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0x00000008 Stop Error IRQL NOT DISPATCH LEVEL [Solved]

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Updated onMarch 19, 2024

updated onMarch 19, 2024

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Key notes

The 0x00000008 IRQL NOT DISPATCH LEVEL error is a relatively rare Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) issue that can arise in Windows 10 due to various causes.

This blue screen issue usually happens when installing or updating Windows and is often due to a hard drive or driver problem. In rare cases, it can be a softwareerror.

When thatStop erroroccurs, aBSoDmessage appears stating:

A problem has been detected and Windows has shut down to prevent damage to your computer: IRQL_NOT_DISPATCH_LEVEL Error Code 0x00000008.

If the IRQLBSoDerror becomes a recurring issue, you’ll need to fix it. Check our solutions below and get rid of the problem in no time.

How can I fix the IRQL NOT DISPATCH LEVEL error?

How can I fix the IRQL NOT DISPATCH LEVEL error?

1. Use a dedicated tool for BSoD issues

These types of problems are hard to diagnose and troubleshoot for anyone because you never know exactly why they appeared. Fortunately, you can usespecialized toolsthat will scan and fix BSoD errors.

2. Free up hard drive space

The HDD stores all the files, folders, and installed programs on your computer. The above steps shows you how to check exactly how much space is still free.

To make some space on your HDD in case there is less than 20 percent, you can check ourdedicated guideincluding the best methods to free up hard disk storage.

3. Check for Windows 10 updates

Microsoft is constantly working on Windows 10, therefore if you wish to keep your PC stable and error-free, we strongly advise that you download the latest patches.

4. Initiate a driver scan

According to Microsoft, 70 percent of blue screen stop errors are due to third-party drivers. So, the IRQL NOT DISPATCH LEVEL error is often a driver issue.

You can update all your drivers manually from Device Manager, but, this is a very time-consuming activity. A solution is to use a tool that will automatically download and install updates.

As soon as it’s launched, the tool will scan the system and highlights any incompatible, missing, faulty, or outdated drivers that need updating.

⇒Get Outbyte Driver Updater

5. Remove superfluous peripherals from PC

BSODstop errors can be triggered by superfluous peripherals, such as printers, flash drives, external DVD drives, game controllers, etc.

So, try disconnecting any non-essential peripheral devices from yourPC. If the issue no longer persists, then the error is probably due to one of your peripherals.

You can then try to connect them back one by one until the problem appears again. In this way, you will know exactly what external devices are problematic and need to be replaced.

6. Roll back Windows with System Restore

System Restore is one of the more likely fixes for the IRQL NOT DISPATCH LEVEL error as that might undo recent system changes that generate theBSODissue.

7. Reinstall Windows 10

ReinstallingWindows 10is the last resort for resolving the IRQL NOT DISPATCH LEVEL error. To do a clean Windows 10 install, you’ll need bootable USB media with a Windows 10 ISO on it.

A factory reset is similar to reinstalling Windows 10, and you can retain your own files with that method. So, some users might prefer resetting Windows to default instead of a completely clean reinstallation.

Ourfactory reset guideprovides further guidelines for resetting Windows 10. Follow the steps provided in the article to don’t get any errors while performing this procedure.

To find more about the exact cause of a blue screen, you can check the log file. If you need more details, you can check ourdedicated articleon where to find and how to read the BSoD log file.

Those are some of the fixes for the 0x00000008 IRQL NOT DISPATCH LEVEL error. If one of these solutions helped, we’d like to hear your feedback so feel free to use the comments section below.

More about the topics:BSoD error codes

Matthew Adams

Windows Hardware Expert

Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.

He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.

In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.

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Matthew Adams

Windows Hardware Expert

He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.