Does your Windows PC shut down or restart without warning? There are several potential causes behind that. For example, it could be a software/hardware conflict, overheating, or hard drive error. This troubleshooting guide will outline multiple solutions to fix auto-shutdowns and restarts in Windows 10/11.
If your computer shuts down constantly, you must boot your computer in Safe Mode or use the system recovery options in WinRE to work on the fixes below.
1. Check the Task Scheduler
If your computer shuts down automatically but only at a specific time of the day, that’s probably due to a scheduled task that you or a third-party program created. To check:
- Ireki Hasi menuanidatzi, idatzi Task Antolatzaileak, eta sakatu Sartu.
- Review your computer’s list of scheduled tasks under Task Antolatzaileak (Library).
- Right-click any tasks that force your PC to shut down or restart and select Desgaitu.
2. Desgaitu Abiarazi azkarra
Hasiera azkarra is a Windows power management feature that hibernates the kernel (the operating system’s core) to speed up your PC during a cold start. However, it can destabilize the system.
Abiarazte azkarra desgaitzeko:
- Ireki Windows kontrol panela eta hautatu Hardware eta Soinua > Power Aukerak > Choose what the pizteko botoiak do.
- Aukeratu Aldatu ezarpenak that are currently unavailable.
- Desmarkatu ondoko laukia Aktibatu abio bizkorra (gomendatua).
- Aukeratu aldaketak gorde.
- Ireki Hasi menuan eta hautatu Power > Itzali.
- Berrabiarazi ordenagailua.
3. Update Windows to Its Latest Version
Specific versions of Windows contain severe bugs and issues that cause significant problems with particular hardware and software configurations. Install the latest operating system updates to fix them.
- Ireki Hasi menuan eta hautatu Ezarpenak.
- Aukeratu Windows Update.
- Aukeratu Egiaztatu eguneratzeak. If there’s a new update, select Deskargatu eta instalatu.
4. Update Your Computer’s Drivers
zaharkituak hardware device drivers are a common problem behind a computer that shuts down or restarts randomly. Use a driver updater utility bezala Driver Booster to update your computer’s drivers.
Additionally, use Windows Update to install Microsoft-verified hardware drivers and updates. To do that:
- Ireki Hasi menuan eta hautatu Ezarpenak.
- Aukeratu Windows eguneratzeae.
- Joan Aukera aurreratuak > Aukerako eguneratzeak and install all pending driver updates.
5. Atzera gidatzaileak
Rarely, new driver updates can introduce issues and break down the system. Microsoft knows that, which is why you have the option to roll them back.
For example, if the problem occurred after updating your graphics card driver:
- Egin klik eskuineko botoiarekin Hasi menuan eta hautatu Gailu kudeatzailea.
- Expand the driver category—Bistaratze egokigailuak.
- Right-click the graphics card driver and select Properties.
- Aldatu atalera Driver fitxa.
- Aukeratu Itzuli atzera kontrolatzailea.
6. Run the SFC and DISM Tools
Windows comes with two command-line tools—System File Checker and DISM—that can scan and fix system file corruption.
Open an elevated Command Prompt console—type cmd into the Start menu and select Ireki administratzaile gisa—and run the following commands one after the other:
sfc / scannow
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth
SFC and DISM scans take a long time to complete. If the progress percentage indicator gets stuck, do not do anything; it should resume eventually.
7. Exekutatu CHKDSK
Ondoren, exekutatu CHKDSK (Check Disk) utility to fix HDD/SSD errors in the system partition. Again, open an elevated Command Prompt console and run the following command:
chkdsk c: / r
CHKDSK only runs at computer startup, so press Y to schedule the scan the next time you reboot your computer.
8. Troubleshoot BSOD Errors
If your computer crashes and restarts into a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) screen, it will continue to repeat that until you diagnose and troubleshoot it with the appropriate fixes.
Start by noting down the stop code related to the BSOD error—e.g., Memoria_Kudeaketa, Kernel_Security_Check_Failure, Driver_Overran_Stack_Buffer, etc. Then, refer to our complete BSOD troubleshooting guide to learn what you must do next.
9. Check for Malicious Software
Malicious software and potentially unwanted programs (or PUPs) can wreak havoc on the operating system and trigger unexpected shutdowns and restarts.
If the problem persists, you must scan your computer for potential malware. Windows Defender isn’t likely to do any good ondoren a severe infection, so your best option is to rely on a third-party virus removal utility.
For example, the free versions of Bitdefender antibirusak Malwarebytes are extremely effective at detecting malware. Download either one, run a quick scan, and then follow up with a full scan.
10. Provide Adequate Ventilation
Inadequate ventilation leads to overheating, forcing your computer to shut down to cool itself. For example, if you use a laptop, avoid using it on soft surfaces—cushions, bed covers, etc.—that could plug up its ventilation holes. Also, check and clean the CPU or laptop casing to ensure nothing is blocking the airflow.
11. Egin Sistemaren Leheneratzea
If the shutdowns and restarts persist, roll back Windows to a time when it did not shut down or restart automatically. Assuming that Sistema berrezartzea is active on your computer, you must:
- Prentsa Windows + R to open Run. Then, type rstrui sartu du Ireki eremua eta hautatu OK.
- Pick a restore point and select Bilatu kaltetutako programak to identify the changes to expect if you decide to go ahead.
- Aukeratu hurrengo and follow the onscreen instructions to revert your computer to the restore point.
12. Egin Memoria Test bat
Faulty RAM (random access memory) modules are another reason for random shutdowns and restarts. Windows comes with a built-in Windows Memory Diagnostic tool you can run to scan for bad memory.
- Mota Windows Memoria diagnostikoa into the Start menu and select Ireki.
- Aukeratu Berrabiarazi orain eta egiaztatu arazoak (gomendatua).
- Wait until Windows Memory Diagnostic reboots your computer and tests it for memory problems.
For comprehensive step-by-step instructions and alternative methods, check our guide to testing a Windows PC for bad memory.
13. Reset/Update the BIOS or UEFI
Outdated or incorrectly configured motherboard firmware—the BIOS or UEFI—creates stability issues. Check if the BIOS needs an update or revert it to its default settings.
14. Factory-Reset or Reinstall Windows
If none of the fixes above help, you must reset Windows to its default settings. Egin babeskopiak zure ordenagailuan, eta gero:
- Ireki Ezarpenak aplikazioa eta hautatu Sistema > berreskuratzea.
- Aukeratu Berrezarri ordenagailua.
- Aukeratu Gorde nire fitxategiak (if you want to keep personal files intact) or Kendu dena.
If that fails, you must remove and reinstall Windows from scratch.
15. Lortu laguntza profesionala
If the problem persists and your computer continues to shut down and restart automatically, you might be dealing with a faulty hardware component or a defective power supply unit. Visit your local PC repair shop and let a technician take a look at it.