IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error primarily appears while trying to run any app. Basically, this error arises due to the faulty ntoskrnl.exe driver.
If you are also struggling with the ntoskrnl.exe BSOD error, then at first you need to know What is ntoskrnl.exe? Windows NT Operating System Kernel or ntoskrnl.exe as you say is a necessary component of the system.
It is responsible for memory management, hardware process, abstraction and several other functions of the system. Ntoskrnl.exe is consists of:
- Kernel
- Cache manager
- Executive
- Memory Manager
- Scheduler (Dispatcher)
- Security reference monitor
Since the ntoskrnl.exe is an essential part of the system, if it encounters any problem, the system will crash and displays a BSOD error. This error may occur repeatedly. Sometimes, you may also face the ‘Memory Management’ error due to the same.
What Causes the ntoskrnl.exe BSOD Error?
This error could be associated with the hardware or software of the system. But, there are other factors that may lead to this error. They are:
- The device drivers are incompatible with the OS or they are outdated or gets corrupted.
- Faulty RAM. The local storage and RAM may be incapable to keep up with the activities that you are carrying out on the system.
- You overclocked the computer.
- There are some corrupted system files on the computer.
After knowing the causes you just need effective hacks to get rid of the issue at the earliest.
How to Fix ntoskrnl.exe BSOD on Windows 10?
Here, we are about to discuss the easy ways through which you can solve this error easily. You can apply the solutions all at once or opt for a preferable choice:
Fix 1: Install the Missing USB Driver
The USB driver of the system should be updated. But as it turns out, it doesn’t always happen automatically. Whenever this error occurs, the USB driver can’t be used to refer to a memory address.
So, you can solve it by installing the missing USB driver. To do this, you can perform the steps as follows:
Step 1:
First and foremost, open the Run Command box by pressing the R and Windows key both at the same time. Then, type “devmgmt.msc” in the input field and then hit the Enter key from the keyboard to proceed.
Step 2:
Once it opens the list of the devices, search for the ‘Uninstall Serial Bus Controller’ by scrolling down the list. Check if there are any yellow exclamation marks on the USB driver.
Note: If there is a yellow exclamation sign on the USB host controller, then it indicates that the driver has some problems. In that case, you can uninstall it. To do that, right-click on it and then select the ‘Uninstall Device’ option.
Step 3:
After removing the USB host controller, restart the system in Safe Mode. For that, you can click on the Restart button by holding the Shift key from the keyboard.
Once the system boots into the Safe Mode, visit the official website of the computer manufacturer. Search for the USB driver associated with the Operating System and model. Afterward, download and install that on the system.
Step 4:
Now, copy the missing files by using the installer. After that, restart the computer once again in Safe Mode. Once the system starts, you will no longer face the noskrnl.exe BSOD error as expected. Otherwise, you can perform the other ways described below.
Fix 2: Reset Overclocking Settings
Overclocking drivers is one of the major reasons behind this error. So, if you have a trusted program installed on your computer that can help you to change the overclock in BIOS, you can use it.
If it’s not, you can perform the below instructions to remove the CMOS from the BIOS menu. Then, reset the BIOS settings to the factory default state. Here are the steps you need to perform:
Step 1:
First of all, press the Power button and hold it for a minimum of 10-15 seconds to shut down the system. Wait for a few seconds and then turn the computer On. As soon as the first logo screen appears, press the Delete, Esc, F10, F2, and F1 key from the keyboard to enter the BIOS.
Note: You can also press the Alt and Esc or Alt and Del by holding the Ctrl key if you are using an old device. It may differ depending on the model and manufacturer. Hence, try to read what comes up on the screen. It will tell you the right key that you have to press.
Step 2:
Navigate to the Exit tab by using the arrow keys from the keyboard. Then, select the ‘Load Setup Defaults’ option. Sometimes, you may also get the ‘Load Setup Default’ option.
Step 3:
Now, hit the Enter key from the keyboard to proceed. Select the Yes button by using the arrow keys and then press the Enter key once again.
After doing this, you will see that the ‘Exit Saving Changes’ is selected. Hit the Enter key twice to save the configuration of the change.
Now, restart the system and check if the error is fixed. Else, you can move on to the other ways described below.
Fix 3: Perform a Memory Test
As we mentioned earlier, the noskrnl.exe BSOD error is related to the memory of the system. So, you can run a memory test to check the memory of the system and identify which driver is creating this problem.
How to Perform a Memory Test?
- At first, go to the Start menu and then type “windows memory diagnostic” in the search bar. Then, hit the Enter key from the keyboard.
- Tap on the ‘Restart now and check for problems (recommended)’ option. Then, make sure that you have saved the work because the system will restart immediately.
- Now, the system will reboot. After a few seconds, the ‘Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool’ will appear.
Wait for a few seconds. It will take some time to complete. Once the process gets completed, you can check if the error is fixed. Otherwise, you can perform the next solution stated below.
Fix 4: Run SFC or System File Checker
This error also may arise due to corrupted system files. You can repair them by using the System File Checker tool. Here’s how to do this:
- First, go to the Start menu and type “cmd” in the search bar.
- Right-click on the ‘Command Prompt’ option showing as the search result.
- Now, choose the ‘Run as administrator’ option from the list.
- Once it opens a Command Prompt window with admin privilege, type “sfc/ scannow” in the command line.
- Then, press the Enter key from the keyboard to execute this.
- Wait for a few seconds until the process is running.
Once the process is completed, SFC will repair the corrupted system files automatically. Exit from the Command Prompt window and restart the system. Now, you can check if the error is fixed.
Hopefully, one of the above hacks will help you to solve the ntoskrnl.exe BSOD error.l
