Error: irql_not_less_or_equal on Windows 10? Not a problem!
This article is dedicated to such a problem as irql_not_less_or_equal on Windows 10, 8 or 7. Despite, that in the text you will find more examples for Windows 10, these advices are suitable for previous versions.
Are you ready to cope with that Windows stop code error? Let's read!
Why does a irql_not_less_or_equal error on Windows 10 appear?
The irql_not_less_or_equal Windows 10 error is quite common, especially when it comes to online games or PC operations that require high performance. And if at the same time, you have bad or outdated drivers, an outdated antivirus program or overloaded computer can cause conflicts and you will have to deal with the error code irql_not_less_or_equal on Windows 10.
If this error occurred during a game, then the reason may be the drivers in the graphics processing unit (GPU), any drivers in the game controller, the keyboard, as well as the mouse.
If irql_not_less_or_equal on Windows 10 appeared during an online game, then most likely you are dealing with damaged WLAN or Ethernet drivers.
In other situations, a Windows 10 irql_not_less_or_equal error may be caused by faulty RAM, and may also appear on overclocked and overloaded computers.
For a better understanding of the problem, the following is a list of the main causes of an irql_not_less_or_equal error on Windows 10:
- Outdated and incompatible drivers
- Incorrect driver installation
- Malware and viruses
- Overloaded, overclocked or faulty PC
- Disk fragmentation or registry problems
Now that you know the essence of the problem, you can begin to solve it.
Top fixes for irql_not_less_or_equal error on Windows 10!
- 1. Check for the latest Windows updates.
Often, when Windows asks you to upgrade your system, you don’t have time for it and you put it off for later. This is bad news for your operating system and can cause big damage to your PC and the data on it. Therefore, make sure that your computer is equipped with the latest updates: Click Start, then select Settings -> Update and Security -> Windows Update -> Check for updates.
After that, restart the computer. If the problem persists, proceed to the next solution.
- 2. Update main “trouble” drivers: Internet, Wi-Fi, graphics.
As mentioned above, irql_not_less_or_equal errors on Windows 10 most often appear due to outdated drivers. The best action to take, of course, is to update them by going to the manufacturer's website and downloading the latest update for the corresponding driver. Windows also offer to update the driver through the Device Manager.
So, to update the graphics, Internet, and Wi-Fi drivers, do the following:
Simultaneously press the Windows key + R. This action will open the Run program. Type “devmgmt.msc” and press Enter. The Device Manager will open. Select "Display Adapters" (for the graphics driver) or "Network Adapters" (for the Internet and Wi-Fi drivers). Right-click on the appropriate driver. Next, click on "Update driver software." Next, click "Automatically search for updated driver software." After the updates are found, they will be automatically installed.
Remember, you need to be connected to the Internet.
If this method did not help you, do not despair. Try the next one!
- 3. Check all drivers with Windows tools.
Utility Driver Verifier is a built-in tool for all versions of Windows for finding errors on drivers and eliminating them. You can use this method by using the command line and running verifier.exe.
However, you need to remember that this utility will not turn off by itself; you need to do it manually.
If you use it all the time, the operating system may significantly slow down and hang during basic operations.
- 4. Replace the antivirus program.
It so happens that antivirus programs themselves install the drivers they need. This causes the computer to overload and a BSOD irql_not_less_or_equal error on Windows 10, 8, or 7 appears. Try removing your antivirus program and installing a new one. To do this, you must simultaneously press the Windows Key + R, then type “appwiz.cpl” and press Enter. Now find your antivirus, select it and click Remove. Also, delete all residual antivirus files. Reboot the computer. If it was the reason for the error, then it should disappear.
Windows stop code irql_not_less_or_equal? Cope with the consequences!
Because of the reasons that lead to mistakes or the stop code irql_not_less_or_equal on Windows 10, there is a high probability that the data on the device may be damaged or deleted. In order to restore it, use DiskInternals Partition Recovery — the best software for recovering data of any type and size.
In this case, you can use any recovery mode: to open the data, use reader mode for data recovery, uneraser mode for fast recovery, or recovery for full recovery). The company has developed a free trial version, which you can download right now and try it out. Use the detailed step-by-step guide for Partition Recovery described below.
Follow the step by step instructions and very soon your files: photos, videos, music, and other data will be in your hands.
Step 1. Download and install DiskInternals Partition Recovery.
Step 2. The recovery wizard will start automatically; you only need to select the wizard mode: “reader”, “uneraser” or “recovery”. Then click Next.
Step 3. Scan. The process will take some time; wait for completion.
Step 4. Preview and restore. All found files will be marked with a red cross in the upper left-hand corner. To view the file, right-click and select "Preview in New Window." If you have viewed the file, this is a guarantee that it will be restored correctly.
Step 5. Saving. Just purchase a license and enter the license key. Save the data in a different location to avoid overwriting the data. No rescan and no reinstall required!
As you can see, data recovery is easy with DiskInternals Partition Recovery.
Bonus! Variations of irql_not_less_or_equal error, their causes and solutions
Here is the list of the main variations of this error. So, if your error sounds a little bit different from the one discussed, here you can look them up and their solutions.
- irql_not_less_or_equal after updating Windows
Rarely occurs, but it can happen after updating Windows; for example, if you install it incorrectly. Remove the update and check if the problem is gone.
- irql_not_less_or_equal CPU overheating
If the processor is overheated, this error may also appear.
You can try to disable overclocking by removing unnecessary programs in order to unload the computer. Using a cooling pad can also help avoid BSOD irql_not_less_or_equal errors on Windows 10.
- irql_not_less_or_equal ntoskrnl.exe
ntoskrnl.exe, a.k.a. kernel image is a fundamental part of the Windows operating system. That means that when a problem has arisen, it is very serious.
- irql_not_less_or_equal overclocking
This error variation is most common among gamers as a result of computer overclocking. Try disabling overclocking; most likely, the error will disappear.
- irql_not_less_or_equal after upgrading RAM
As you may guess, this error appears after updating the RAM. Therefore, verify the compatibility of the PC and RAM and make sure that it is installed correctly.