Geek Dashboard Home
  • News
  • Smartphones
    • Android
    • iOS
  • Computers
    • Windows
    • macOS
  • Internet
  • Reviews
  • Tools
    • Password Generator
    • iFrame Tester
Search Geek Dashboard

How to Fix BSOD Error IRQL_NOT_DISPATCH_LEVEL (Error Code 0x00000008)

Amar Ilindra • Updated September 21, 2020 • 6 min read •

Are you looking for the best solution to fix the BSOD error IRQL_NOT_DISPATCH_LEVEL (Error Code 0x00000008) appearing on your Windows computer? It is a rare case and now that it’s on your screen, there are many solutions just below. This error may have occurred due to a software or hardware failure and usually happens during the PC’s running time.

To help you understand and fix this error by yourself faster and professionally, we’ve subdivided this guide into three parts.

  • Part 1: Symptoms of IRQL_NOT_DISPATCH_LEVEL (Error Code 0x00000008) Error
  • Part 2: Reasons For The Error IRQL_NOT_DISPATCH_LEVEL (Error Code 0x00000008)
  • Part 3: Solutions to The Error IRQL_NOT_DISPATCH_LEVEL (Error Code 0x00000008)
    • Solution 1: Undo Any Previous Action using System Restore
    • Solution 2: Free Up The Disk Space
    • Solution 3: Scan your PC for Virus
    • Solution 4: Expand the computer memory
    • Solution 5: Start a driver scan
    • Solution 6: Remove peripherals from your PC

Part 1: Symptoms of IRQL_NOT_DISPATCH_LEVEL (Error Code 0x00000008) Error

BSOD (Blue Screen Of Death) errors mostly occur on Windows 10/8/7/Vista and are critical in the sense that they cause a total operating system failure except for those caused by a software failure. Whenever you see a complete blue screen (blue screen of death) with a bunch of numbers and words indicating a system failure, start thinking of a BSOD error. It usually happens suddenly and unexpectedly.

If it’s hardware related failure, the BSOD may reboot in loops without the PC logging. In case it’s a software-related issue, you may be lucky to see the error code. This is after several minutes of booting up.

Part 2: Reasons For The Error IRQL_NOT_DISPATCH_LEVEL (Error Code 0x00000008)

The error code 0x00000008 is attributed to a number of reasons. As indicated above, this error is either a software or hardware failure.

Having your system partition in a low disk space will definitely lead to system failure thus causing IRQL_NOT_DISPATCH_LEVEL (Error Code 0x00000008) error.

Hardware incompatibility, overheating, bad memory, or power supply issues are sometimes associated with this error. Virus infection, missing DLLs, and misconfigured system files are other reasons. You may have installed many hard drive disks or memory chips but in case one is physically corrupt, the memory space is likely to reduce forcing the system to collapse.

Part 3: Solutions to The Error IRQL_NOT_DISPATCH_LEVEL (Error Code 0x00000008)

This is your most awaited part. BSOD errors are caused by a myriad of reasons that makes the resolving task to be a bit tricky. However, fixing 0x00000008 error will be simple if can remember the other information displayed beside the error code and your actions prior to the error.

Before attempting any of the solutions below, try rebooting to see whether you can log into the PC. Try using the Safe Mode rebooting option. By the way, you can also fix stop code IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL with the below methods.

Troubleshooting Steps for IRQL_NOT_DISPATCH_LEVEL (0x00000008) Error

Solution 1: Undo Any Previous Action using System Restore

Can you remember whatever action you undertook before your PC stopped working due to error IRQL_NOT_DISPATCH_LEVEL (Error Code 0x00000008)? May be installing a hard drive or a program, updating Windows, or a diver?

Restoring the device to its previous state is the best solution to this problem. This is how to undo the changes with the System Restore option:

Search for “Restore” in the search box and select “Create a restore point” from the search results.

Once the System Restore dialog is opened, choose the recent Restore point and click Next to being the restoration process.

System Restore Windows

Solution 2: Free Up The Disk Space

Once the free space in your desktop is below 20%, it may start developing BSOD errors like IRQL_NOT_DISPATCH_LEVEL (Error Code 0x00000008). To find if your space is 80% full, open the file explorer by pressing the Windows key + E.

Windows Partitions with Free Space Stats

There are three basic options for freeing up your disk space. You can either:

  1. Delete any unwanted games, records, files, and applications.
  2. Clean the Trash folder in your computer.
  3. Hit Windows + R to open Run and type %temp% to delete temporary files.

