The "DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL" (often abbreviated as "IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL") is a common Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error in Windows operating systems. This error typically indicates a problem with a driver or hardware component.
Here's what you can do to troubleshoot and potentially resolve this error:
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Restart Your Computer: Sometimes, a temporary glitch or software issue can cause this error. A simple restart may fix the problem.
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Check for Windows Updates: Ensure that Windows is up to date with the latest updates and patches. Microsoft frequently releases updates to address known issues and improve system stability.
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Update Drivers: Outdated or incompatible drivers are a common cause of this error. You should update your device drivers, especially those for your graphics card, network card, and other essential hardware components. You can do this manually by visiting the manufacturer's website for each component or use Windows Update to check for driver updates.
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Run Windows Memory Diagnostic: Faulty RAM can also cause this error. You can run the built-in Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to check for memory problems. To do this:
- Type "Windows Memory Diagnostic" in the Windows search bar and select it.
- Choose "Restart now and check for problems."
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Check for Hardware Issues: Ensure that your hardware components are functioning correctly. This includes checking for loose or faulty connections, such as RAM sticks, hard drives, and cables.
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Disable or Uninstall Recently Installed Software: If you've recently installed new software or drivers, they could be causing conflicts. Try disabling or uninstalling them to see if the problem goes away.
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Check for Overclocking: If you've overclocked your CPU, GPU, or RAM, it could lead to instability and this error. Reset your components to their default clock speeds and see if the issue persists.
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Check for Malware: Sometimes, malware can corrupt system files or cause driver conflicts. Run a full system scan with a reputable antivirus or anti-malware program to rule out this possibility.
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Check for Disk Errors: Use the built-in Windows utility called "chkdsk" to scan and repair disk errors. Open a Command Prompt with administrator privileges and run the command:
chkdsk /f -
System Restore: If you recently made significant changes to your system, such as installing new software or drivers, you can try performing a System Restore to revert your system to a previous state when it was working correctly.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, it may be helpful to provide more details about your system's configuration and any recent changes you've made. Additionally, you can analyze the specific error code associated with the BSOD, which can provide more clues about the underlying problem.
