In most cases, you will experience IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL blue screen errors after you’ve installed new hardware or software. These IRQL_NOT_GREATER_OR_EQUAL blue screens can also appear during program installation, while a Microsoft Corporation-related software program (eg. Windows Operating System) is running, while a Windows driver is being loaded, or during Windows startup or shutdown. Keeping track of when and where your STOP error occurs is a critical piece of information in troubleshooting the problem.
IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL, Stop: 0x0000000A, stop 0A or 0x0000000A whatever you call it’s a blue screen of death problem and this error code message status shows us, that some kernel mode process or driver attempted to ingress in a memory address which won’t able to complete their access.
Why does IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL occur?
1. The issue pops up on your screen, when a memory address triggers an unauthorized access. It could be either a kernel-mode process or a device driver that tries to access this memory address without prior permissions.
2. The error also occurs after the installation of a faulty device driver, system service, or BIOS.
3. Incorrectly configured, old, or corrupted device drivers. (very common)
4. Corruption in Windows registry from a recent software change (install or uninstall).
5. Driver conflict after installing new hardware.
6. Damaged or removed system files after you’ve installed software or drivers related to Windows
Operating System.
7. Error 0x9 blue screen caused by a damaged hard disk.
8. IRQL_NOT_GREATER_OR_EQUAL STOP error also generate due to memory (RAM) corruption.
Symptoms of IRQL_NOT_GREATER_OR_EQUAL Blue Screen Errors
1. IRQL_NOT_GREATER_OR_EQUAL appears and crashes the active program window.
2. STOP Error 0x9: IRQL_NOT_GREATER_OR_EQUAL" is displayed.
3. A problem has been detected and Windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer. The problem seems to be caused by the following Error / file
4. Your PC frequently crashes with Error 0x9 when running the same program.
5. The IRQL_NOT_GREATER_OR_EQUAL bug check has a value of 0x00000009.” is displayed.
6. Windows runs sluggishly and responds slowly to mouse or keyboard input.
7. Your computer periodically “freezes” for a few seconds at a time.
IRQL_NOT_GREATER_OR_EQUAL blue screen errors can be caused by a variety of hardware, firmware, driver, or software issues.
Fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL BSOD error On windows 10 / 8.1 / 7
Starting from Basic Troubleshooting :
Remove External Devices like USB Flash Drive
Sometimes our computer’s operating system getting problem to install or operate external USB device’s drivers and creating this IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error. The simple solution is you can try to remove all external USB connected devices to your desktop’s or laptops and restart it and after that try to use your computer as in normal way for just likely using it for testing purpose and see did you still getting this error or not.
By ‘Remove USB’/ disconnect and remove all your USB connected devices like printer cable, scanner cable, webcam cable, external hard disk drive etc. beside USB mouse and keyboard.
If BSOD Solved – If the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL BSOD error gone that means you having problem with your USB connected hardware drivers so, connect one by one USB device to your computer and analyze which one creating this problem. After finding that USB connect hardware which creates this problem you’ll need to reinstall drivers for that particulate hardware.
Check for Hard Drive Corruption ("chkdsk /f")
While most storage-related, 0x9 blue screen errors are caused by problems with your hard disk drivers or storage controllers, in some cases these BSODs can be attributed to hard drive corruption.
Over time, your PC can develop errors on the hard disk drive due to repeated, unintended misuse. Improper shut downs, “hard closing” programs, corrupt or incomplete installation of software (eg. Windows Operating System), Microsoft Corporation hardware failure, and power outages can corrupt your file system and stored data. As a result, you may experience blue screen errors associated with IRQL_NOT_GREATER_OR_EQUAL.
Microsoft has included a convenient utility called “chkdsk” (“Check Disk”) to scan and repair hard disk corruption. If the previous troubleshooting steps did not resolve your 0x9 STOP error, running “chkdsk” may uncover and repair the cause of your BSOD.
How to run “chkdsk” (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):
Right click on start menu and select Command Prompt (Admin) As shown bellow picture.
A black box will open with a blinking cursor. Type "chkdsk /f" and hit ENTER.
"chkdsk" will begin scanning for hard disk corruption that could be causing 0x9 STOP errors.
Wait untill complete 100 % after that Restart you system once.
Test Your Memory (RAM) for Corruption
RAM is often the cause for many BSoD errors, and IRQL_NOT_GREATER_OR_EQUAL. Sometimes hardware-related IRQL_NOT_GREATER_OR_EQUAL blue screen errors can be due to memory (RAM) corruption. If you are experiencing random computer reboots, receiving “beep” codes on startup, or other computer crashes (in addition to 0x9 BSOD errors), it is likely that your memory could be corrupt. In fact, nearly 10% of application crashes in Windows are due to memory corruption.
