# How to Fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL in Windows 11

URL: https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/fix-irql-not-less-or-equal-windows-11/
Published: 2026-07-26 | Author: Ankit Kumar
Tags: Windows 11, BSOD, Troubleshooting, Fix, Drivers
Summary: IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL blue screen on Windows 11? Find the faulty driver, test your RAM, disable overclocks, and stop the crashes with these step-by-step fixes.
Recommended app: PC-Troubleshooter — https://www.mytechnician.tech/apps/windows-troubleshooter/ (Microsoft Store: https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9N7RWKW8SP24?hl=en-us&cid=mytechnician-web). Optional; every step below uses built-in Windows tools.

## The Problem
Windows stops with **IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL** (technical code 0x0000000A, sometimes 0xD1). A kernel-mode driver touched memory at the wrong priority level. In plain terms: **a driver misbehaved**, or the memory it read was corrupt.

Network adapters, graphics drivers, and audio drivers cause most of these. Bad RAM and unstable memory overclocks cause the rest.

> **Wrong stop code?** The general [blue screen guide](https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/how-to-fix-bsod-blue-screen/) lists them all. **PC reboots before the desktop loads?** Get into [Safe Mode](https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/how-to-enter-safe-mode-windows-11/) first so you can work.

## Symptoms
* Blue screen reading **IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL**, often with `DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL` and a `.sys` filename.
* Crashes when connecting to Wi-Fi, starting a game, or plugging in a USB device.
* Began immediately after new hardware, a driver update, or enabling XMP/EXPO.

## Step 1: Read the Driver Name
1. Photograph the blue screen — the line under the stop code names the driver.
2. Or check **Event Viewer** → **Windows Logs** → **System** → the **BugCheck** entry.
3. Common names: `Netwtw*.sys` (Intel Wi-Fi), `rt640x64.sys` (Realtek Ethernet), `nvlddmkm.sys` (NVIDIA), `atikmdag.sys` (AMD), `RTKVHD64.sys` (Realtek audio), `iaStorAC.sys` (Intel storage).

## Step 2: Fix the Named Driver First
1. Right-click Start → **Device Manager** and locate that device.
2. **Properties** → **Driver** tab → **Roll Back Driver** if the crashes are new.
3. Otherwise **Uninstall device** (tick **Attempt to remove the driver**), restart, then install the current driver from the hardware maker's own site.
4. Network adapters are the most frequent culprit — grab the driver from Intel, Realtek, or your laptop maker rather than Windows Update.
5. Step-by-step: [how to update outdated drivers](https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/how-to-update-outdated-drivers/).

## Step 3: Disable Memory Overclocking
Unstable RAM timings produce this stop code at random intervals.

1. Restart into BIOS/UEFI (usually `Del`, `F2`, or `F10` at the logo).
2. Load **Optimized Defaults**, which clears **XMP**/**EXPO** profiles.
3. Save and exit. Run the PC at stock speed for a day.
4. If it is stable, your memory profile was too aggressive — use a slower profile or update the BIOS, which frequently ships memory-compatibility fixes.

## Step 4: Test Your RAM
1. Press `Win + R`, type `mdsched.exe`, press Enter.
2. Choose **Restart now and check for problems** and let both passes complete.
3. Any reported error means a failing stick. With multiple sticks, test one at a time in the same slot.
4. For a stricter test, run **MemTest86** from USB. More on memory faults: [MEMORY_MANAGEMENT blue screen](https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/fix-memory-management-bsod-windows-11/).

## Step 5: Repair System Files
1. Right-click Start → **Terminal (Admin)**.
2. Run:
   ```
   sfc /scannow
   ```
3. Then:
   ```
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   ```
4. Restart. Details: [repair Windows 11 with SFC and DISM](https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/how-to-run-sfc-dism-repair-windows-11/).

## Step 6: Disconnect Recently Added Hardware
1. Unplug USB hubs, docks, capture cards, external drives, and controllers.
2. Restart and use the PC normally for a few hours.
3. Reconnect one device at a time. The crash returns with the faulty one.
4. If a USB device is involved, also read [fix USB device not recognized](https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/fix-usb-device-not-recognized-windows-11/).

## Step 7: Remove Third-Party Antivirus
1. Uninstall the suite with the **vendor's own removal tool**.
2. Restart and run on Microsoft Defender for a day.
3. If crashes stop, the suite's kernel driver was at fault.

## Step 8: Identify the Driver with Driver Verifier
Use this only when Steps 1-7 leave you with no name.

1. **Create a restore point first**: [create a system restore point](https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/create-system-restore-point-windows-11/).
2. In an admin **Terminal**, run `verifier`, choose **Create custom settings** → **Select individual settings from a full list**, and enable **Special Pool**, **Force IRQL checking**, and **Pool Tracking**.
3. Select **Select driver names from a list** and tick only **non-Microsoft** drivers.
4. Restart. The next crash names the guilty driver.
5. **Switch it off afterwards**: `verifier /reset`, then restart. If Windows will not boot, do this from Safe Mode.

## What Not to Do
* **Don't install a "driver booster" app.** Mismatched drivers are the number-one cause of this exact stop code.
* **Don't leave Driver Verifier enabled** once you have your answer.
* **Don't assume it's RAM** until the named driver has been ruled out.

## Still Not Working?
If Verifier finds nothing, memory tests pass, and stock BIOS settings do not help, suspect the motherboard or PSU — especially if the stop codes vary between crashes. Back up your files, then try [reinstalling Windows without losing data](https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/reinstall-windows-without-losing-data/).

Related stop codes: [SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION](https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/fix-system-service-exception-windows-11/), [DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE](https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/fix-driver-power-state-failure-windows-11/), and [DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION](https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/fix-dpc-watchdog-violation-windows-11/).

---
Source: https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/fix-irql-not-less-or-equal-windows-11/ — My Technician, free Windows 10/11 troubleshooting guides.
Related tool: PC-Troubleshooter (PC-Troubleshooter is a system diagnostic and repair tool for Windows 10 and Windows 11—hardware, drivers, network, and common fixes in one app.) — https://www.mytechnician.tech/apps/windows-troubleshooter/
More guides: https://www.mytechnician.tech/llms.txt