How to fix BSOD DRIVER IRQL NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL rtwlanu6.sys when downloading windows 10

To address the BSOD error DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL related to rtwlanu6.sys, which is associated with Realtek USB wireless network adapters, you can try the following steps:

1. Update the Driver: Ensure you have the latest driver for your ASUS USB-AX56 adapter. You can check the manufacturer's website for the most recent driver version. If you have already tried this, consider uninstalling the current driver and reinstalling it.
2. Use Device Manager: Open Device Manager, locate your network adapter, right-click it, and select Update driver. You can also try Uninstall device and then restart your computer to let Windows reinstall the driver automatically.
3. Check for Windows Updates: Sometimes, Windows updates include important driver updates. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.
4. Disable Power Management: In Device Manager, right-click on your network adapter, go to Properties, then the Power Management tab, and uncheck the option that allows the computer to turn off the device to save power.
5. Try a Different USB Port: If you haven't already, try connecting the adapter to a different USB port, preferably a USB 3.0 port, as this can sometimes resolve compatibility issues.
6. Rollback Driver: If the issue started after a driver update, you can try rolling back to the previous version of the driver in Device Manager by selecting Properties and then the Driver tab.
7. Check for Conflicting Software: Ensure there are no other network-related software or drivers that might conflict with the Realtek driver.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, it may be worth checking forums or support pages for known issues with the specific driver version and Windows 10 installations, as this can sometimes be a widespread issue with certain hardware configurations.

References:

• Bug checks (stop code errors)
• Advanced troubleshooting for stop code errors

Hi XL man,

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A forum. I completely understand how frustrating it is to hit a Blue Screen of Death repeatedly, especially when you’re just trying to update Windows.

There isn’t an official statement from Microsoft, ASUS, or Realtek labeling this as a documented “known issue.” That said, we’ve seen many reports from users experiencing the same BSOD tied to the Realtek USB Wi-Fi driver (rtwlanu.sys or rtwlanu6.sys) during Windows updates or heavy network activity. So you’re definitely not alone in this.

The error DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL usually means a driver tried to access memory it shouldn’t at a high interrupt level. In most cases, the Realtek WLAN USB driver is the culprit when the system is under heavy network load.

To help resolve this, here are a few more advanced steps that are recommended:

Step 1: Disable Third-Party security software temporarily

Antivirus or firewall tools can interfere with network drivers during updates. Disable them temporarily while performing the upgrade or driver installation.

*Disclaimer: Temporarily turn off antivirus protection. However, keep in mind that if you do so, your device may be vulnerable to threats. So please turn it on immediately once issue fixed. 

Step 2: Run System File Checker and DISM

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

    sfc /scannow
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  

• These commands repair corrupted system files that might contribute to instability.

Step 3: Check for Firmware and BIOS updates

Visit your PC manufacturer’s support page and ensure your BIOS and chipset drivers are also up to date. Outdated firmware can sometimes cause conflicts during heavy network operations.

Step 4: Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Repair Install)

• This refreshes Windows system files without removing your apps or data.
• Download the Windows 10 ISO or use the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft.
• Run setup.exe and select Upgrade this PC now, then choose Keep personal files and apps.

*Disclaimer: Let’s try performing an in-place install or in-place upgrade which will refresh your Windows files and operating system without removing files or applications. That being said, we always recommend that if you have important data, you should back it up before making large system changes. If you want to back up your data first, please do so. Once you are done backing up, you can follow the steps in the following guides: How to run In-place upgrade in Windows 10

If none of these steps resolve the issue, a clean Windows installation or switching to a different Wi-Fi adapter may be necessary.

Hope this helps. In case you have additional questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. I'll be glad to help.

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