Fix the Driver irql_less_or_not_equal Error on Windows 10
Scanning and replacing your memory usually fixes this issue
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Many users encountered driver irql_less_or_not_equal on Windows 10, and in today’s guide, we’re going to show you how to fix this problem.
What is driver irql_less_or_not_equal Windows 10?
This is a BSOD error and it appears due to issues with your RAM or drivers. In some cases, overclocking can cause this problem
How do I fix driver IRQL not less or equal error?
Before we start, restart your PC and check if the problem is constant. Keep your system up to date and remove any overclocking settings. If you have any non-essential USB devices, remove them.
You can also try using an Ethernet connection instead of wireless. Lastly, check if your RAM is properly seated.
1. Update your wireless adapter driver
1.1 Disable your wireless adapter
- Press Windows + X to open Power User menu and select Device Manager from the list.
- Expand, Network adapters, locate your wireless adapter, right-click it and choose Disable from the menu.
- Click Yes in the confirmation prompt.
1.2. Download the latest driver
- Open Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right-click your wireless adapter and choose Update Driver Software option.
- Select Search automatically for drivers option and wait until Windows installed the best driver.
Sometimes it’s better to download this driver straight from the manufacturer’s website. After installing the latest drivers, go back to Device Manager, and enable your wireless adapter.
Also, similarly, update the graphics driver as well as the one for the Ethernet adapter, in case you have a wired Internet connection.
1.3 Update the drivers automatically
Suppose the method above didn’t work, or you do not have the necessary computer skills to update/fix the drivers manually. In that case, we strongly suggest using a professional tool specializing in driver updates.
PC HelpSoft Driver Updater software scans your system and updates any outdated driver from its extensive database of official driver files. Simple and fast, it will ensure every driver is installed correctly, with no errors.
⇒ Get PC HelpSoft Driver Updater
2. Test the memory
- Press the Windows key + R and enter mdsched.exe.
- Select the desired option and scan your RAM.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the steps.
Since the former doesn’t carry out extensive testing, you can also go with MemTest86+, an open-source tool that looks for issues with individual memory modules and fixes them for good. Again, though, remember the device will take a few hours to run.
4. Reinstall the problematic application
- Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl, and then hit Enter.
- Locate the application that triggers the error, select it, and then click Uninstall.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstall process, and then restart the computer for the changes to effect.
- Once done, download and install the app from the official website or the Microsoft Store.
5. Disable on-board graphics
- Restart your PC and access BIOS.
- Go to Advanced mode and choose Settings.
- Now look for Internal graphics and set it to Disabled.
If that’s the case, disable the onboard graphics, and the problem should be resolved. Again, though, it should be used only as a last resort to fix the Driver IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error in Windows 10.
And before you leave, find out the best BSOD fixing software to eliminate the problem in no time.
This issue can appear on any version of Windows, and we have a Driver Irql Not Less or Equal in Windows 11 guide that covers this problem on the latest version.
There’s also a variation of this IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL, and the solutions from this guide will work for that version as well.
If you fixed the problem using another solution, drop it in the comments section below to help fellow Windows users.
