The result of the error driver_irql_not_less_or_equal is a noticeable blue screen that often occurs while playing a game if you’ve had a history of overclocking or hard drive issues. There are few steps to take in other to fix “Driver IRQL not less or Equal” on Windows 10/7 or 8 PC, iTech Viral has explained what causes the error, how to prevent, and most importantly how to fix it.
(Driver IRQL not less or Equal) in severe cases can make your computer not turn on and this can be very bad since your PC cannot be accessed at all for your personal use. Others facing this error might be able to get their windows computer to run but will face other errors like “nldrv.sys” alongside the known problem we are discussing.
What is IRQL?
An Interrupt Request Level (IRQL) is a hardware-independent means with which Windows prioritizes interrupts that come from the system’s processors. On processor architectures on which Windows runs, the hardware generates signals that are sent to an interrupt controller.
This error message on Windows 10 affects browsers like Chrome, according to user’s complaints, also it has been noted it occurs 10 – 20 minutes after startup of PC. Note the time frame it occurs on your PC depends on how severe your computer has been affected.
Causes of (Driver IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL)
These are just a few cases, there are other unknown ones not mentioned here, but these are the common reasons your PC has been affected by this.
#1. Over-Clocking
If you’ve ever over-clocked your PC maybe for game performance improvement or let’s say for demanding software, at first it might seem harmful, but continuously doing so destroys your computer hardware and processors.
#2. Virus-Related
Installing programs from untrusted websites can result in your PC getting infected and then results in your processor or hard drive issue. I recommend you get official programs and not from any random websites, this is another reason for your pc getting “Driver IRQL not less or equal” blue screen.
#3. Incompatible Device Driver
If you installed a buggy device driver on your Windows Pc you will begin getting the popup error message. Sometimes updated driver for your PC might have not been developed fully and installing it can result in getting your computer damaged.
#4. BIOS Update
A failed BIOS update can result in “Driver IRQL not less or equal” Windows 10 blue screen message. BIOS update fails when your computer turns off during the update due to low battery life, downloading an incompatible update or if your computer has processor issues that can prevent it from installing. The BIOS is the first software to run and it provides runtime services for the OS and programs so be careful when updating.
Error Prevention For Windows 10/8.1/8/7
These preventive measures are not a guarantee you will not get this unknowingly, but as part of the prevention, it is best you always update your Windows security.
#1. Antivirus
Make sure you have Antivirus on your Windows PC, this will ensure your computer is safe and no unknown software will be allowed to get installed if suspected to be a virus. Also, make sure you always update the virus definitions to fight against new threats.
#2. Driver Updates
The Blue screen “Driver IRQL not less or equal” Windows 10 error can be prevented if you always update your drivers from trusted sources. It has to be compatible with your computer, do not download an update which you are not sure about, it will lead to the driver_irql_not_less_or_equal alert.
#3. Don’t Overclock
Overclocking the clock rate of a computer more than what has been certified by the manufacturer will damage your computer. To prevent that, it is best you leave Softwares or games that are highly demanding like GTA V which is currently free, or if you are using intel Hd graphics, play games suitable for the PC rather than dangerously overclocking it.
#4. Proper Shutdown
Ensure you shut down your computer properly, the alert error “Driver IRQL not less or equal” Windows 10 can show up when you always turn it off wrong or you let your Windows PC battery to go below the normal percent and then it gets totally discharged, so do not let your computer battery get fully discharged.
How To Fix [driver_irql_not_less_or_equal] Blue Screen
Method 1
- Tap the Windows Icon and search “Windows Memory Diagnostic” which is a Desktop App.
- Check your computer for memory problems by clicking restart now.
- Once your Windows 10 computer has restarted it will begin running test pass.
- This can take several minutes but the computer will restart after it has completed.
- So this will fix the “Driver IRQL not less or equal” blue screen on Windows 10.
If it did not stop it, then follow up with the next method.
Method 2
- Open “Device Manager”, you can use Windows search to easily find it.
- Open “Disk Drives” and then right-click the drop-down to open properties.
- Click Policies > Quick Removal > Click Ok > then Yes to restart computer.
– Make sure no USB is connected to any ports. - After it restarts it should fix the “Driver IRQL not less or equal”.
Method 3
- Open “My Computer” Or “This PC”.
- Open “Local Drive”, it can be Drive C or any Alphabet, mostly C.
- Right-click and select Properties > Tools > on (error checking), click “Check”.
- Click “Scan Drive” for errors, you’ll be notified if any are seen.
These are the 3 methods all these has been leading to, they will help you fix that error message and also prevent it from further happening again. This alert message is very discouraging especially if you haven’t seen a working solution, now you’ve seen ours, it is your last website looking for a solution. Always come back for more step by step guides, follow us on Telegram and Facebook for updates.
