have permission, or at an incorrect Interrupt Request Level (IRQL). This usually points to faulty or incompatible device drivers, hardware issues, or conflicts between software and hardware.
Common Causes of IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error
- Outdated, corrupted, or buggy device drivers
- Faulty or incompatible hardware (RAM, hard drives, peripherals)
- Corrupted system files
- Recent software installations triggering conflicts
- Overclocking or other BIOS-related settings
How to Fix IRQL Not Less or Equal BSOD in Windows 11
1. Restart Your PC
Start simple — a system reboot can fix temporary driver glitches causing the error.
2. Boot Into Safe Mode
If Windows isn’t starting normally, boot into Safe Mode.
- Press and hold the power button to force shutdown Windows 11 during boot 2-3 times.
- On the third boot, Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) opens.
- Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- Press 4 for Safe Mode or 5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
3. Update or Roll Back Device Drivers
Faulty drivers are often the culprit:
- Open Device Manager (
Win + X> Device Manager). - Look for devices with a yellow exclamation mark.
- Right-click the device > Update driver > Search automatically for updates.
- If the error started after a driver update, choose to roll back the driver.
4. Run Windows Update
Make sure your system is fully updated.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install all updates, restart your PC.
5. Check for Hardware Issues
- Run Memory Diagnostic Tool:
- Press
Win + R, typemdsched.exe, and hit Enter. - Choose Restart now and check for problems.
- Press
- Run Disk Check:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Type
chkdsk /f /rand press Enter. - Follow prompts to scan disk on next restart.
6. Scan and Repair System Files
Corrupted files can cause BSODs.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Run:
sfc /scannow - Wait for System File Checker to complete and fix issues.
- Then run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
7. Disable Overclocking and Reset BIOS Settings
If you overclocked hardware or changed BIOS settings recently, revert to default settings.
- Restart and enter BIOS (usually by pressing
Del,F2, orF10during boot). - Look for options related to overclocking and reset to default.
- Save and Exit BIOS.
8. Uninstall Conflicting Software
If you installed new software recently before the error appeared, remove it.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Select the software and click Uninstall.
- Restart and see if the BSOD disappears.
9. Perform a System Restore
If the error persists, restore your system to an earlier point when it worked.
- Search for Create a restore point.
- Click System Restore, follow the prompts.
- Pick a restore point before the BSOD started appearing.
Tips to Prevent IRQL Not Less or Equal BSOD on Windows 11
- Keep device drivers up-to-date from official manufacturer websites.
- Avoid installing suspicious apps or drivers.
- Regularly perform Windows updates.
- Maintain good hardware health—clean dust, check connections.
- Use trusted antivirus software to prevent malware-related issues.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you have tried everything and still get the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error, it may point to severe hardware failures or complex software conflicts. In that case, contacting a certified Windows technician or Microsoft Support is your best bet.
Final Words
The IRQL Not Less or Equal BSOD can be intimidating, but with patience and these steps, you can troubleshoot and fix the problem on your Windows 11 PC. Whether it’s updating drivers, running diagnostics, or cleaning up your system, you have the power to get your computer back to smooth operation.
Got questions or success stories? Feel free to share in the comments below!
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