Fixing DRIVER IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL In Windows 11 or 10

The infamous “DRIVER IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL” error, a.k.a. the Stop Error Code: 0x000000D1, is like the rockstar of critical system errors on Windows. You know it as the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) – the drama queen of computer malfunctions. This error pulls the curtains when a driver, the unsung hero bridging your operating system and hardware, decides it’s time for a wild memory adventure at an altitude it shouldn’t be.

In the grand arena of computing, Interrupt Request Level (IRQL) takes the spotlight. It’s the VIP section for hardware device requests, each level being a VIP lounge with a different priority. Go higher, get fancier. But, oh boy, when a driver thinks it’s invited to the penthouse but crashes the whole party by overshooting the IRQL limit – that’s when the “DRIVER IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL” error crashes onto the stage in its vibrant blue attire.

Reasons for this spectacle range from driver hiccups (yeah, those software divas) to hardware tantrums or even the computer’s memory having a moody day. To tame this beast, you might need to play the tech therapist – update or boot out unruly drivers, check if the hardware is throwing a tantrum, or simply soothe the computer’s memory woes. It’s like being the IT superhero, cape optional.

In case you happen to stumble upon this pesky error right at the beginning of your Windows adventure, fear not! There’s a lifesaving article titled “Blue Screen (BSOD) Error in Middle of Computer Startup – Every Possible Solution”. This masterpiece is crafted to be your guiding light through the dark maze of the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) that decides to gatecrash your computer’s startup party.

So, Let’s See How to Fix DRIVER IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL In Windows 11 or 10

In most cases, around 90% of the time you encounter this error, it’s giving you grief because of driver-related issues. The good news is that, in many scenarios, you can play detective and narrow down the exact driver causing the ruckus. Just take a look at the file name linked to the driver—it usually pops up right next to the error message and resembles formats such as ‘xxx.sys‘ or ‘xyz.sys‘.

If the error screen fails to display any specific driver file name alongside this BSOD error, it means the usual troubleshooting steps mentioned in this article might not cut it this time. In these situations, it’s a good idea to skip the current tutorial and turn to another resource for a more in-depth strategy to tackle this problem.

•  How to Fix BSOD (Blue Screen of Death)? – Every Advanced Solutions

Otherwise, if you have the Driver’s name, then just continue;

Once you’ve pinpointed the driver’s file name linked to the error, the next move is to dig deeper and gather more details about that specific driver. This entails delving into the ‘Online Drivers Directory’ to uncover the full name or description about that troublesome driver.

Drivers Directory Link: opendll.com/index.php

Follow this step-by-step guide to utilize the website for driver information:

1. Access the Drivers Directory: Click on the provided link, which will lead you to a comprehensive Drivers Directory.
2. Search for the .sys Driver File: Use the website’s search function to input the .sys driver file name you identified earlier. For example, if your problematic driver’s file name is “rtwlane.sys”, type it into the search bar.
3. Retrieve Driver Information: After searching, the website should furnish detailed information about the driver, including its full name or description. This intel sheds light on the driver’s function and purpose.

Let’s walk through an example. Suppose you’re dealing with the driver file “rtwlane.sys”. A search on opendll.com might reveal that it’s a network-related driver causing the trouble, as shown in the image given below.

Understanding the full name and description of the driver empowers you to make informed decisions on how to tackle the issue. Whether it involves updating the driver, reaching out to the manufacturer for support, or exploring alternative solutions, having comprehensive information about the driver is crucial.

Reinstall or Update Drivers

After scrutinizing the details about the driver’s file name in the driver’s directory, you’ll come across two primary classifications of drivers: hardware-related drivers and Windows-related drivers.

• Hardware-Related Drivers: These drivers are directly tied to specific hardware components installed on your computer, such as graphics cards, network adapters, or sound cards. If you spot that the driver is associated with a particular hardware brand like Intel, Atheros, Realtek, etc., it suggests that the issue might be linked to the compatibility, functionality, or performance of that specific hardware device.
• Windows-Related Drivers: These drivers are essential components of the Windows Operating System and play a crucial role in facilitating communication between the OS and various hardware components. If your investigation reveals that the driver is related to Microsoft, it falls under the category of Windows-related drivers, indicating its significance for the overall functioning of the Windows environment.

Here is a compilation of the most frequently encountered driver files that result in this blue screen error.

Now, depending on the classification of the driver, different steps need to be taken to fix the issue.

Method #1: Fixing Windows-Based Drivers

Now, if you’re stuck in the maze of this error, and suspect it’s playing hide-and-seek with your Windows-related drivers, fear not. The key to a quick fix? Wrangling those recent Windows updates.

