What is KERNEL-AUTO-BOOST-LOCK-ACQUISITION-WITH-RAISED-IRQL?
Kernel auto boost lock IRQL error (KERNEL_AUTO_BOOST_LOCK_ACQUISITION_WITH_RAISED_IRQL) is a critical-severity fault affecting the Windows operating system. This BSOD occurs when a driver attempts to acquire a kernel auto-boost lock while operating at an elevated IRQL (Interrupt Request Level). This violates Windows kernel locking rules. The error is almost exclusively caused by a buggy third-party driver — particularly security software, antivirus kernel drivers, or gaming anti-cheat systems that hook into kernel lock primitives. The steps below are ordered to resolve this efficiently.
Common Causes
- Buggy antivirus kernel driver
- Gaming anti-cheat kernel driver conflict
- Outdated system driver using deprecated locking APIs
Step-by-Step Fix Guide
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1
Uninstall recently installed security software
Running Driver Verifier (verifier.exe) in standard mode helps identify the specific misbehaving driver by stress-testing all drivers.
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2
Update or uninstall gaming anti-cheat software
WinDbg analysis of the minidump file will show exactly which driver triggered the IRQL violation.
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3
Check minidump in WinDbg to identify faulting driver
"Check minidump in WinDbg to identify faulting driver" targets buggy antivirus kernel driver, one of the documented causes of KERNEL-AUTO-BOOST-LOCK-ACQUISITION-WITH-RAISED-IRQL.
Commands & Diagnostics
verifier /standard /all
Get-WinEvent -FilterHashtable @{LogName='System'; Level=2} | Select-Object -First 20
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, buggy antivirus kernel driver is behind KERNEL-AUTO-BOOST-LOCK-ACQUISITION-WITH-RAISED-IRQL. Gaming anti-cheat kernel driver conflict and outdated system driver using deprecated locking APIs can trigger it too.
Try "Uninstall recently installed security software" first — it resolves most KERNEL-AUTO-BOOST-LOCK-ACQUISITION-WITH-RAISED-IRQL cases on its own. Only work through the rest of the guide above if it comes back.
KERNEL-AUTO-BOOST-LOCK-ACQUISITION-WITH-RAISED-IRQL is rated critical severity in our database. It's worth acting on quickly rather than letting it recur.
You shouldn't need to. Work through the guide above first — a reinstall is only worth considering if none of those steps help.
Sometimes. Microsoft regularly releases patches that fix known BSOD triggers including KERNEL-AUTO-BOOST-LOCK-ACQUISITION-WITH-RAISED-IRQL. Make sure Windows is fully up to date via Settings → Windows Update before attempting more advanced fixes.
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