Solution 3: Scan your PC for Virus

A virus will always be a threat to any computer unless an antivirus is installed. Therefore, if your PC has no antivirus or it’s not up to date, a virus attack on the boot sector or master boot record can cause BSOD error 0x00000008. A computer virus is also said to occupy space and cleaning would release some space in the disk.

Do a thorough cleaning with antivirus or use the built-in Windows defender to remove the virus from your PC.

Windows Security

Solution 4: Expand the computer memory

If the possible cause is the installation of the system partition in a low space disk, expand your computer memory. You can either:

  • Change the low disk drive to one with a larger capacity
  • Add memory chips
  • Uninstall or disable unwanted software
  • Clear cache

Seagate Barracuda 510 NVMe Internal SSD

Also Read: How to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Google Chrome Error on Windows and Mac

Solution 5: Start a driver scan

Errors in computer drives are the major likely causes of BSOD errors. Windows XP and 2000 have provided a tool called chkdsk (Check Disk) that you can use to scan drives. This is how to scan the hard drive to correct errors.

  1. Open My Computer and right-click on the drive to scan and then select Properties.
  2. Go to the Tools tab and click the Check button.
  3. Select the two options and then click Start to initiate the drive scanning process.

Also, you can use drive optimization and defragment option to reorganize the file internally.

Drive Optimization and Defragmentation

Note: Use this option if the computer was able to reboot to avoid the repeat of the IRQL_NOT_DISPATCH_LEVEL (Error Code 0x00000008) error.

Solution 6: Remove peripherals from your PC

How many superfluous peripherals have you connected to your PC? Flash drives, game controllers, and external DVD drives amongst others can cause BSOD errors.

Disconnect all non-essential peripherals on your computer and try to restart the computer.

Disconnect peripherals

Conclusion

You must have noticed most of the solutions are related to hardware. It’s therefore important to periodically check the health of your hard drives on your PC. Again, ensure the computer memory does never go below 20%. In case you notice sluggish behavior, check the memory space before you see 0x00000008 error on the blue screen of death again.

If you follow the solutions illustrated above, you’ll fix BSOD Error IRQL_NOT_DISPATCH_LEVEL (Error Code 0x00000008) and many other BSOD errors that may occur. Otherwise, you can ask for help from the IT expert.

Computer 0x00000008 BSOD Troubleshooting Windows

Be the Change!

Spread the word and help us create better tech content

Facebook Twitter Reddit WhatsApp Pinterest
Avatar for Amar Ilindra

Amar Ilindra

•
Facebook LinkedIn Instagram GitHub

Amar Ilindra is a tech-savvy individual who is passionate about gadgets and new technology. He is a full-stack developer who enjoys experimenting with technology and sharing his experiences through blogging. When he's not writing, he devotes his time to creating practical web and mobile applications for both Android and iOS platforms.

Read all 480 articles from Amar

Over 1,30,286+ Followers

Join now to get all latest updates from Geek Dashboard

Facebook Twitter Telegram Pinterest YouTube Instagram

Recently Published

  1. TAGRY X08 True Wireless Earbuds Review: Budget-Friendly Excellence with Long Battery Life
  2. Why Are Tech Lawsuits Becoming the New Normal in the US
  3. My Experience of Using TuneFab Amazon Video Downloader
  4. Wondershare Dr. Fone 13 Review - The Ultimate Mobile Toolkit for iOS and Android
  5. TOZO OpenEgo Review - Is It a Reliable and Practical Headphone?
  6. Samsung Lost its Crown as the Top Foldable Smartphone Seller Worldwide

Download the Apps Now

We put a lot of effort and resources in writing our articles, and we believe it is our responsibility to satisfy your tech hunger

Download Geek Dashboard Android App on Google PlayAndroid App onGoogle Play Download Geek Dashboard Extension on Chrome Web StoreBrowser Extension onChrome Web Store
Geek Dashboard Logo

Geek Dashboard brings you the latest and greatest in technology news, reviews, and how-to guides. From smartphones to laptops, drones to VR and everything in between, we've got you covered

Got a Tip? Write In? tip@geekdashboard.com

© 2012 - 2025 · Geek Dashboard, product of ikva eSolutions

  • Blog
  • Advertise
  • About
  • Jobs
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Write For Us
  • T&C
  • Office Setup

No dogs were injured while working on this website because we love them