How to Fix DRIVER_IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL Error in Windows 10

Windows 10 is a highly popular operating system, but it has its flaws. One of the most frustrating errors you might encounter on your computer is the “DRIVER IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL” error. This error typically appears when Windows 10 is unable to locate a specific driver or software during the boot-up process. As a result, you will be presented with a blue screen error.

In Windows 10, one kind of Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error that might happen is the DRIVER_IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL issue. Although there are a number of potential causes for this error, hardware malfunctions or driver conflicts are typically to blame. You may correct this problem in a few different ways, so you should not worry too much.

In this article, we will show you how to troubleshoot and fix the DRIVER IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL error in Windows 10. We’ll go over several solutions that might help get rid of your Windows 10 error and bring your computer back to working order!

What is the DRIVER IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL error in Windows 10?

When your computer system encounters a critical error, it displays a “blue screen” error. This issue is quite common and happens when your system receives a STOP code, which forces it to restart. Although this error is unpredictable, there are measures you can take to prevent it from happening again due to the same cause.

The most common source of blue screen errors is a system problem that sends Windows 10 a STOP code, which results in an instantaneous system breakdown. This could occur at any time, corrupting data and possibly erasing any work you have not saved. It is crucial to regularly save your work in order to prevent losing progress.

A driver-related blue screen error, sometimes referred to as a stop code, has been reported by Windows 10 users on numerous occasions. One such error code is “DRIVER IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL.” Fortunately, there are a few possible fixes you can try to get rid of and use your computer normally again.

What causes the DRIVER IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL error?

At first glance, the error message “DRIVER IRQL_LESS OR NOT EQUAL” is not very helpful. Even some advanced users may be surprised to see this stop code show up when booting Windows 10. So, what exactly does it mean?

The DRIVER IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL problem typically occurs when one of your computer’s device drivers is not working properly. This issue could arise, for instance, if one of your drivers is at odds with an application or your operating system.

We recommend you take a look at the troubleshooting steps listed below in order to determine how best to handle any issues that are causing this blue screen issue.

Solved: DRIVER IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL in Windows 10

It’s important to take care of this Windows 10 issue quickly because it will most likely continue happening until you fix it! We’ve compiled seven working solutions that’ll help you restore your computer swiftly.

Method 1. Update your BIOS

The computer might not be working correctly because its BIOS has become outdated. You can fix this by updating your system’s software, which could also improve performance and stability issues that are related to older versions of the BIOS you’re using!

1. To open the Run utility, press the Windows key and R key together.
2. To open the Command Prompt, type “cmd” (without quotes) and press Enter.
3. Execute the following commands one by one by typing them and hitting Enter after each command:
   1. systeminfo | findstr /I /c:bios
   2. wmic bios get manufacturer, smbiosbiosversion
4. Here are some commands that can assist you in identifying the version of your BIOS.

The next step varies from system to system, so we can’t provide step-by-step instructions here. Head to your BIOS manufacturer’s website and follow the instructions to update the BIOS to the latest version.

Warning: Updating your PC’s BIOS can be a complicated process, and it involves certain risks as well. Even a small mistake, whether intentional or unintentional, can damage your system beyond repair and make it unable to boot up. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you back up your system before attempting to update the BIOS. As an alternative, you can pay an expert to complete the task on your behalf. This can assist you in averting possible problems.

Method 2. Stop overclocking

Overclocking your GPU may be beneficial for performance gain. It essentially lifts the limits of the graphics card, allowing it to perform well above what’s considered its maximum. However, do keep in mind that overclocking can lead to many problems with a computer if done wrong.

A computer is a complex machine, and when you tinker with overclocking your GPU, there can be negative consequences. Your graphics card may stop working altogether or start causing problems, even blue screen errors.

The overclock on your GPU might be the reason why you experience the DRIVER IRQL_LESS_OR_EQUAL blue screen error. While there is no direct relationship between this and other factors, many users have reported that they disabled their overclocking as a solution to stop getting this detrimental error.

Method 3. Update or disable your VPN

Virtual Private Network, or VPN for short, establishes a secure tunnel between your device and a single server to offer private and anonymous internet access. 

Unfortunately, some VPNs are known to cause errors like DRIVER IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL in Windows 10. If you’re currently using a VPN, try updating it to the latest version and checking whether or not you still run into this pesky blue screen problem. If that doesn’t help, simply turn off the VPN to verify if it’s the culprit.

If your system works perfectly after turning off your VPN, it may be time to get a new one. 

Method 4. Temporarily disable your antivirus

Antivirus apps are a necessity on your computer if you want to stay safe while online. However, many of them cause errors, and some may even mess up your drivers. If this happens, you need to temporarily disable your antivirus.

• To access Task Manager, right-click on a vacant area in your taskbar and select it from the context menu.
• Click on the Start-up tab in the header menu, find your antivirus program in the list, and select it.
• Select the Disable button that is now displayed in the window’s lower-right corner. By doing this, you will prevent the program from opening when your device first boots up.

• Restart your computer and see if you’re able to use Razer Synapse after making this change. Don’t forget to turn your antivirus app back on afterwards, or get a new antivirus app if your current one was causing the problem!

Method 5. Turn off the Windows Firewall

Turning off your Windows Firewall might be enough for this problem!

• To open the Run utility, press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard. After entering “firewall.cpl” (without the quote marks), press the OK button.

• On the left side of the window, click the link labelled “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.”

• Verify that the “Turn off…” option is selected in the settings for the public and private networks.

• Click OK and restart your computer.

Method 6: Verify that your drivers are current.

You can try updating Windows 10 and your drivers to fix the current blue screen error. This is an easy-to-follow process.

1. The start menu can be found by clicking on the Windows button in the bottom left area of your screen. It is also possible to get to Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Click on the Update and Security tile. This is where you will find most of your Windows Update options.
3. Use the menu on the left to get to the area for Windows Update. Click on the View Extra Updates link if it is there.
4. Examine which drivers presently require an update by expanding the Driver Updates section. Just check the drivers that need updating by placing a checkmark next to them, then select Download and Install.
5. After letting Windows 10 update your drivers, restart your machine.

Step 7: Restart Windows 10

The final option for a computer that repeatedly displays blue screen faults is to reset Windows 10. You have two alternatives to choose from, so you do not have to worry about losing any data or files: either make a clean reset, which erases everything or save your personal files and applications.

Before choosing the complete reset, our experts advise attempting to save as much as possible unless you do not mind losing your files in the first place.

1. You have to restart your computer to get to the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Hold down the F8 key on your keyboard while you can see the boot screen. You might also need to press and hold the Fn (function) key sometimes.
2. Go to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC from the Choose an option screen.
3. Pick one of the available options and follow the on-screen directions to reset or refresh Windows 10. Once the process is complete, you should be able to boot up your system without encountering the blue screen issue.

Concluding remarks

This blog post has covered the most common causes of DRIVER IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL blue screen errors and how to fix them. We hope this information was helpful to you. Yes, please share it with your peers who could be having similar issues by clicking on one of the social network buttons below.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any queries or requests you would want us to address. Signing up for our email also entitles you to early access to our blog posts, promotions, and deals! We provide the best pricing on all of our products at Fastsoftwares.

I appreciate you taking the time to read this! We are hoping to see you shortly.