How to Fix a Computer That Randomly Shuts Down or Restarts

Step 1: Check for Overheating

Overheating is a common cause of random shutdowns.

• Download a hardware monitoring tool (e.g., HWMonitor, Speccy) to check your CPU and GPU temperatures.
• If temperatures are too high (above 80°C for CPUs or 90°C for GPUs), clean your computer’s fans and vents.
• Replace thermal paste on your CPU and GPU if necessary.

Why this matters: Overheating can damage components and force the system to shut down to prevent further damage.

Step 2: Inspect the Power Supply

A failing or insufficient power supply can cause random shutdowns.

• Check if your power supply unit (PSU) is providing enough power for your components.
• If you’re using a desktop, test with a different PSU if possible.
• For laptops, ensure the charger is functioning properly and the battery is not faulty.

Why this matters: A faulty or underpowered PSU can cause instability and random shutdowns.

Step 3: Test Your RAM

Faulty RAM can cause system crashes and restarts.

• Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
• Select Restart now and check for problems to run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool.
• If errors are found, replace the faulty RAM stick(s).

Why this matters: Faulty RAM can cause system instability and crashes.

Step 4: Check for Driver Issues

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause random restarts.

• Open Device Manager by pressing Windows + X and selecting it from the menu.
• Look for devices with a yellow exclamation mark, which indicates a driver issue.
• Right-click the device and select Update driver.
• If updating doesn’t work, uninstall the driver and restart your computer to reinstall it automatically.

Why this matters: Drivers act as a bridge between hardware and the operating system. Keeping them updated ensures proper functionality.

Step 5: Scan for Malware

Malware can cause system instability and random shutdowns.

• Run a full system scan using Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
• Remove any detected threats and restart your computer.

Why this matters: Malware can interfere with system processes and cause unexpected behavior.

Step 6: Check Event Viewer for Errors

Event Viewer logs system events and errors, which can help diagnose the issue.

• Press Windows + R, type eventvwr, and press Enter.
• Navigate to Windows Logs > System and look for critical errors or warnings around the time of the shutdowns.
• Research the error codes online to identify the cause.

Why this matters: Event Viewer provides detailed information about system errors and warnings.

Step 7: Update BIOS/UEFI

Outdated firmware can cause compatibility issues and instability.

• Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F10, or Del during startup).
• Check the manufacturer’s website for BIOS/UEFI updates and follow their instructions to update.

Why this matters: Firmware updates can resolve hardware compatibility issues and improve stability.

Step 8: Test with Minimal Hardware

Disconnect all non-essential hardware to isolate the issue.

• Remove external devices (e.g., USB drives, printers).
• If you’re using a desktop, disconnect secondary drives and peripherals.
• Boot your computer with only the essential hardware (e.g., CPU, one RAM stick, GPU).
• Reconnect devices one by one to identify the problematic component.

Why this matters: Isolating hardware helps pinpoint the source of the issue.

Step 9: Replace Faulty Hardware

If you’ve identified a faulty component, replace it as soon as possible.

• Common components to check include the power supply, RAM, and motherboard.
• If you’re unsure, consult a professional technician for assistance.

Why this matters: Replacing faulty hardware ensures your system runs smoothly and reliably.

By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the issue of random shutdowns or restarts. If the problem persists, consider consulting a professional for further assistance.