Resolve DRIVER IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL Windows 10 error with the quick fixes shared in this write-up.
Out of all the Windows 10 errors, perhaps the most dreaded one is the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). What makes it so fearful is the fact that it is tough for the user to determine which error is the culprit behind BSOD. Mostly, Windows restarts the system without letting you know which error it is struggling to resolve. It is a daunting task to fix most of the BSOD errors. But, if you get the DRIVER IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL error in windows 10, then consider yourself lucky.
The reason for which you are lucky is that this error has got some simple fixes. And, through this write-up, we share the same with you. But before jumping to those fixes, let’s talk about the causes that lead to this issue.
What are the causes of Error Driver IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL Error in Windows 10?
There could be multiple reasons that led to this error and made it difficult for you to carry on your work on your PC. Before jumping to the solution to this problem, let’s talk about the possible cause of this error. Some of the reasons are mentioned right below.
- Software or hardware changes made recently.
- Outdated or corrupted device drivers
- Unsuccessful Windows 10 update
- Corrupted or damaged system file
- Hardware and software malfunctioning
Fixes for DRIVER IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL Error on Windows 10
Below are the simple fixes that you can try to resolve the DRIVER IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL error in windows 10. Work your way down the list till you find the solution that works for you.
Solution 1: Disable Network Drivers
Disabling or uninstalling the network drivers can help you get rid of the terrifying DRIVER IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL error. It is suggested to uninstall the network drivers in safe mode with the below-mentioned steps.
- Start the Windows in Safe Mode.
- On the keyboard, press the Windows logo and X keys simultaneously and wait for the Run box to appear.
- After the Run box appears, type “devmgmt.msc” and click on OK to launch Device Manager.
- Once the Device Manager window comes up on the screen, find and expand “Network adapters”.
- Now, right-click the network adapter and choose “Disable”.
- In the same manner, disable the driver for the wireless network adapter.
- Boot the PC again and wait for Windows to automatically reinstall drivers.
Hopefully, now you won’t see the annoying IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL Windows 10 error. If it still troubles you, then try the below solution.
Also know: [SOLVED] “You Need a WIA Driver to Use this Device” Scanner Driver Error
Solution 2: Upgrade BIOS
BIOS is a tiny software that sits quietly in the motherboard’s memory chip. This small software is capable of creating big troubles such as DRIVER IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL Windows 10 error if it is outdated. Thus, update BIOS with the steps mentioned below.
- Visit the motherboard manufacturer’s official website.
- Download the most compatible and latest BIOS version.
However, before you jump to try the above steps, it is important to note that updating BIOS without sufficient technical knowledge can result in fatal system crashes and errors. Therefore, we suggest you get the best BIOS update software to do the needful.
Solution 3: Check the Hardware
One of the major reasons for which you get DRIVER IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL Windows 10 error is the faulty hardware. Thus, scan every nook and corner of your PC to find the problematic hardware and fix it. For instance, a corrupt sound card can cause the Blue Screen of Death.
Solution 4: Uninstall the Overclocking Software
Overclocking software is designed to give the device’s performance a boost. But, excessive overclocking can result in troubles such as STOP CODE DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL on Windows 10. Therefore, uninstall the overclocking software. Even if you need to overclock the processors, then install the latest version of the overclocking tool and overclock the device in a gradual manner.
Also know: How to Fix for Unexpected Store Exception Error in Windows PC
Solution 5: Reset the Windows
Resetting the Windows solves issues that are otherwise tough to resolve. However, before going ahead with this solution, we suggest you create a backup of all the crucial files and folders so that you don’t lose them. After creating the backup, follow the below-mentioned steps.
- Click on the Start icon, open Settings, and choose “Update & Security”.
- Select “Recovery” from the left pane.
- Click on “Get started” located below “Reset this PC”.
Resetting Windows resolves IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL Win 10 error if it is caused by software issues.
Solution 6: Update VPN Software
VPNs are an excellent way to keep your data and identity secured while browsing the web. However, outdated VPN software results in errors such as DRIVER IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL on Windows 10. Therefore, to eliminate this BSOD error, you need to update the VPN software that you use.
Also know: Solve Whea_Uncorrectable_Error on Windows 10 Easily
Solution 7: Update the PC Drivers
BSOD errors such as DRIVER IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL are majorly caused by worn-out PC drivers. Therefore, to eliminate such bugs, you need to upgrade drivers. There are two ways to update drivers in Windows 10. You can update them either manually with the help of Device Manager or automatically through Bit Driver Updater.
We suggest you update them in an automatic manner with Bit Driver Updater. The reason is, that this utility makes it a whole lot easier for you to update drivers and also improves the PC’s performance. Below we walk you through the steps to update drivers via this best driver updater.
- Click on the below-mentioned download button to get Bit Driver Updater.
- Install and launch this application.
- From the left pane of the screen, select “Scan”.
- Wait patiently till the scan finishes.
- Once the scan ends, click on “Update All” to upgrade the drivers and give your PC a new lease of life.
Completing the above-mentioned simple steps drives away almost all the PC problems. Therefore, get this utility and bid adieu to all the errors such as DRIVER IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL.
Common Queries: Driver irql_less_or_not_equal Windows 10
Q1. What is the error Driver_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL?
Driver_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error occurs when the network driver chooses to use a wrong memory address. You may see “ndis. Sys” (System file of network drivers on your Windows screen.
Q2. How do I fix the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error?
To fix this issue, try to update the network driver.
Q3. What are the causes of IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error?
There could be multiple reasons for this error and they are listed below for you:
- Corrupted Device Driver
- Outdated device memory
- Unsuccessful Windows 10 update
- Faulty antivirus software
Q4. What is Driver_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Blue Screen?
This error is a Blue Screen of Death Error caused due to malware infection. Additionally, this issue also may come to light due to the incorrect driver and memory address connections.
DRIVER IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL error: Fixed
Above we discussed the best ways to resolve DRIVER IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL error on Windows 10. We end the discussion with the hope that the problem is now resolved. With Bit Driver Updater, you can fix not only this but all the other PC errors as well. Therefore, we suggest you get this tool and make the system error-free. We will again see you with another simple solution to tough tech problems.
