How to fix 0x000000D1 error in Windows 11?

by John bo August 26, 2026

Welcome to the Blackview global store, which offers mini PCs, laptop, and more. Hope the guide helps.

The 0x000000D1 error in Windows 11 , commonly displayed as DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL , is a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) problem usually associated with faulty, incompatible, or corrupted device drivers. It can appear unexpectedly while starting Windows, playing games, connecting external hardware, browsing the web, or performing other resource-intensive tasks. Because the error often points toward a driver-related conflict, identifying the underlying cause is more important than simply restarting the computer.

In some cases, the problem is triggered by a recently installed driver, Windows update, security application, network adapter, graphics driver, or malfunctioning hardware. Fortunately, Windows 11 provides several built-in recovery and diagnostic tools that can help narrow down the problem. The following guide explains how to fix the 0x000000D1 BSOD error systematically, starting with the simplest solutions and progressing to more advanced troubleshooting methods.

What Causes the 0x000000D1 Error?

The DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error generally occurs when a kernel-mode driver attempts to access an invalid or inaccessible memory address while operating at an inappropriate interrupt request level (IRQL).

Common causes include:

Outdated or incompatible device drivers
Corrupted graphics, network, storage, or chipset drivers
Recently installed hardware
Faulty RAM or other hardware problems
Corrupted Windows system files
Conflicts caused by third-party antivirus or security software
Incompatible Windows updates
Driver conflicts after upgrading to Windows 11

If the BSOD screen displays a file name such as nvlddmkm.sys, ndis.sys, or another .sys file, that information can provide an important clue about which driver may be responsible.

How to Fix 0x000000D1 Error in Windows 11

1. Restart Windows and Disconnect External Devices

Start with the simplest troubleshooting method. Shut down your computer completely and disconnect unnecessary USB devices, external storage drives, docking stations, printers, and other peripherals.

Then restart Windows 11.

If the error disappears, reconnect the devices one at a time. This process can help identify whether a particular peripheral or its driver is triggering the BSOD.

2. Update Problematic Device Drivers

Driver problems are among the most common reasons for the 0x000000D1 error.

Follow these steps:

Right-click the Start button and open Device Manager .
Expand categories such as Display adapters , Network adapters , Storage controllers , and Sound, video and game controllers .
Right-click a potentially problematic device.
Select Update driver .
Choose Search automatically for drivers .
Restart your PC after completing the update.

For graphics cards and specialized hardware, downloading the latest Windows 11-compatible driver directly from the hardware manufacturer's official website can sometimes be more effective than relying solely on Windows Update.

3. Roll Back a Recently Updated Driver

If the BSOD started immediately after a driver update, the newest version may actually be the source of the problem.

To roll it back:

Open Device Manager .
Locate the device that was recently updated.
Right-click it and select Properties .
Open the Driver tab.
Select Roll Back Driver , if available.
Restart Windows.

This is particularly useful when the system worked normally before a graphics, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or chipset driver update.

4. Install Pending Windows 11 Updates

Microsoft regularly releases Windows updates containing driver compatibility improvements, security fixes, and bug fixes.

Go to:

Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates

Install available updates and restart the computer.

If the 0x000000D1 error began immediately after a particular Windows update, however, consider uninstalling the most recent update through Settings → Windows Update → Update history → Uninstall updates .

5. Run System File Checker and DISM

Corrupted Windows system files can contribute to system instability and driver-related crashes.

Open Terminal or Command Prompt as Administrator , then run these commands individually:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

After DISM completes, run:

sfc /scannow

Restart Windows after both scans finish. DISM repairs the underlying Windows component store, while System File Checker checks and replaces corrupted protected system files.

6. Test Your RAM

Because the error involves memory access, defective RAM should not be overlooked.

Use the built-in Windows Memory Diagnostic tool:

Press Windows + R .
Enter mdsched.exe.
Select Restart now and check for problems .
Allow Windows to complete the memory test.

If errors are reported, test individual memory modules where possible or consult the computer manufacturer's hardware diagnostics.

7. Boot into Safe Mode

If Windows repeatedly crashes before you can troubleshoot normally, Safe Mode can help isolate third-party drivers and software.

Enter Windows Recovery Environment and navigate to:

Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart

Select Safe Mode .

If Windows operates normally in Safe Mode, a third-party driver, startup application, or security program is more likely to be responsible.

8. Use System Restore

When the problem appeared recently, System Restore can return Windows to an earlier working configuration without necessarily affecting personal files.

Search for Create a restore point , open System Properties, select System Restore , and choose a restore point created before the BSOD began.

9. Identify the Driver with Driver Verifier

For persistent crashes, advanced users can use Driver Verifier , a Windows diagnostic utility designed to stress-test drivers and expose problematic ones.

However, Driver Verifier can cause additional crashes when misconfigured. It should therefore be used carefully, preferably after creating a restore point and understanding how to disable it from Safe Mode if Windows becomes unstable.

Final Thoughts

The 0x000000D1 DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error in Windows 11 is usually a symptom rather than a single specific problem. A damaged driver, incompatible update, faulty RAM, corrupted system files, or hardware conflict can all produce similar behavior. The most effective approach is to work systematically rather than immediately reinstalling Windows.

Start by disconnecting external devices and checking recently changed drivers, then move toward Windows updates, DISM and SFC repairs, memory diagnostics, Safe Mode, and System Restore. Paying attention to the .sys filename shown on the BSOD can also significantly shorten the troubleshooting process.

If the error continues after all software-based solutions have been attempted, hardware should become the next focus. Test RAM, storage, graphics hardware, and other recently installed components, and check the manufacturer's diagnostic tools. With a methodical approach, most Windows 11 0x000000D1 errors can be traced to a specific driver or hardware component and resolved without performing a complete Windows reinstallation.

Products