IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL — Causes & Fix
Windows Stop code 0x0000000A (IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL) means a kernel-mode process or driver tried to access a memory address at an interrupt level (IRQL) that was too high — usually a faulty driver or bad RAM.
- Applies to
- Any Windows PC
- Time to fix
- 30 minutes – 2 hours
What it means
Common causes are a buggy or incompatible device driver, faulty RAM, or (rarely) antivirus/low-level software conflicts. This is a Windows Stop error (a "bugcheck" / blue screen) documented by Microsoft. The blue screen shows this code; more detail sits in the crash dump (%SystemRoot%\Minidump), which usually names the specific driver or component at fault — a free tool like BlueScreenView or WinDbg can read it.
Symptoms
- Blue screen citing IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
- Crashes when a specific device/driver is used
- Random restarts
How to fix it
- 1
Update or roll back drivers
1. Read the dump to find the driver named. 2. Update it — or roll it back if the crash started after a driver update.
- 2
Test the RAM
1. Run Windows Memory Diagnostic (mdsched.exe) or MemTest86. 2. Reseat/replace faulty memory.
Frequently asked questions
What usually causes IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL?
Most often a bad driver (network, graphics, or a recently updated one) or faulty RAM. Update/roll back the driver named in the dump and test memory.
Last updated July 20, 2026
Guidance only — always consult a qualified professional or the official service manual before carrying out repairs.