November 1, 2017

Fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error – TechCult

If you face the above error code with bug check with a value of 0x0000000A, then this indicates that a kernel-mode driver accessed paged memory at an invalid address while at a raised interrupt request level (IRQL). In short, the driver attempted to access a memory address to which it did not have the necessary permission.

Fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error

When this occurs in a user application, it generates an access violation error message. When this happens in a kernel-mode, then it generates a STOP error code 0x0000000A. If you face this error while upgrading to a newer version of Windows, it might be caused by the corrupted or outdated device driver, virus or malware, antivirus issues, corrupt system file, etc.

Fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error on Windows 10

This error also occurs if there is a mismatch between memory and memory bus controller which can lead to unexpected I/O failures, memory bit-flipping during heavy I/O operations, or when the ambient temperature is raised. So without wasting any time let’s see how to actually Fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error on Windows 10 with the help of below-listed troubleshooting guide.

Fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error

Make sure to create a restore point just in case something goes wrong.

Method 1: Perform a Clean Boot

Sometimes 3rd party software can conflict with Windows and can cause Blue Screen of Death error. To Fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error, you need to perform a clean boot on your PC and diagnose the issue step by step.

Under the General tab, enable Selective startup by clicking on the radio button next to it

Method 2: Run Windows Memory Diagnostics

Note: If your motherboard’s BIOS has the Memory Caching feature, you should disable it from BIOS setup.

1. Type memory in the Windows search bar and select “Windows Memory Diagnostic.

2. In the set of options displayed select Restart now and check for problems.

run windows memory diagnostic | Fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error

3. After which Windows will restart to check for possible RAM errors and hopefully display the possible reasons you get the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error message.

4. Reboot your PC to save changes.

Method 3: Run Memtest86+

Note: Before starting, make sure you have access to another PC as you will need to download and burn Memtest86+ to the disc or USB flash drive.

1. Connect a USB flash drive to your system.

2. Download and install Windows Memtest86 Auto-installer for USB Key.

3. Right-click on the image file which you just downloaded and selected “Extract here” option.

4. Once extracted, open the folder and run the Memtest86+ USB Installer.

5. Choose you are plugged in USB drive to burn the MemTest86 software (This will format your USB drive).

memtest86 usb installer tool

6. Once the above process is finished, insert the USB to the PC, giving the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error.

7. Restart your PC and make sure that boot from the USB flash drive is selected.

8. Memtest86 will begin testing for memory corruption in your system.

Memtest86

9. If you have passed all the test, you can be sure that your memory is working correctly.

10.If some of the steps were unsuccessful, then Memtest86 will find memory corruption which means that your “IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL” is because of bad/corrupt memory.

11.In order to Fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error, you will need to replace your RAM if bad memory sectors are found.

Method 4: Run Driver Verifier

This method is only useful if you can log into your Windows normally not in the safe mode. Next, make sure to create a System Restore point.

run driver verifier manager

Run Driver Verifier in order Fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error. This would eliminate any conflicting driver issues due which this error can occur.

Method 5: Perform System Restore

1. Press Windows Key + R and type system.cpl then hit enter.

system properties sysdm | Fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error

2. Select the System Protection tab and choose System Restore.

system restore in system properties

3. Click Next and choose the desired System Restore point.

system-restore

4. Follow the on-screen instruction to complete system restore.

5. After reboot, you may be able to Fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error.

Method 6: Run CCleaner and Malwarebytes

1. Download and install CCleaner & Malwarebytes.

2. Run Malwarebytes and let it scan your system for harmful files. If malware is found, it will automatically remove them.

Click on Scan Now once you run the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

3. Now run CCleaner and select Custom Clean.

4. Under Custom Clean, select the Windows tab and checkmark defaults and click Analyze.

Select Custom Clean then checkmark default in Windows tab | Fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error

5. Once Analyze is complete, make sure you’re certain to remove the files to be deleted.

Click on Run Cleaner to deleted files

6. Finally, click on the Run Cleaner button and let CCleaner run its course.

7. To further clean your system, select the Registry tab, and ensure the following are checked:

Select Registry tab then click on Scan for Issues

8. Click on the Scan for Issues button and allow CCleaner to scan, then click on the Fix Selected Issues button.

Once scan for issues is completed click on Fix selected Issues | Fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error

9. When CCleaner asks “Do you want backup changes to the registry? select Yes.

10. Once your backup has completed, click on the Fix All Selected Issues button.

11. Restart your PC to save changes.

Method 7: Run SFC and DISM

1. Open Command Prompt. The user can perform this step by searching for ‘cmd’ and then press Enter.

Open Command Prompt. The user can perform this step by searching for ‘cmd’ and then press Enter.

2. Now type the following in the cmd and hit enter:

Sfc /scannow
sfc /scannow /offbootdir=c: /offwindir=c:windows

SFC scan now command prompt | Fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error

3. Wait for the above process to finish and once done, restart your PC.

4. Next, run CHKDSK to Fix File System Errors.

5. Let the above process complete and again reboot your PC to save changes.

Method 8: Repair Install Windows 10

This method is the last resort because if nothing works out, this method will surely repair all problems with your PC and Fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error. Repair Install uses an in-place upgrade to repair issues with the system without deleting user data present on the system. So follow this article to see How to Repair Install Windows 10 Easily.

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That’s it you have successfully Fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error on Windows 10 but if you still have any queries regarding this post then feel free to ask them in the comment’s section.