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- Check your computer’s power source and cables, as a loose connection might cause restarts.
- Make sure your computer is not overheating, as this can force it to restart.
- Updating Windows and uninstalling new software can fix restarts caused by software problems.
A computer that restarts randomly can become nearly unusable. This issue often occurs without warning, error messages, or an obvious cause. Our guide will help you resolve this tricky problem.
How to Fix It When a Computer Randomly Restarts
The numerous potential causes for a random restart can complicate troubleshooting. Follow the steps below to identify the root of your issue.
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Disable automatic restart on system failure. This change won’t fix the problem, but it might prevent the computer from restarting if a software or operating system issue is involved. Preventing a restart gives you a chance to view an error message and identify the cause.
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Check the power cord and its connection to both your PC and the power source. Ensure it’s securely connected to either a wall outlet, surge protector, or battery backup device.
Sometimes, the issue is simply a loose power cord. A loose cord can cause unexpected restarts, such as when it’s accidentally nudged.
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Examine the power outlet supplying power to your computer. Check if other devices connected to the outlet also lose power when your computer restarts. If they do, the issue could be with the outlet, not your computer.
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Examine your computer’s power and restart buttons. Ensure they’re free from obstruction by objects, pets, or children. Remove anything that might accidentally press these buttons.
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Check for signs of overheating in your PC. Use software to monitor your computer’s CPU temperature in real-time. PCs are equipped with sensors to monitor internal temperatures and can trigger a shutdown if the temperature becomes too high.
The shutdown temperature can vary by PC and sensor, but temperatures over 100 degrees Celsius generally indicate a problem.
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Give your PC a gentle shake. A loose internal connection might cause a random restart. Shaking or moving the PC could trigger the problem. If it does, that’s a good sign the issue lies with the internal hardware and will need a repair.
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Run Windows Update. It will install the latest drivers and fixes for your PC’s hardware. This update could resolve the issue if it’s due to a software, driver, or operating system bug.
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Uninstall recently installed software. A software bug might be the culprit if the random restarts started after adding certain applications.
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Install and run antivirus software if it’s not already present. Remove any malware detected. Although malware rarely causes restarts as it offers little benefit to creators, it can lead to unexpected issues, including random restarts.
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Reset Windows using the Keep my files option. This process will remove most software but retain some files and settings, potentially eliminating the cause of the random restart.
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Reinstall Windows. This option will completely erase Windows, including all software and files, providing a fresh start.
If random restarts continue after this step, the issue is likely with your computer’s hardware, not Windows or installed software.
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Open your computer and clean out any dust or dirt. Check internal connections to ensure they’re secure.
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Remove any newly installed hardware upgrades. New hardware can create unexpected conflicts, so restoring previously used hardware might resolve the issue.
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 If you’re using a desktop PC, replace the power supply. It converts power from the wall outlet for use by PC components. Issues with the power supply can cause random restarts and other problems.
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Examine the visible motherboard and internal components. Look for signs of defective hardware, such as a bulging battery (for laptops) or capacitors.
You might not be able to fix these issues at home, but identifying them can assist a repair shop in diagnosing and repairing the problem.
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If your computer still randomly restarts, the issue is likely a hardware defect in a critical component. You’ll need to have it repaired by a shop or the manufacturer if under warranty.
Causes of When a Computer Randomly Restarts
Several problems can cause a computer to restart without warning, but most fall under a few broad categories.
- A problem with how power is delivered to the PC
- Overheating hardware
- Defective hardware
- A software or operating system bug
- Malware and ransomware
FAQ
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Why does my computer restart when I shut it down?
This error is usually due to software or driver issues. Usually, the easiest fix is to go to Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do > Change settings that are currently unavailable and uncheck the box next to Turn on fast startup. Otherwise, check for driver updates.
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Why does my computer randomly restart while playing games?
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