If you have just added new memory to the computer, we recommend temporarily removing it to make sure it is not the cause of your IRQL_NOT_GREATER_OR_EQUAL error. If this action resolves your BSOD, this will be the source of your problem, and therefore your new memory is either incompatible or bad. If that is the case, you will then need to replace your new memory modules.
If you haven’t added any new memory, the next step is to perform a diagnostic test on your computer’s existing memory. A memory test will scan for hard memory failures and intermittent errors, either of which could be causing your 0x9 blue screen of death.
In order to verify the integrity of your system’s memory, you can use Windows’ own diagnostic tool. To access this tool, type Memory Diagnostic on the Start screen and click on Diagnose your computer’s memory problems to bring up a dialog box. It will ask you to perform the check by either restarting immediately or on the next restart. Opt for the immediate one to get going.
Read More About Fix Memory Problems using Memory Diagnose Tool
Use Msinfo32.exe to find conflict Resources.
1. Step Hit Windows key + R
2. Step Enter msinfo32.exe
3. Step Find devices with possible conflicts:
Hardware Resources Conflicts Sharing
4. Step If you find any devices with conflicts, try upgrading / removing the drivers. Shared IRQ are usually no problem, but audio and raid controllers may cause issues if they share the same IRQ.
Check other hardware
Most commonly BSOD errors are caused by a faulty RAM, but other hardware components can also cause this error to manifest. Relatively often your motherboard can cause IRQL_NOT_GREATER_OR_EQUAL error, so you might want to check it if it’s working properly.
In addition to motherboard, there were reports that a faulty hard drive or a graphic card can cause this error, so you might have to perform a thorough inspection of your hardware. If you don’t know how to do this, we strongly advise you to take your PC to the repair shop and ask them to this for you.
In addition to faulty hardware, your recently added hardware can cause issues as well. If you installed in any new hardware, such as a new hard drive, RAM, graphic card, or anything similar, it might be incompatible with your motherboard, and that can cause this BSoD error to appear. To fix this issue, we advise you to replace any recently added hardware and see if your PC works well without it.
Resolving a faulty hardware problem:
If hardware has been added to the system recently, remove it to see if the error recurs. If existing hardware has failed, remove or replace the faulty component. You should run hardware diagnostics supplied by the system manufacturer. For details on these procedures, see the owner's manual for your computer.
Resolving a faulty system service problem: Disable the service and confirm that this resolves the error. If so, contact the manufacturer of the system service about a possible update. If the error occurs during system startup, investigate the Windows repair options. For more information, see Recovery options in Windows 10.
Use Driver Verifier to identify faulty drivers
Driver Verifier is a tool that runs in real time to examine the behavior of drivers. For example, Driver Verifier checks the use of memory resources, such as memory pools. If it see errors in the execution of driver code, it proactively creates an exception to allow that part of the driver code to be further scrutinized. The driver verifier manager is built into Windows and is available on all Windows PCs.
To open Driver Verifier, click on the Start icon > Run > type “cmd.exe” and press Enter.
In the window of the Command Prompt program, type “verifier” and press Enter.
You can configure which drivers you would like to verify. The code that verifies drivers adds overhead as it runs, so try and verify the smallest number of drivers as possible .
Keep your Windows 10 up to date:
BSOD errors are often caused by incompatibility issues, and in order avoid potential issues, we strongly advise you to update Windows 10 frequently. Most incompatibility issues and security flaws are fixed through Windows Update, so in order to avoid IRQL_NOT_GREATER_OR_EQUAL error, make sure that your Windows 10 is up to date.
Perform System Restore:
System Restore is not itself the ultimate solution for the issue, but it leads to one. If the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error has appeared just recently and the system was initially working nice after upgrading to Windows 10, you or the system itself must have created a restore point with good configurations. Turning back to a previous state of settings would undo all the changes you carried after the restore point was created. The restoration methods depend on your ability to boot in.
If the error is used to occur while you are logged into your Windows account, you can perform a system restore from within the login session. For this purpose, type system restore on your Start screen and hit Enter key to begin the wizard. Choose a restore point and find your PC in a state when that point was created.
Read More : How To Perfrom System Restore to Troubleshoot windows problems.
Reset your Windows 10
Resetting the computer will delete all your personal files, apps and data whereas a Refresh function will change back you computer to the default settings. If you have installed Windows 10 on your computer and you are experiencing problems with it and you don't know the cause of the problem, then you should refresh your Windows 10 PC.
