How to Fix driver_irql_not_less_or_equal Error in Windows 10/11

Having crucial tasks at hand and the computer refusing to cooperate can be a frustrating situation. Hence, if you are stuck with the DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Blue Screen of Death error that prevents your PC from functioning normally, this article is here to help you. 

The DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL BSOD error with stop code 0x000000D1 typically occurs when the operating system is booting or a specific drive is being used. However, though annoying, this error is effortlessly fixable through the fixes in this article. 

Before jumping to the solutions, understanding the problem is always a smart move. Hence, let us begin by examining the error and its causes before moving on to the fixes. 

What Is DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

Simply put, driver irql not less or equal means your computer is unable to identify or point out the specific driver that is using an incorrect address. Also called the “NETIO.SYS” error, it indicates that a driver (specifically the network driver) is trying to access memory at a privilege level higher than allowed. The following can be possible causes behind this problem. 

Causes of DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error

The factors below may most likely cause the driver_irql_not_less_or_equal Blue Screen error. 

• Faulty or incompatible network drivers
• Problems with RAM or other hardware components
• Corrupted system files
• Incompatible software
• Malware or virus infection

Now that you have a better understanding of the error, let us learn how to fix it. 

Fixes for DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error

You can apply the fixes below (in order) to fix the driver irql not less or equal error on your Windows PC. You do not need to try all the fixes and can stop troubleshooting when the error disappears.  

Fix 1: Check PC hardware and software

One of the most common factors responsible for the Windows 11/Windows 10 DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error is the incompatibility of the hardware and software components with your computer. Hence, unplug connected peripherals like hard drives, printers, USB drives, etc., and restart your PC to check if it solves the problem. 

Moreover, if this error appears after you install a new program on your computer, make sure that it is compatible with your operating system. If you are unsure about its compatibility, you can uninstall the software. 

Also know:  Best Free Driver Updater Tools for Windows 10 and 11

Fix 2: Uninstall network drivers

An improperly installed or buggy network driver may be causing the driver irql not less or equal error. Hence, you can uninstall and reinstall the driver to fix the issue. Here is how. 

• First, right-click on the Windows icon on your taskbar and choose Device Manager from the options that appear.

• Next, double-click on the Network Adapters category in the Device Manager to expand it.

• In this step, right-click on your network adapter and choose Uninstall device from the list of options available.

• If asked, provide the necessary permissions for uninstallation, and remember to check the “Delete the driver software for this device” box.

• After completing the driver uninstallation, return to the Device Manager and choose Action from the menu bar.

• Next, select Scan for hardware changes from the options available in the Action menu.

• Lastly, restart your computer (even if you are not asked to do so) to complete the process.

Fix 3: Update your network drivers

Outdated drivers break the communication between hardware (in this case, your network adapter) and your computer’s operating system, resulting in issues like the DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error. Hence, you can follow the steps below to update the network driver. 

• First, right-click the Windows icon in the extreme left corner of your taskbar and choose Device Manager to open it.

• Next, double-click the Network Adapters category to view its contents.

• In this step, right-click your network adapter and choose Update Driver from the on-screen options.

• Next, choose Search automatically for drivers from the available options.

• Let Windows find, download, and install the appropriate network adapter driver.

• Lastly, restart your computer to allow the newly installed driver to take effect.

Fix 4: Check your system files

BSOD errors, like driver_irql_not_less_or_equal, may be a result of corrupted critical system files. Hence, scanning and repairing the system files is an appropriate course of action. Below is how to scan and repair these files. 

• First, use the key combination of the Windows and S keys to access the search function.

• Next, type Command Prompt in the search box, right-click the first search result and select Run as administrator from the available context menu.

• In this step, copy and paste the sfc /scannow command in the Command Prompt window and press Enter.

• Once the system scan and repair are complete, restart the computer.

Fix 5: Scan your computer for viruses/malware

Certain activities, like installing free software from unverified or unknown sources, may have exposed your system to a virus or malware infection, leading to errors like DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL. Hence, you may scan your computer to detect and eliminate the virus or malware using a reliable and secure anti-malware and protection software for Windows. 

Fix 6: Check your disk

Disk errors may also trigger the Driver_irql_not_less_or_equal Blue Screen error. Hence, you can follow the steps below to check and repair the Windows disk. 

• First, bring up the search bar using the Windows+S key combination.

• Second, type Command Prompt in the search bar, right-click on it in the search results, and choose Run as administrator from the on-screen options.

• Click Yes to proceed to the next step if the User Account Control (UAC) appears.

• In this step, type or copy and paste the command chkdsk C: /f /r /x in the Command Prompt window and press Enter.

• When the scan and repair are complete, restart your computer.

Also know: Best Free PC Cleaner and Optimizer for Windows 10, 11

Fix 7: Repair RAM issues with Windows Memory Diagnostic

Since RAM problems may be another cause of driver irql not less or equal issue, checking your computer for memory problems to repair any RAM issues is one of the solutions. Below is how to perform this action using the memory diagnostic tool. 

• First, use the Windows+S key combination to access the search function.

• Next, type Memory Diagnostic in the search box and select it from the search results.

• In this step, choose Restart now and check for problems (recommended) from the Windows Memory Diagnostic options.

• Lastly, restart your computer to complete the process.

Fix 8: Reset Windows

If none of the above fixes resolve your problem, the last resort is to reset Windows. Windows reset restores it to its factory settings, hence fixing the Driver_irql_not_less_or_equal error. However, you must back up your files and settings before proceeding with the steps below to perform a Windows reset. 

• First, use the Windows+I key combination to access your computer’s Settings.

• Next, choose Update & Security from the settings menu.

• Once the selected settings appear, click on the Recovery option.

• In this step, choose Get Started from the Reset this PC section and wait until Windows starts the reset process.

• You can now choose one option from keep my files (if you wish to keep personal files on your computer but wish to remove all apps and settings) and remove everything (if you wish to wipe all data from your computer, including all your personal files).

• Lastly, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.

DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error Fixed

We hope the solutions provided in this article fix your problem. All these solutions are tried and tested. Hence, none of these fixes will harm your computer in any way or pose a threat to your personal data and other information. 

However, if you need help resolving the driver_irql_not_less_or_equal error or have any related queries, you can write us a comment. We will get back to you with appropriate responses as soon as possible. Moreover, you can also offer your suggestions or feedback on this article in the comments section.