Windows stop DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error

Updated: 03/06/2020 by Computer Hope
Note

The solutions on this page require you to access Windows Safe Mode or Normal Mode. If you cannot get into Windows at all, you must run the Windows installation process to run a Windows Repair installation or a full Windows reinstallation.

Recover Windows to an earlier copy

If you're unable to boot into Windows because of this error, boot into Windows Safe Mode and restore Windows to an earlier copy before proceeding.

Install the latest service packs

Hardware drivers that are installed by third-party programs commonly cause this issue. Many of the errors are not encountered if you have the latest Microsoft Windows Service Pack installed on the computer.

Get the latest hardware drivers

Install the latest drivers for any newly installed hardware device. If no new hardware was installed, make sure you have the latest drivers for the below devices.

  • Video card.
  • Network card or router (if present).
  • Any removable or external disk drive.

For a list of computer drivers, and links to driver downloads on manufacturer websites, see our drivers section.

Bad hardware

Memory-related issues commonly cause this issue. If you've recently installed any new memory into the computer, we recommend it be removed to verify it's not causing the issue. If, after removing the memory, this issue no longer occurs, you have either bad memory, or it's mismatched with memory currently installed in the computer.

If you have not installed any new memory into the computer recently, it's also possible that the memory currently installed in the computer is bad.

Corrupt or bad Virtual Memory page file

If you've followed the above steps and are continuing to experience issues, this error can also be caused by a bad virtual memory page file. To correct this issue, follow the steps below.

  1. Open the Control Panel.
  2. Click or double-click the System icon.
  3. In the System Properties window, click the Advanced tab.
  4. Click the Settings button in the Performance section.
  5. Click the Advanced tab.
  6. Click the Change button in the Virtual Memory section.
  7. Select the No paging file option and click each of the OK buttons until all windows are closed.
Note

In Windows 8 and Windows 10, you must uncheck the box for Automatically manage paging file size for all drives. You can then select the No paging file option.

  1. Restart Windows.
  2. Open the Control Panel.
  3. Click or double-click System icon.
  4. In the System Properties window, click the Advanced tab.
  5. Click the Settings button in the Performance section.
  6. Click the Advanced tab.
  7. Click the Change button in the Virtual Memory section.
  8. Select the System managed size option and click each of the OK buttons until all windows are closed.
  9. Restart the computer.