How to Fix DRIVER_IRQL_LESS_OR _NOT_EQUAL Error in 2025?

The DRIVER_IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL error is a notorious Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) that can disrupt your workflow and cause data loss. This error, often accompanied by the stop code 0x000000D1, signals that a Windows.

Attempted to access a memory address at an improper Interrupt Request Level (IRQL), leading to a system crash. In this article, we’ll break down what causes this error, how to fix it, and steps to prevent it from recurring.

What Is DRIVER_IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL Error?

The DRIVER_IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL error occurs when a kernel-mode driver tries to access pageable memory while running at a high IRQL, which is not permitted. IRQL, or Interrupt Request Level, is a priority ranking system used by Windows to manage hardware and software interrupts. When a driver violates these rules, Windows halts to prevent further damage, resulting in a BSOD.

Common Causes of DRIVER_IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL

The root causes of this error is crucial for effective troubleshooting. Here are the most frequent triggers:

• Faulty or Outdated Drivers: The majority of cases stem from drivers that are incompatible, outdated, or corrupted. Installing new hardware or updating existing drivers can sometimes introduce conflicts.
• Corrupted System Files: System file corruption, often due to malware or failed updates, can lead to memory access violations.
• Hardware Failures: Defective RAM, overheating CPUs, or failing disk drives can cause drivers to behave unpredictably and trigger this error.
• Software Conflicts: Recently installed or updated applications, especially those that interact with hardware (like antivirus or backup tools), may conflict with existing drivers.
• Windows Updates or Downgrades: Improperly applied updates or downgrades can replace or corrupt system files, causing instability.
• Corrupted Registry: Improper software installations or removals can damage the Windows registry, leading to memory access issues.

Also Read: What is Information & Communication Technology

How to Fix DRIVER_IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL Error in 2025?

Before diving into solutions, it’s important to note any recent changes to your system—such as new hardware, driver updates, or software installations—as these can help pinpoint the cause.

Update or Roll Back Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers are the leading cause of this error. Updating drivers can resolve conflicts, while rolling back to a previous version can fix issues introduced by recent updates.

• Open Device Manager (right-click Start and select Device Manager).
• Expand the relevant device category.
• Right-click the problematic device and select Update Driver.
• Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
• If issues persist, try rolling back or uninstalling the driver and reinstalling a stable version.

Install Windows Updates

Microsoft often releases patches addressing driver and system compatibility issues. Keeping your system updated can resolve underlying problems.

• Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options.
• Enable Receive updates for other Microsoft products.
• Check for and install all available updates, including optional ones.

Check for Corrupted System Files

System file corruption can be addressed using built-in Windows tools:

• Open Command Prompt as administrator.
• Run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
• If issues are found, run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
• Next, run: SFC /SCANNOW
• Repeat the SFC command until no issues are reported.

Test and Replace Faulty Hardware

Hardware issues, especially with RAM, can cause intermittent BSODs.

• Use Windows Memory Diagnostic or third-party tools to test your RAM.
• If errors are detected, replace the faulty hardware.

Uninstall Problematic Software

If the error started after installing new software, especially system utilities or antivirus programs, uninstall them and observe if the issue resolves.

Perform a System Restore

Restoring your system to a previous state can revert changes that caused the error.

• Search for System Restore in the Start menu.
• Follow the prompts to restore your system to a point before the issue began.

Also Read: How to Reboot Your Amazon Fire TV / Fire Stick?

Key Points, Pros, and Cons

Before diving into the pros and cons of each solution, it’s helpful to understand their impact on system stability and user experience.

• Driver Updates:
  • Pros: Resolves compatibility issues, improves performance.
  • Cons: May introduce new bugs if the update is unstable.
• Windows Updates:
  • Pros: Addresses security vulnerabilities and system bugs.
  • Cons: Occasionally causes new compatibility issues.
• System File Checks:
  • Pros: Fixes deep-seated corruption, restores system integrity.
  • Cons: Time-consuming, may not resolve hardware-related issues.
• Hardware Replacement:
  • Pros: Permanently resolves hardware faults.
  • Cons: Can be costly and time-intensive.
• System Restore:
  • Pros: Quick way to revert problematic changes.
  • Cons: May result in loss of recent data or settings.

Preventing DRIVER_IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL Errors

Prevention is always better than a cure. Here are some strategies to minimize the risk of encountering this BSOD:

• Regularly update drivers and Windows.
• Avoid installing unverified or unnecessary system utilities.
• Use reputable antivirus software and perform regular scans.
• Monitor hardware health, especially RAM and storage devices.
• Create regular system restore points and backups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The DRIVER_IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL error is a critical Windows stop code that signals a driver or system process is violating memory access rules. Most often, the root cause is a faulty or outdated driver, hardware failure, or system file corruption.

By methodically updating drivers, checking for system updates, scanning for file corruption, and testing hardware, you can resolve and prevent this disruptive error. Keeping your system well-maintained and up-to-date is the best defense against DRIVER_IRQL_LESS_OR_NOT_EQUAL and similar BSODs.