Dec 16, 2024 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions
In the following article, we address one of the most difficult errors that users face while working on Windows Operating Systems. IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL, also known as "Stop: 0x0000000A, stop 0A or 0x0000000A", is the blue screen of death as depicted through the error code. It usually arises because some kernel-mode process or driver has attempted to ingress in a memory address that won’t be able to complete their access. Users must note that the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error can arise while working on Windows 10, 8, 7, or even any version of Windows Vista. What makes this error really frustrating for the users is that the computer happens to have an issue with some files, and alongside, they aren’t able to identify the file that is causing the error in the first place. Therefore, the onus lies with the user to detect the file that is causing the problem.
Before we move on to multiple solutions that help us overcome the error of IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL, we must understand the factors that cause this problem in the first place.
In the following sections, we look at different methodologies to overcome the error of IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL.
One of the major reasons behind the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error is hardware compatibility. Perhaps, the hardware you have assembled is not compatible with the Operating System you are trying to run. However, independent peripheral devices can also lead to the error of IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL.
Users often tend to use hardware devices that are not compatible with their systems and this causes the error in the first place. For the ones who are aware of the recent hardware changes they have made to their systems, it’s time to give it a check. Remove it and check for the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error. If it still persists, try uninstalling the software program you most recently installed. Please ensure that all the software programs that you have installed are compatible with your system.
Usually, another cause of the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error is the inability of our Operating System to install or operate external USB devices. The simplest method to overcome this problem is to eject all the external USB devices that you have connected to your device. It is essential to reboot your system after all the external devices have been ejected and check if the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error has been solved or not.
What includes in the USB drives we have mentioned above is the printer cable, scanner cable, webcam cable, and other external storage devices, along with your mouse and keyboard. If BSOD Solved – If the 0x0000000A, that is, if the error is gone, it is clear that you have an issue with the USB connected hardware, and therefore, you should connect each USB device independently in order to solve this problem. After detecting the device that is causing the problem of IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL in the first place, you may have to reinstall its drivers. However, if BSOD remains unsolved, move on to the next step as there is a strong probability that the error is arising due to your Windows installed drivers.
Users must note that registry is the main key to the performance of their systems, and if the system has been maintained poorly, there is a fair chance that registry issues might arise, thus leading to the error or IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL. Installation of corrupted software programs can also lead to the corruption of windows files and registry files.
Users can start by installing a registry tuner or cleaner in their system. We recommend the use of CCleaner or LAVASOFT for this purpose. Users are free to go for the software program of their choice as both are equally efficient in helping get rid of the error. Once the registry tuner has been downloaded and installed, users must click on the scan button that automatically initiates a full computer scan, thus helping users know all the little problems in their system. Tap on the ‘Fix Problem’ to repair the errors that come up on your screen.
For the ones who couldn’t derive any help by resolving corrupt registry, chances are that the problem actually lies with the corrupted windows driver. In order to fix this error, it is advisable that the users update their Windows and hardware drivers, and make sure that they install the drivers from the manufacturer’s website to eliminate the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error.
Another option is to test the RAM of your system. If you are running out of space, or if your RAM has turned into a disaster, it’s time to find a replacement. However, there is another method to follow before you start giving up on your hardware altogether.
This happens to be one of the important solutions to get rid of IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL, and therefore, we recommend that the user must check their fragment disk periodically while operating their system. Due to the overstressing of the Operating System, the computer doesn’t work as efficiently as it must and slows down. The programs and files take longer to load, and eventually, you are faced with this error. Therefore, it is important to periodically defragment your disk. This helps clean up the corrupted files and free up the space of the computer system. Also, this doesn’t require the user to install any third-party application software. Windows provides an option to the users to ‘Defragment’ their disk.
Basically, Over-Clocking is when the component’s clock rate is increased in a manner that it runs on a greater speed than it was suited for. Users tend to make changes to their BIOS in order to over-clock the system performance. We recommend that you fix it back to normal as that would ensure that there is no IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error.
The above-listed steps can prove to be helpful if users are looking to overcome IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error. The preventive and corrective measures are mainly hardware related, and therefore, it is the responsibility of the user to check for the compatibility of the hardware and software. If you tried any of the above methods and succeeded, let us know in the comments section. By the way, you can also learn to fix inaccessible boot device error.
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David Darlington
staff Editor