How to Resolve the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error in Windows 8.1✅

The IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error is a common Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) issue encountered in computer systems, particularly when Windows users attempt to update their system to a new version. Below, you will find effective methods to resolve this IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error caused by system updates or memory issues.

Causes of the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error

Understanding the reasons behind the "irql_not_less_or_equal" error is crucial in preventing and finding solutions for this issue. Below are some primary causes of this problem:

• Incompatible device drivers
• Poor device driver installation
• Faulty hardware
• Disk fragmentation
• Registry issues
• Viruses and malware attack

What issues can the "irql_not_less_or_equal" error cause to your computer? The most severe problems include system crashes, system failures, and potential data loss. So, how can you prevent such issues and find solutions to resolve it?

Bonus Tip: Regularly backup your system and data to prevent IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL errors

To prevent unforeseen system failures, crashes, or data loss when encountering an "irql_not_less_or_equal" error, it is highly advisable to create a system backup image and back up important Windows data beforehand.

If necessary, a WinPE bootable disc is also highly recommended. How to do all these? EASY! Here we recommend you to try professional Windows backup software - Todo Backup, which allows you to free back up and restore system, data, and even hard drive partition within 30 days. You can download it for free here and start backing up your Windows data and system now.

Solutions to Fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Error in Windows 8.1

As the "irql_not_less_or_equal" error commonly occurs on various Windows systems like Windows 10/8, etc., here are 5 methods to resolve this issue and rid your computer of the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) problem.

Method 1: Repair Registry and Defragment Disk

1. Press "F8"  to access the Safe Mode, then choose "Repair My Computer" > "Command Prompt" under "Advanced Options" in the "Troubleshoot" section.
2. Select "Command Prompt" and type the following commands to locate the root directory:

Type dir C:\Win* and press Enter.
Type dir D:\Win* and press Enter.
Type dir E:\Win* and press Enter.

3. Command:  cd /d C:\windows\System32\config + press Enter.
xcopy *.* C:\RegBack\ + press Enter.
cd RegBack + press Enter.
dir + press Enter;

4. Enter the following commands below: copy /y software ..
copy /y system ..
copy /y sam ..
Finally, click 'Yes' to complete the commands. Then restart your computer. The registry will be manually fixed and restored.

Method 2: Roll Back Drivers

1. Navigate to the Control Panel > Double-click the System icon and find the "System Properties". 2. Click on the Hardware tab > then hit "Device Manager" > Locate the device you recently installed and double-click it. 3. Click on the Driver tab, and then click the "Roll Back Driver" button.

Method 3: Perform Hardware Diagnosis

1. Enter "Memory Diagnostic" in the search field and launch the tool. 2. Click on "Diagnostic" to identify any memory issues. It will prompt you to either run the check immediately upon restarting your PC or at the next startup. 3. Once the memory scan is in progress, it will display a list of any errors detected during the process. 4. Replace all the faulty hardware identified in the scan, then restart your computer.

Method 4: Disable Memory Caching

Press "F2" or other designated key > Enter the BIOS > Disable the Memory caching feature.

Method 5: Scan and Remove Malware from your PC

To execute this method, you'll need to employ an antivirus software to scan and thoroughly eliminate all Malware from your PC. Afterward, restart your computer. This should rectify the unwelcome "irql_not_less_or_equal" issue.