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:
- Open de Startmenü, Typ Aufgab Scheduler, a dréckt gitt.
- Review your computer’s list of scheduled tasks under Aufgab Scheduler (Library).
- Right-click any tasks that force your PC to shut down or restart and select auszeschalten.
2. Desaktivéiere Fast Startup
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.
Fir de Fast Startup auszeschalten:
- Open de Windows Kontroll Panel a wielt Hardware a Sound > Power Options > Choose what the stromknapper do.
- wielt Änerung änneren that are currently unavailable.
- Maacht d'Këscht nieft Schnellstart opmaachen (recommandéiert).
- wielt Ännerungen ze späicheren.
- Open de Startmenü a wielt Power > Ausmaachen.
- Restart Ärem 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.
- Open de Startmenü a wielt Parameteren.
- wielt Windows Update.
- wielt Iwwerpréift fir Updates. If there’s a new update, select Eroflueden & installéieren.
4. Update Your Computer’s Drivers
Verouderd hardware device drivers are a common problem behind a computer that shuts down or restarts randomly. Use a driver updater utility wëll Driver Booster to update your computer’s drivers.
Additionally, use Windows Update to install Microsoft-verified hardware drivers and updates. To do that:
- Open de Startmenü a wielt Parameteren.
- wielt Windows Update.
- Go ze Erweiterte Optiounen > Fakultativ Updates and install all pending driver updates.
5. Roll Back Chauffeuren
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:
- Roode Klickt op Startmenü a wielt Device Manager.
- Expand the driver category—Adapter upranéiren.
- Right-click the graphics card driver and select Properties.
- Schalten op driver Tab.
- wielt Roll 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 Open als Administrator—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. Run CHKDSK
Niewt dem Führen 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 no 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 an 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. Maacht e System Restauréieren
If the shutdowns and restarts persist, roll back Windows to a time when it did not shut down or restart automatically. Assuming that System Restauratioun is active on your computer, you must:
- Press Windows + R to open Run. Then, type rstrui an d ' Open Feld a wielt OK.
- Pick a restore point and select Scannen fir betrëfft Programmer to identify the changes to expect if you decide to go ahead.
- wielt nächst 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.
- Type Windows Memory Diagnostic into the Start menu and select Open.
- wielt Restart elo a préift no Probleemer (recommandéiert).
- 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 vun Ärem PC, an dann:
- Öffnen d'Astellungen App a wielt System > Erhuelung.
- wielt PC zrécksetzen.
- wielt Haalt meng Dateien (if you want to keep personal files intact) or Ewechzehuelen alles.
If that fails, you must remove and reinstall Windows from scratch.
15. Gitt professionell Hëllef
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.