Resetting Windows 10 will delete most of your files on your C drive, so if you decide to use this step, we advise you to create a backup aforehand. Performing a Windows 10 reset is relatively simple and you can do it by following these steps Read More Factory Reset Windows 10 Solve problem Store Start menu some Apps not working
You can Check bellow Video Steps Performed to Fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL BSOD error
Visit and Subscribe my YouTube Channel for more Windows 10 videos.
Hope this steps will help to solve this problem. if any query please comment bellow.
Why does IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL occur?
1. The issue pops up on your screen, when a memory address triggers an unauthorized access. It could be either a kernel-mode process or a device driver that tries to access this memory address without prior permissions.
2. The error also occurs after the installation of a faulty device driver, system service, or BIOS.
3. Incorrectly configured, old, or corrupted device drivers. (very common)
4. Corruption in Windows registry from a recent software change (install or uninstall).
5. Driver conflict after installing new hardware.
6. Damaged or removed system files after you’ve installed software or drivers related to Windows
Operating System.
7. Error 0x9 blue screen caused by a damaged hard disk.
8. IRQL_NOT_GREATER_OR_EQUAL STOP error also generate due to memory (RAM) corruption.
1. IRQL_NOT_GREATER_OR_EQUAL appears and crashes the active program window.
2. STOP Error 0x9: IRQL_NOT_GREATER_OR_EQUAL" is displayed.
3. A problem has been detected and Windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer. The problem seems to be caused by the following Error / file
4. Your PC frequently crashes with Error 0x9 when running the same program.
5. The IRQL_NOT_GREATER_OR_EQUAL bug check has a value of 0x00000009.” is displayed.
6. Windows runs sluggishly and responds slowly to mouse or keyboard input.
7. Your computer periodically “freezes” for a few seconds at a time.
IRQL_NOT_GREATER_OR_EQUAL blue screen errors can be caused by a variety of hardware, firmware, driver, or software issues.
Starting from Basic Troubleshooting :
Remove External Devices like USB Flash Drive
Sometimes our computer’s operating system getting problem to install or operate external USB device’s drivers and creating this IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error. The simple solution is you can try to remove all external USB connected devices to your desktop’s or laptops and restart it and after that try to use your computer as in normal way for just likely using it for testing purpose and see did you still getting this error or not.
By ‘Remove USB’/ disconnect and remove all your USB connected devices like printer cable, scanner cable, webcam cable, external hard disk drive etc. beside USB mouse and keyboard.
If BSOD Solved – If the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL BSOD error gone that means you having problem with your USB connected hardware drivers so, connect one by one USB device to your computer and analyze which one creating this problem. After finding that USB connect hardware which creates this problem you’ll need to reinstall drivers for that particulate hardware.
Check for Hard Drive Corruption ("chkdsk /f")
While most storage-related, 0x9 blue screen errors are caused by problems with your hard disk drivers or storage controllers, in some cases these BSODs can be attributed to hard drive corruption.
Over time, your PC can develop errors on the hard disk drive due to repeated, unintended misuse. Improper shut downs, “hard closing” programs, corrupt or incomplete installation of software (eg. Windows Operating System), Microsoft Corporation hardware failure, and power outages can corrupt your file system and stored data. As a result, you may experience blue screen errors associated with IRQL_NOT_GREATER_OR_EQUAL.
Microsoft has included a convenient utility called “chkdsk” (“Check Disk”) to scan and repair hard disk corruption. If the previous troubleshooting steps did not resolve your 0x9 STOP error, running “chkdsk” may uncover and repair the cause of your BSOD.
How to run “chkdsk” (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):
Right click on start menu and select Command Prompt (Admin) As shown bellow picture.
A black box will open with a blinking cursor. Type "chkdsk /f" and hit ENTER.
"chkdsk" will begin scanning for hard disk corruption that could be causing 0x9 STOP errors.
Wait untill complete 100 % after that Restart you system once.
Test Your Memory (RAM) for Corruption
RAM is often the cause for many BSoD errors, and IRQL_NOT_GREATER_OR_EQUAL. Sometimes hardware-related IRQL_NOT_GREATER_OR_EQUAL blue screen errors can be due to memory (RAM) corruption. If you are experiencing random computer reboots, receiving “beep” codes on startup, or other computer crashes (in addition to 0x9 BSOD errors), it is likely that your memory could be corrupt. In fact, nearly 10% of application crashes in Windows are due to memory corruption.
If you have just added new memory to the computer, we recommend temporarily removing it to make sure it is not the cause of your IRQL_NOT_GREATER_OR_EQUAL error. If this action resolves your BSOD, this will be the source of your problem, and therefore your new memory is either incompatible or bad. If that is the case, you will then need to replace your new memory modules.
If you haven’t added any new memory, the next step is to perform a diagnostic test on your computer’s existing memory. A memory test will scan for hard memory failures and intermittent errors, either of which could be causing your 0x9 blue screen of death.
