When your Windows 10 PC shows a blue screen of death (BSOD) error screen, it means that there is a serious problem with your PC. The good thing about a few types of BSOD is that they come with an error code or an assigned message. So, if your computer is giving you IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error, try the fixes mentioned below.
Some Causes of irql_not_less_or_equal Error
Stop code 0x0000000A also represents error IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL. Some of the common causes of the error are:
Corrupted System Files
This is one of the most common causes of the error code. In this case, the file necessary for the system to boot is corrupted. This can be the result of power outages, disk write errors, or virus attacks.
Defective Hardware Items
Another major cause of the error code is faulty hardware items. The two main items that can fail are the RAM module and the motherboard.
Incompatible Device Drivers
This error occurs if you have installed a new device driver and the driver is faulty or incompatible.
Downgraded Windows Installation
This cause is quite rare and means installing an older version of Windows over a newer one. When you do this, it is very possible that some system files were not properly replaced.
Faulty Software Installation
You may see this error especially if you haven’t properly installed software that deals with hardware to some extent.
Overheated CPU
If your CPU overheats, it can start to malfunction. Therefore, the computer shuts down with the help of BSOD. In this way, the CPU is protected from damage.
Legacy Operating System or Drivers
From time to time, a computer with an outdated software or version of Windows
How To Fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error
When the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error occurs, your PC is likely to crash. After the crash, Windows automatically reboots the system. Try the following fixes to prevent the error from recurring:
Verify Your Device Has The Latest Update
As mentioned earlier, outdated software can cause your Windows 10 device to show blue screen error. To make sure your system has the latest update, follow these steps:
Stage 1: Click the Windows/Start icon.
Step 2: Select settings.
Stage 3: Click Update & Security in the Settings window.
Step 4: In the next window, click Check for Updates. If there are any pending updates, be sure to install them.
Step 5: Make sure to enable automatic updates by selecting Advanced Options to ensure your system is getting the latest updates.
Step 6: Toggle the Automatic Updates toggle to On.
Restart Windows Using Clean Boot
In cases where Windows was installed incorrectly, restarting Windows using a clean boot can help prevent the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error. Doing so means that only the processes and services required to run Windows will start when the computer boots. Here’s how it works:
Stage 1: Click the Search icon in the Windows Taskbar.
Step 2: Type MSConfig in the search bar.
Stage 3: Select System Configuration from the search results.
Step 4: In the new window, click the Services button in the menu.
Step 5: Click the checkbox next to Hide all Microsoft services.
Step 6: Click Disable all.
Step 7: Click the Start button in the menu.
Step 8: Click Open Task Manager.
Step 9: Right click on the startup programs that you think may be causing the error.
Step 10: Click Disable.
Step 11: Close the Task Manager.
Step 1/2: Click Apply in the System Configuration Window and then OK to save the changes.
Step 13: Restart the computer.
Clear Memory Cache
The memory cache houses the temporary files your operating system needs to run. The cache can get corrupted and cause the BSOD error. Here’s how to clear your memory cache in Windows 10:
Stage 1: Click the Search icon in the Windows Taskbar.
Step 2: Search for Disk Cleanup and launch the application.
Stage 3: Click the checkbox next to Temporary files in Disk Cleanup.
Step 4: Click OK to clear your cache.
Repair Corrupted Files in Registry
Sometimes corrupt files are the cause of the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error. To fix this, you must repair the corrupted files in the Registry. Perform the following steps:
Stage 1: Click the Search icon in the Windows Taskbar.
Step 2: Search for Command Prompt.
Stage 3: Right click on the search result and select Run as Administrator.
Step 4: In Command Prompt, type sfc /scannow to command.
Step 5: Click Enter after typing the command and a scan should begin.
Step 6: Restart your PC when the scan is finished.
Fix White Screen of Death
That’s it for fixing one of the BSOD errors in Windows 10. Apart from BSOD errors, Windows 10 devices are also susceptible to the White Screen of Death. Some of the steps above may also help fix the error.
