The IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error is a common error on Windows 11. The latest operating system from Microsoft is not perfect yet. Give the developer a few years to release a stable version for every compatible machine. Meanwhile, if your laptop or desktop has come with the Windows 11 copy, then follow the solution below to resolve the issue.
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Full System Scan
Malware or virus is a threat to the operating system. We recommend the readers opt for a premium solution, but you get a solution from Microsoft. I have shown you how to use the built-in program to get rid of the threats.
1. Press the Start button and open the “Windows Security” program.
2. Click the “Virus & threat protection” option.
3. Click on the “Scan options” option.
4. Select the “Full scan” option.
- Click the “Scan now” button at the bottom.
Leave the computer idle as long as Windows Security wants. Do not work in the background, and let the program finish scanning everything.
Fix Corrupted System Files
Windows is a piece of software. The system files corrupt over time, and it’s a natural process. However, you can fix the corrupted system files using the built-in tool. You don’t have to follow a complex process and run a single command instead.
1. Open the Command Prompt from the search bar or start menu.
2. Copy and paste the “SFC /scannow” command.
3. Press the “Enter” key.
4. The file verification process begins.
5. Give a few minutes for the Command Prompt.
The Windows computer with HDD takes twenty minutes to finish the process. Those computers with the SSD take less than five minutes.
- Wait for the “Windows resource protection found corrupt files” message.
My Windows 11 copy had corrupted files, but the built-in tool fixed it. I recommend the readers clean and install the operating system if the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL is not going away.
Windows Memory Diagnostic
Faulty RAM can cause the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error. Microsoft added a tool to check the memory or Random Access Memory stick on the computer. Let me show you how to use the WMD on Windows 11.
1. Press the Start key.
2. Type the “Windows Memory Diagnostic” and open the program.
3. Click the “Restart now and check for problems” option.
4. Your PC will restart, and the scanning screen will show on the display.
Replace the faulty RAM stick if the component is not working.
Reinstall Faulty Driver
One of the installed drivers is creating the problem. Uninstall the driver from the system and install the latest version from the Microsoft server or manufacturer’s website.
1. Open “Device Manager” from the search bar.
2. Click the drop-down button to view the drivers.
3. Click to select the faulty driver.
4. Right-click the mouse to see more options.
5. Click the “Uninstall device” option.
6. Click the “Uninstall” button from the pop-up window.
Restart Windows PC. The system will connect to the Microsoft server and try to install the missing driver. Switch to Linux if you are forcing Windows 11 to run on incompatible hardware. Remember, you can run Windows 10 until 2024.
Reinstall Audio and Video Drivers
Remove the audio and video drivers from the system. We don’t recommend using the outdated drivers on Windows 11. I want to remind you to read the compatible hardware list.
1. Download Display Driver Uninstaller from the official Guru3d website.
2. Extract the folder and extract the program.
3. Go to “Settings” from the search bar.
4. Select the “System” from the left sidebar.
5. Scroll down and select “Recovery” from the options.
6. Click the “Restart now” button beside the “Advanced Startup” option.
7. The computer will load the recovery options.
8. Click the “Troubleshoot” option.
9. Select the “Advanced options” option.
10. Click the “Start-up Settings” option.
11. Press the F4 or 4 keys on the keyboard.
12. The computer will restart, and similar options may appear on the screen. Press the F4 or 4 keys again.
13. Run the DDU as administrator.
14. Select the GPU, then the manufacturer name.
15. Click the “Clean and restart” button.
Leave the Windows PC alone until the lock screen appears. Repeat the same process and uninstall the audio drivers. Microsoft server will install the latest graphics and audio driver from their database.
Windows Update
Many Windows 11 users avoid the latest updates, but you should install them. The developer keenly works on known problems and solves them through the operating system updates.
1. Open the “Settings” tab.
2. Click the “Windows Update” at the bottom of the menu.
3. Click the “Check for updates” option.
4. Give the PC a few moments to fetch, download, and install the latest updates.
Create a system restore point if you are not confident about the Microsoft update releases.
Bottom Line
I recommend the readers reinstall Windows 11 to resolve the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error. Many modern anti-virus systems don’t detect advanced and new threats. They damage the system files and cause many problems with the computer. Fresh install Windows OS and resolve all problems.
