Random Shutdowns or Restarts

If your computer powers off suddenly or reboots without warning, it’s often caused by overheating, power supply faults, bad drivers, or Windows power settings. Follow these steps to isolate and fix the issue.

🌡️ Step 1: Check for Overheating

• Overheating is the most common cause of random shutdowns.
• Install HWMonitor or Core Temp to check CPU/GPU temperatures.
• Keep temps under 85°C (CPU) and 80°C (GPU).
• Clean out dust from vents and fans using compressed air.
• Make sure all fans spin freely when powered on.

🔌 Step 2: Check Power Supply and Cables

• Ensure your PC’s power cable is secure at both ends.
• Try another wall outlet or surge protector.
• For desktops: if the shutdowns happen under load (gaming, updates), your PSU may be failing.
• Check for a burning smell, bulging capacitors, or power flickers on startup — all signs of PSU instability.

🔋 Step 3: Laptop Battery or Charger

• If the laptop shuts down even with the charger connected, unplug and test on battery only (and vice versa).
• Use only the original manufacturer charger.
• Inspect for frayed cables or bent connectors.
• Open Windows PowerShell and run:

  powercfg /batteryreport

  Then check the generated HTML file for battery wear level.

⚙️ Step 4: Check Windows Power Settings

• Open Control Panel → Power Options.
• Select Balanced or High performance.
• Click Change plan settings → Change advanced power settings.
• Under Processor power management, set minimum to 5% and maximum to 100%.
• Disable Fast Startup (in Power Options → Choose what the power buttons do).

🧰 Step 5: Run a System File & Driver Check

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:

   sfc /scannow

2. Then run:

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

3. Restart your computer when complete.
4. Update chipset, graphics, and BIOS drivers from your manufacturer’s site.

🪫 Step 6: Check for Automatic Restart on Error

• Press Win + R → type sysdm.cpl → press Enter.
• Go to Advanced → Startup and Recovery → Settings.
• Uncheck Automatically restart.
• This prevents Windows from instantly rebooting after a crash so you can see error messages or BSODs.

💾 Step 7: Scan for Malware & Faulty Software

• Run Windows Security or Malwarebytes full scan.
• Uninstall any recently added software or drivers around the time shutdowns started.
• Boot into Safe Mode to check if the issue stops — if it does, something in startup is conflicting.

🧱 Step 8: Hardware Diagnostics

• Run Windows Memory Diagnostic (mdsched.exe) to test RAM.
• Check drives with:

  chkdsk C: /f

• If issues persist, test with minimal components (1 RAM stick, onboard graphics only).

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