What to Do When Your PC Randomly Shuts Down?

If your computer turns off by itself without warning, it can be frustrating. This issue is usually caused by overheating, power supply problems, or faulty hardware. Here’s how to diagnose and fix it:

1. Check for Overheating

Feel the bottom or back of your laptop/PC case—if it’s too hot, overheating might be the issue.
Clean the fans and vents with compressed air to remove dust buildup.
If using a desktop, reapply thermal paste on the CPU if it’s been a few years.

2. Test the Power Supply

If you’re on a laptop, try a different charger or check if the battery is failing.
For desktops, a faulty power supply unit (PSU) could be causing shutdowns—if possible, test with another PSU.

3. Check RAM and Hardware Connections

A loose RAM stick or failing hard drive can also cause shutdowns.
Reseat RAM by removing and reinserting it carefully.
Use Windows Memory Diagnostic to check for RAM errors.

4. Look for Software Issues

Corrupt system files can also cause random shutdowns. Run sfc /scannow in Command Prompt to check.
Check Event Viewer (search "Event Viewer" in Start) under Windows Logs > System for critical errors before shutdown.

If the issue persists, it could be a motherboard or GPU failure. In that case, professional hardware testing might be necessary.