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:
- qhib lub Start ntawv qhia zaub mov, hom Ua haujlwm Teem sijhawm, thiab nias Sau.
- Review your computer’s list of scheduled tasks under Ua haujlwm Teem sijhawm (Library).
- Right-click any tasks that force your PC to shut down or restart and select Lov tes taw.
2. Disable Fast Startup
Yoojyim Startup 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.
Yuav kom xiam Nyiaj Pib Kawm sai:
- qhib lub Vaj Huam Sib Luag Tswj Vaj Huam Sib Luag thiab xaiv Kho vajtse thiab suab > Fais Fab Kev Xaiv > Choose what the hwj chim khawm do.
- xaiv Hloov qhov chaw that are currently unavailable.
- Khu lub thawv nyob ib sab Tig los pib ceev ceev (pom zoo).
- xaiv Txuag cov kev hloov.
- qhib lub Start ntawv qhia zaub mov thiab xaiv hwj chim > Muab kaw.
- Reboot koj lub computer.
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.
- qhib lub Start ntawv qhia zaub mov thiab xaiv chaw.
- xaiv Qhov Hloov Piav Qhia qhov rais.
- xaiv Kos rau cov tshiab. If there’s a new update, select Rub tau & nruab.
4. Update Your Computer’s Drivers
Rhuav tshem hardware device drivers are a common problem behind a computer that shuts down or restarts randomly. Use a driver updater utility zoo li Tsav Koob Lis to update your computer’s drivers.
Additionally, use Windows Update to install Microsoft-verified hardware drivers and updates. To do that:
- qhib lub Start ntawv qhia zaub mov thiab xaiv chaw.
- xaiv Windows Updatee.
- mus rau Advanced xaiv > Yeem hloov tshiab and install all pending driver updates.
5. Rov qab tsav tsheb
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:
- Txoj cai-nias qhov Start ntawv qhia zaub mov thiab xaiv Ntaus Tus Thawj Coj.
- Expand the driver category—Zaub adapters.
- Right-click the graphics card driver and select Properties.
- Hloov mus rau Tsav tab.
- xaiv Dov Back Driver.
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 Qhib li tus thawj tswj hwm—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. Khiav CHKDSK
Tom ntej, khiav ntawm 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., Memory_Management, 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. Tshawb xyuas cov software phem
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 tom qab a severe infection, so your best option is to rely on a third-party virus removal utility.
For example, the free versions of Bitdefender Antivirus tau tshaj tawm thiab Malwarebytes are extremely effective at detecting malware. Download either one, run a quick scan, and then follow up with a full scan.
10. Muab qhov cua kom txaus
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. Ua Qhov System Restore
If the shutdowns and restarts persist, roll back Windows to a time when it did not shut down or restart automatically. Assuming that Qhov System Restore is active on your computer, you must:
- Xovxwm lub qhov rais + R to open Run. Then, type rstrui rau hauv Qhib teb thiab xaiv OK.
- Pick a restore point and select Luam theej duab rau cov programs to identify the changes to expect if you decide to go ahead.
- xaiv Tom ntej no and follow the onscreen instructions to revert your computer to the restore point.
12. Khiav Kev Xeem Memory
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.
- hom Qhov rai Diagnostic nco into the Start menu and select Qhib.
- xaiv Rov pib dua tam sim no thiab kuaj xyuas cov teeb meem (pom zoo).
- 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. Backup koj lub PC, thiab tom qab ntawd:
- Qhib Cov Chaw app thiab xaiv system > Rov qab.
- xaiv Pib dua PC.
- xaiv Khaws kuv cov ntaub ntawv (if you want to keep personal files intact) or Tshem tawm txhua yam.
If that fails, you must remove and reinstall Windows from scratch.
15. Txais Kev Pabcuam Ua Haujlwm
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.