In order to verify the integrity of your system’s memory, you can use Windows’ own diagnostic tool. To access this tool, type Memory Diagnostic on the Start screen and click on Diagnose your computer’s memory problems to bring up a dialog box. It will ask you to perform the check by either restarting immediately or on the next restart. Opt for the immediate one to get going.
Read More About Fix Memory Problems using Memory Diagnose Tool
Use Msinfo32.exe to find conflict Resources.
1. Step Hit Windows key + R
2. Step Enter msinfo32.exe
3. Step Find devices with possible conflicts:
Hardware Resources Conflicts Sharing
4. Step If you find any devices with conflicts, try upgrading / removing the drivers. Shared IRQ are usually no problem, but audio and raid controllers may cause issues if they share the same IRQ.
Check other hardware
Most commonly BSOD errors are caused by a faulty RAM, but other hardware components can also cause this error to manifest. Relatively often your motherboard can cause IRQL_NOT_GREATER_OR_EQUAL error, so you might want to check it if it’s working properly.
In addition to motherboard, there were reports that a faulty hard drive or a graphic card can cause this error, so you might have to perform a thorough inspection of your hardware. If you don’t know how to do this, we strongly advise you to take your PC to the repair shop and ask them to this for you.
In addition to faulty hardware, your recently added hardware can cause issues as well. If you installed in any new hardware, such as a new hard drive, RAM, graphic card, or anything similar, it might be incompatible with your motherboard, and that can cause this BSoD error to appear. To fix this issue, we advise you to replace any recently added hardware and see if your PC works well without it.
Resolving a faulty hardware problem:
If hardware has been added to the system recently, remove it to see if the error recurs. If existing hardware has failed, remove or replace the faulty component. You should run hardware diagnostics supplied by the system manufacturer. For details on these procedures, see the owner's manual for your computer.
Resolving a faulty system service problem: Disable the service and confirm that this resolves the error. If so, contact the manufacturer of the system service about a possible update. If the error occurs during system startup, investigate the Windows repair options. For more information, see Recovery options in Windows 10.
Use Driver Verifier to identify faulty drivers
Driver Verifier is a tool that runs in real time to examine the behavior of drivers. For example, Driver Verifier checks the use of memory resources, such as memory pools. If it see errors in the execution of driver code, it proactively creates an exception to allow that part of the driver code to be further scrutinized. The driver verifier manager is built into Windows and is available on all Windows PCs.
To open Driver Verifier, click on the Start icon > Run > type “cmd.exe” and press Enter.
In the window of the Command Prompt program, type “verifier” and press Enter.
You can configure which drivers you would like to verify. The code that verifies drivers adds overhead as it runs, so try and verify the smallest number of drivers as possible .
Keep your Windows 10 up to date:
BSOD errors are often caused by incompatibility issues, and in order avoid potential issues, we strongly advise you to update Windows 10 frequently. Most incompatibility issues and security flaws are fixed through Windows Update, so in order to avoid IRQL_NOT_GREATER_OR_EQUAL error, make sure that your Windows 10 is up to date.
Perform System Restore:
System Restore is not itself the ultimate solution for the issue, but it leads to one. If the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error has appeared just recently and the system was initially working nice after upgrading to Windows 10, you or the system itself must have created a restore point with good configurations. Turning back to a previous state of settings would undo all the changes you carried after the restore point was created. The restoration methods depend on your ability to boot in.
If the error is used to occur while you are logged into your Windows account, you can perform a system restore from within the login session. For this purpose, type system restore on your Start screen and hit Enter key to begin the wizard. Choose a restore point and find your PC in a state when that point was created.
Read More : How To Perfrom System Restore to Troubleshoot windows problems.
Reset your Windows 10
Resetting the computer will delete all your personal files, apps and data whereas a Refresh function will change back you computer to the default settings. If you have installed Windows 10 on your computer and you are experiencing problems with it and you don't know the cause of the problem, then you should refresh your Windows 10 PC.
Resetting Windows 10 will delete most of your files on your C drive, so if you decide to use this step, we advise you to create a backup aforehand. Performing a Windows 10 reset is relatively simple and you can do it by following these steps Read More Factory Reset Windows 10 Solve problem Store Start menu some Apps not working
You can Check bellow Video Steps Performed to Fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL BSOD error
Visit and Subscribe my YouTube Channel for more Windows 10 videos.
Hope this steps will help to solve this problem. if any query please comment bellow.
Send us your computer, windows related question to [email protected] we will try our best to give you the best solution.
visit our blog : http://www.windows10trickss.blogspot.com
This post first appeared on Windows101Tricks - Windows 11 And Windows 10 How To Guide, please read the originial post: here
