As Windows 10 continues to evolve, there are plenty of improvements and fixes that come along with it. While the system is certainly fast enough for most software there are still a handful of issues that users are reporting. Taking a look at the top ones, you see an interesting trend: The IRQL_Not_Less_Or_Extra bug. This bug has two main symptoms, but it’s interesting that an audio driver can cause one while a graphics driver can cause the other.
It’s been a while since we’ve written about the Windows 10 “Graphics Performance” issue. It’s also about time we talked about certain broken drivers and recent changes to the Windows 10 development process. The first issue we want to talk about is how does it work and what is causing it and what can we do. I’ll be covering the performance problem and then some of what we know about the development of the Windows 10 operating system.
This quick video demonstrates how to perform a troubleshooting procedure to fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EXTRA on Windows 10 and 8.1, and Windows 10 and 8.1 using Device Manager and Event Viewer.
Microsoft has worked hard over the years to make Windows a fantastically reliable operating system for almost everyone. That does not, however, render it immune to the occurrence of random faults or malfunctions.
In this post, we’ll look at the IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL issue, its causes, and what you can do to fix it.
IRQL is a memory-related issue that will most likely appear on your PC’s blue screen when it boots up. A BSOD may or may not occur as a result of the mistake.
Apart from the failure of your RAM modules, there are a number of other possible causes for the issue, including but not limited to:
- System files that are corrupted or damaged.
- Device drivers that are incompatible.
- Drivers for devices that aren’t working properly.
- Software installation that is incorrect or incomplete.
- Windows installation is out of date.
Also see: How to Resolve a Windows 10 System Service Exception.
The IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL error has a few remedies.
Remove any external devices.
The first thing you should do is attempt to disconnect any external devices from your computer. External peripherals may sometimes clash with some of their internal equivalents, resulting in a variety of hardware problems.
Run the hardware troubleshooter in Windows.
Windows 10 has a number of troubleshooters that may help you fix a variety of problems. However, Microsoft has deleted the hardware troubleshooter from the troubleshooter’s menu for some reason. As a result, here’s another method to run the hardware troubleshooter.
To enter the Run prompt, press Windows key + R. Enter cmd into the command prompt.
Step 2: Press enter after typing msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic. The hardware troubleshooter will be launched as a result of this.
Follow the troubleshooter’s instructions as closely as possible.
Also see: How to Fix the Video Dxgkrnl Fatal Error on Windows 10
Turn off the memory cache.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and type Safe Mode into the search box. Select the appropriate search result.
Step 2: Select Restart now from the Advanced starting menu.
Step 3: When your computer restarts, choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: Select Advanced Options from the drop-down menu.
Step 5: Select UEFI Firmware Settings from the drop-down menu.
Step 6: Once you’ve gotten into the BIOS, look for the Cache Memory option and deactivate it, then leave.
You may have to search around a little to locate this option since various PC manufacturers have different BIOS interfaces.
Perform an SFC scan.
The most common cause of strange behavior on your computer is corrupt files. Here’s how to get rid of them and, perhaps, fix your problem.
Step 1: Open the Cortana/Search box by pressing Windows Key + S and searching for Powershell. From the search results, choose Windows Powershell.
Step 2: Run sfc /scannow to check your system for problems.
Step 3: If the SFC scan uncovers any issues, use the command below to fix them.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth 
Restart your computer, and the problem should be gone. If that doesn’t work, you may use this instructions to perform a DISM scan to repair any additional problems.
Also see: 5 Solutions for Getting Windows Ready Stuck
Run the Memory Diagnostics program on Windows.
This issue may occur if your RAM is correctly placed but failing. Follow these procedures to see whether there’s a problem with your RAM.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and type Windows Memory Diagnostics into the search box. Then, on the appropriate search result, click.
Step 2: To check for issues, run the program and click the Restart now option.
If you encounter any problems, consider running the auto-troubleshoot to find a solution.
Use the Check Disk tool to see whether your hard drive is in good shape.
The BSOD may indicate that your boot drive isn’t performing as it should. To see whether your storage disks are functioning, use the check disk tool.
You can find a comprehensive tutorial to running the check disk tool here.
Drivers must be updated.
Drivers that are out of current or corrupt may cause a variety of hardware issues, including BSODs. If you haven’t updated your drivers in a while, particularly your display drivers, now is the time to do so.
Step 1: Right-click Start and choose Device Manager from the menu that appears.
Step 2: Find your graphics card’s name under Display Adaptors, right-click on it, and choose Update Drivers.
Step 3: Select Automatically search for drivers. The newest drivers for your GPU will be automatically found and downloaded by Windows.
While this should fix the problem, if it doesn’t, select Uninstall device and restart your computer to force Windows to load the necessary drivers. You’ll be able to update them afterwards.
Also see: How to Fix Error Code 0x0001 in Nvidia GeForce Experience
Make a clean boot.
To identify the source of the issue, do a clean boot and then start the missing processes one by one.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and type System Configuration into the search box.
Step 2: Navigate to the Services section.
Step 3: Uncheck the option labeled Hide all Microsoft Services. Now choose Disable All from the drop-down menu.
Step 4: Now go to the Startup tab and choose Open Task Manager from the drop-down menu.
Step 5: Return to the Startup tab, select all of the services, and disable them by clicking the Disable button.
This should resolve your issue.
Make a system repair.
If nothing else works, reinstalling or fixing your operating system is the best method to fix the problem.
The Windows Media Creation tool is an excellent tool for installing and repairing Windows. You may use this to do a clean installation or fix your operating system without losing any data.
The Media Creation Tool is available for download here.
Also see: How to Fix a Windows 10 Red Screen of Death
When he’s not writing/editing/shooting/hosting all things tech, he streams himself racing virtual automobiles. Yadullah may be reached at [email protected], or you can follow him on Instagram or Twitter.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I fix Irql not less?
This error is typically caused by a faulty driver. If you are experiencing this issue, please try updating your drivers to the latest version.
How do I fix attempted Writeonly memory?
If you are trying to write to a read-only memory, such as an EEPROM, you will need to use the write protect pin on the chip. This is usually found on one of the pins near the top left corner of the chip.
How do I permanently fix the blue screen of death?
This issue is not a software bug. It is caused by an error in the hardware of your computer or laptop. You will need to contact your manufacturer for help with this issue.
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