Let’s talk about the not-so-fun side of computer systems: automatic updates. They’re meant to make our lives easier, but sometimes they throw a wrench in the works. Imagine this: your computer updates itself without giving you a heads-up, and suddenly, things start acting wonky.

So, here’s the deal: if you’re facing issues after an automatic update, it might be due to a clash with existing drivers. No one likes surprises, especially when it comes to tech glitches. To troubleshoot, dive into your update history and find the culprit. Once you’ve got a suspect, kick it out – uninstall the update causing the ruckus.

On the other hand, if your computer has been running without updates for quite some time, it’s time to be a bit proactive. Don’t let your system be stuck in the past – go ahead and check for any available updates. It’s a simple but crucial step.

Keeping your Windows operating system up to date is like giving your computer a good dose of vitamins. It ensures your system stays secure, stable, and can smoothly handle the latest software developments. Think of it as a tech self-care routine to keep everything running smoothly.

Now, run a diagnostic test. Is the problem gone? If yes, victory dance! If not, at least you’re one step closer to identifying the pesky root cause.

In addition to counting on Windows updates to keep your system in check, you’ve got some nifty tools at your disposal right in the Command Prompt (CMD) to deal with issues lurking in Windows’ internal files. Let me introduce you to two command-line superheroes: “sfc /scannow” and “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth”.

• 4 Different Ways to Run CMD on Your Computer

First up, the “sfc /scannow” command unleashes the System File Checker (SFC) tool. It’s like your computer’s personal detective, scanning protected system files for any corruption or absence. If it finds something fishy, it takes matters into its own hands, repairing and restoring files to their healthy state. It’s like a doctor’s check-up for your crucial Windows files.

Now, let’s talk about the second command, “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth”. This one’s a bit of a wizard in the Deployment Image Service and Management Tool (DISM). It’s your go-to for tackling more complex issues related to Windows image corruption. By scanning and restoring the Windows image, it dives deep to fix underlying system files, making sure everything stays intact and functional.

When you punch in these commands in the Command Prompt, you’re taking an active role in keeping your Windows operating system shipshape. It’s like being your computer’s personal trainer, making sure it stays strong, stable, and efficient. These manual tricks come in handy when dealing with persistent issues that just won’t budge, offering you a versatile toolkit to keep your Windows system in tip-top condition.

Method #2: Fixing Hardware-Based Drivers

If you’ve traced the driver file name back to a specific hardware component in your system, the next big move is to reinstall the driver. This is a key step in ironing out compatibility hiccups, keeping your system in top shape, and fixing any problems caused by outdated or corrupted drivers.

To kick off the reinstallation process, head over to the official website of your laptop’s or desktop’s manufacturer. Navigate to their support or downloads section, and track down the right driver for the hardware component causing trouble. Make sure you snag the latest version to stay in sync with software updates and nip any known issues in the bud.

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Once you’ve got the updated driver safely downloaded, it’s time to bid farewell to the old one. Open up the Device Manager on your Windows system, find the troublesome hardware device, right-click, and hit “Uninstall”. After the uninstallation, give your computer a restart to wrap up the removal.

Now, let’s get that new driver in place. Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions, usually involving running an installer or setup file and following on-screen cues. Once the installation is done, hit the restart button again to make sure the changes take root.

Why go through all this trouble? Reinstalling hardware drivers straight from the manufacturer’s turf not only sorts out potential clashes but also guarantees your system gets the latest perks and compatibility upgrades. It’s a proactive move that adds to the overall stability and functionality of your system, putting a damper on issues tied to this blue screen error.

Suggested Articles:

• ​How to Update Drivers Directly From the Device Manager?
• What Is Computer Hardware Drivers & Why We Need It?
• DriverIdentifier: A Great Way To Find & Download Drivers Online
• Install Computer Drivers Automatically For Free: DriverPack Solution

But sometimes, despite following the earlier steps, the “DRIVER IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL” error can be a trickier beast, especially if the root cause goes beyond driver-related matters. We’re talking about scenarios where the issue might be lurking in virus infections, Windows registry corruption, or other mysterious culprits.

For these more complex challenges, you need a troubleshooting strategy that goes above and beyond. That’s why I’ve put together a detailed resource in the form of an article. This comprehensive guide dives deep into advanced steps and solutions crafted to handle various causes of the BSOD, not just the usual suspects like drivers.

For an in-depth exploration of these advanced fixes, check out the article titled “How to Fix BSOD (Blue Screen of Death)? – Every Advanced Solutions“. It’s a treasure trove of troubleshooting techniques, offering step-by-step instructions and insights to help you pinpoint and tackle the underlying issues triggering the BSOD problem.