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How to Fix “DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL” Blue Screen Error in Windows

Mr.Shiva
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The “DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL” error is a common Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) problem that can suddenly crash your computer while you are working, gaming, or even during startup. It usually occurs when a driver in your Windows system tries to access a memory address that it shouldn’t, leading to a system crash to protect your hardware and data.

In this guide, we’ll explore what this error means, why it happens, and step-by-step methods to fix it in Windows 10, Windows 11, and older versions.

What Does “DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL” Mean?

The error is a type of STOP code that indicates:

  • A driver attempted to access an invalid memory address.
  • The access request was made at an interrupt request level (IRQL) too high for the operation.
  • This leads to Windows shutting down instantly to avoid further damage.

The STOP code often appears like this:

STOP 0x000000D1: DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

Sometimes, you’ll also see the name of the faulty driver (e.g., tcpip.sys, ndis.sys, or a third-party driver file).

Common Causes of the Error

Several factors can trigger the DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL blue screen, including:

  • Corrupt or outdated device drivers
  • Faulty hardware (RAM, network cards, etc.)
  • Conflicting software or antivirus programs
  • Overclocking issues
  • Corrupted system files
  • Windows updates gone wrong

How to Fix “DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL” Blue Screen Error

Follow these solutions in order. After each fix, restart your PC to see if the problem is resolved.

Method 1: Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode loads Windows with only essential drivers and services. If the BSOD doesn’t occur in Safe Mode, the problem is likely due to a third-party driver or software.

  1. Hold Shift and click Restart from the Start menu.
  2. Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings.
  3. Click Restart, then press 4 (or F4) to start in Safe Mode.

Method 2: Update or Roll Back Drivers

Faulty or outdated drivers are the most common cause of this error.

To Update Drivers:

  1. Press Windows + X and choose Device Manager.
  2. Right-click on the suspected device (often Network adapters, Display adapters, or Sound devices) and choose Update driver.
  3. Select Search automatically for drivers.

To Roll Back a Driver:

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Right-click the device → Properties → Driver tab.
  3. Click Roll Back Driver if available.

Method 3: Run Windows Memory Diagnostic

If your RAM is faulty, it can trigger memory access errors.

  1. Press Windows + R, type: mdsched.exe
  2. Choose Restart now and check for problems.
  3. Wait for the scan to complete. Replace RAM if errors are found.

Method 4: Check for Corrupted System Files

Corrupted Windows system files can cause BSOD errors.

  1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Run: sfc /scannow
  3. Wait for the scan to finish and repair any files.

For deeper repairs, also run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Method 5: Uninstall Problematic Software

Recently installed programs—especially VPNs, antivirus tools, or driver utilities—may cause conflicts.

  1. Press Windows + R, type: appwiz.cpl
  2. Sort by Installed On.
  3. Uninstall suspicious or recently installed apps.

Method 6: Update Windows

Microsoft often releases updates that fix driver-related crashes.

  1. Press Windows + I → Windows Update.
  2. Click Check for updates.
  3. Install all available updates.

Method 7: Reset Overclock Settings

If you’ve overclocked your CPU, GPU, or RAM, revert to default settings using BIOS/UEFI.

  1. Restart your PC.
  2. Enter BIOS (usually F2, DEL, or Esc during boot).
  3. Load Default/Optimized Settings.
  4. Save and exit.

Method 8: Check Your Hard Drive for Errors

Disk errors can also lead to driver crashes.

  1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Run: chkdsk C: /f /r
  3. Type Y to schedule a scan, then restart your PC.

Preventing “DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL” in the Future

  • Keep drivers updated using trusted sources.
  • Install Windows updates regularly.
  • Avoid downloading drivers from unofficial sites.
  • Monitor hardware health using tools like HWMonitor or Speccy.
  • Run regular antivirus scans.

Final Thoughts

The “DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL” blue screen error can be frustrating, but in most cases, it’s fixable by updating drivers, checking hardware, and repairing system files. If the issue persists after trying all solutions, you may need to reinstall Windows or consult a professional to check for deeper hardware faults.

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