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Castiellm's avatar
Castiellm
Iron Contributor
Apr 01, 2026

Windows 11 IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Blue Screen

My Windows 11 PC shows IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL blue screen with ntoskrnl.exe error on startup. It works normally after a forced restart, and this has happened twice. Seeking the cause and solutions.

2 Replies

  • If this started happening after recent updates, you might want to use System Restore to go back to previous restore point or uninstall updates to resolve this. 

    Reset the BIOS settings.

    Make sure to update drivers on the system.

  • Jabarinni's avatar
    Jabarinni
    Copper Contributor

    The IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error is a common issue that can cause your Windows 11 PC to freeze or display a blue screen of death (BSOD) with the ntoskrnl.exe error message. This error typically occurs when the system's interrupt request level (IRQL) is not less than or equal to the level required for a particular operation. In this case, the ntoskrnl.exe file is likely to be related to the issue.