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:
- Louvri nan meni Startkalite Objektif Travay la Planifikateur, ak laprès Antre nan.
- Review your computer’s list of scheduled tasks under Objektif Travay la Planifikateur (Thư viện).
- Right-click any tasks that force your PC to shut down or restart and select Enfim.
2. Enfim demaraj rapid
Fast 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.
Pou enfim vit demaraj:
- Louvri nan Kontwòl Panel Windows epi chwazi Materyèl ak son > Opsyon pouvwa > Choose what the bouton pouvwa do.
- chwazi Chanje anviwònman yo that are currently unavailable.
- Dezaktive bwat ki akote a Vire demaraj vit (rekòmande).
- chwazi Save chanjman.
- Louvri nan meni Start epi chwazi Pouvwa > Fèmen.
- Rdemare òdinatè ou.
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.
- Louvri nan meni Start epi chwazi Anviwònman.
- chwazi Fenèt Mizajou.
- chwazi Tcheke pou mizajou. If there’s a new update, select Download & enstale.
4. Update Your Computer’s Drivers
Obsolete hardware device drivers are a common problem behind a computer that shuts down or restarts randomly. Use a driver updater utility tankou Booster chofè to update your computer’s drivers.
Additionally, use Windows Update to install Microsoft-verified hardware drivers and updates. To do that:
- Louvri nan meni Start epi chwazi Anviwònman.
- chwazi Windows Update.
- Go to Opsyon Avanse > Dènye nouvèl ochwa and install all pending driver updates.
5. Retounen Chofè yo
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:
- Dwa-klike sou la meni Start epi chwazi Manadjè Aparèy.
- Expand the driver category—Montre cartes.
- Right-click the graphics card driver and select Pwopriyete.
- Chanje nan la Chofè tab.
- chwazi Woule tounen chofè.
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 km into the Start menu and select Open as administrator—and run the following commands one after the other:
sfc / scannow
DISM.ègzekutabl /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. Kouri CHKDSK
Apre sa, kouri a 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. 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 apre 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 ak 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. Fè yon Sistèm Renmèt
If the shutdowns and restarts persist, roll back Windows to a time when it did not shut down or restart automatically. Assuming that Sistèm Renmèt is active on your computer, you must:
- Laprès Windows + R to open Run. Then, type rstrui nan la louvri jaden epi chwazi OK.
- Pick a restore point and select Fè enspeksyon pou pwogram ki afekte yo to identify the changes to expect if you decide to go ahead.
- chwazi Next and follow the onscreen instructions to revert your computer to the restore point.
12. Run a Memory Test
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.
- Kalite Windows Memory Diagnostic into the Start menu and select louvri.
- chwazi Rekòmanse kounye a epi tcheke pou pwoblèm (rekòmande).
- 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. Fè bak PC ou, ak Lè sa a:
- Louvri aplikasyon Anviwònman an epi chwazi Sistèm > Recovery.
- chwazi Reyajiste PC.
- chwazi Kenbe dosye mwen (if you want to keep personal files intact) or Retire tout bagay.
If that fails, you must remove and reinstall Windows from scratch.
15. Jwenn Èd Pwofesyonèl
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.