IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUALHighIRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL on Windows
What this error means
IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL usually means Windows tried to access protected memory while handling a device, driver, or system task. It often shows up as a blue screen and may happen during startup, gaming, printing, or after installing new software or hardware.
This problem is commonly linked to a faulty driver, a recent Windows update, bad memory, or another hardware issue.
Common causes
- 1A faulty or outdated device driver
- 2A recent Windows update or software change
- 3Bad RAM or another hardware problem
- 4Corrupted system files
- 5Malware or unstable third-party security software
How to fix it
- Restart your PC. If this happened only once, a restart may clear a temporary conflict. If the blue screen returns, continue with the steps below.
- Remove anything newly connected or installed. Unplug new USB devices, docking stations, printers, or external drives. If the issue started after installing a program or driver, uninstall that recent change if possible.
- Start Windows in Safe Mode. Safe Mode loads fewer drivers, which makes it easier to tell whether a background driver or app is causing the crash.
- Update Windows and your drivers. Install any pending Windows updates, then update graphics, Wi-Fi, chipset, and storage drivers from your PC maker or device maker. If the problem started right after a driver update, try rolling that driver back instead.
- Check system files. Open an elevated Command Prompt and run
sfc /scannow. If Windows reports problems it cannot fix, follow up with the built-in repair tools that check the Windows image. - Scan for malware. Run a full security scan with Windows Security or your trusted antivirus. Malicious or unwanted software can trigger memory and driver problems.
- Test your memory or get hardware checked. If the blue screen keeps happening, use Windows Memory Diagnostic or another trusted memory test. Repeated crashes after updates and driver checks can point to failing RAM, storage, or another hardware component.
Recommended fixes
Restart your device
A restart clears temporary state that often causes transient errors.
- Save your work and close open apps.
- Restart the device from the power menu.
- Reproduce the issue to check whether it persists.
Install Windows updates
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install everything available.
- Restart if prompted.
Boot into Safe Mode (Windows)
- Open Settings > System > Recovery and click Restart now under Advanced startup.
- Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- Press 4 (or 5 for Safe Mode with Networking).
Update your drivers (Windows)
- Open Device Manager.
- Right-click the affected device and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for drivers.
Run System File Checker and DISM
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Run
sfc /scannowand let it complete. - Then run
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. - Restart your PC.
Scan for malware (Windows)
- Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
- Run a Full scan.
- Quarantine or remove anything detected, then restart.
When to seek help
Get professional help if the blue screen happens more than once, keeps returning after Safe Mode and driver updates, or starts happening during normal use with no clear change. Also seek help quickly if Windows will not start, you hear unusual hardware sounds, or you suspect failing memory or storage. If the computer is under warranty, contact the manufacturer before replacing parts.
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