Sometimes, a computer randomly restart without any warning or error message. This can happen when the computer is first turned on or after it has been running for a while.
But why does my computer randomly restart?
Well, a few things can cause a computer to restart randomly. It could be a problem with the hardware, such as a faulty power supply or overheating components. It could also be a software issue, such as a virus or corrupt file. Sometimes, random restarts can be caused by a combination of both hardware and software problems.
In this blog post, I’ll answer these questions and describe all the possible ways to fix them quickly. Stay tuned and learn what you need!
Causes of Your PC Restarting
- Overheating issues
- Hardware issue
- Fragmented hard drive
- Software issue
- Virus or malware infection
- Outdated BIOS
- The faulty power supply unit
- Defective hardware component
- Incompatible app or driver
- Full hard drive
- Clogged CPU cooler
How To Fix If It Randomly Restarts?
1. Disable Automatic Restart Feature
If your computer is configured to PC restart after a system failure automatically, you can disable this feature to prevent it from happening.
This can be useful if you want to troubleshoot the cause of the crash without having to restart your computer constantly. To disable it, follow the steps below.
- Right-click on My Computer and select Properties.
- In the System Properties window, click on the Advanced tab.
- Click on the Settings button in the Startup and Data Recovery section in the Advanced section.
- In the Startup and Recovery window, uncheck the box next to Automatically restart.
- Click on the OK button to save the changes.
2. Change Power Options
If your computer randomly restarts, it could be due to various reasons. One potential reason is the power options in Windows. You can change the power options to see if that fixes the problem.
To change the power options:
- Open the Control Panel.
- Click on System and Security.
- Click on Power Options.
- Select a power plan from the list of options.
- Click on Change plan settings.
- Make the changes you want to the power plan settings.
- Click on Save changes.
3. Check for hardware issues
If your computer is randomly restarting, it could be a hardware issue. To check for hardware issues, you can:
- Use the Windows Event Viewer to check for system errors that could be caused by hardware.
- Check the temperature of your computer’s components.
- If they are getting too hot, this could be causing the random restarting.
- Check for loose cables or other physical issues causing the problem.
If you suspect that a hardware issue is causing your computer to restart randomly, you can try:
- Replacing the component that you think is causing the problem.
- Updating the drivers for your computer’s components.
- Checking for BIOS updates.
4. Keep Your Eye On PC Temperature
It’s never done this before, and I last noticed my CPU temperature was high. Is there a way to check my computer’s temperature and fix the issue?
PC temperature can be checked in a few different ways. You can use a program like Core Temp or Speccy or check the temperatures in your BIOS. If your CPU temperature is high, there are a few things you can do to fix the issue.
Check for airflow blockage: Make sure that all your case fans are working and that there is no dust blocking airflow to your CPU cooler.
Ensure your CPU cooler is properly seated: Sometimes, the CPU cooler can become loose. You’ll need to remove and reattach it to ensure it is seated properly.
Check for thermal paste buildup: If there is too much thermal paste on your CPU, it can cause overheating. You’ll need to clean the old thermal paste and apply a new layer.
Use a better CPU cooler: If you’re using a stock CPU cooler, it might not be adequate for your needs. You may need to invest in a better aftermarket CPU cooler.
5. Issues Related To BIOS
One of the most common causes of random restarts is an outdated BIOS. The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a chip on your computer’s motherboard that stores essential information about your system.
If you’re experiencing random restarts, it’s a good idea to check if your BIOS is up to date. Here’s how:
Step 1: Check your current BIOS version
The first step is to check what version of BIOS you have. You can typically do this by checking the documentation that came with your motherboard or by looking for a sticker on the motherboard itself.
Step 2: See if there’s an update available
Once you know what BIOS version you have, you can check if there’s an update available.
You can do this by visiting the website of your motherboard’s manufacturer.
Step 3: Update your BIOS
If there’s an update available, follow the instructions on the website to update your BIOS.
This process is usually fairly straightforward, but it’s essential to follow the instructions carefully to avoid any problems.
Step 4: Check for any other issues.
After you’ve updated your BIOS, it’s a good idea to check for any other issues causing your random restarts.
This includes things like drivers, software, and hardware.
If you’re still experiencing random restarts after following these steps, it’s a good idea to contact a computer professional for further assistance.
6. Inspect Your PSU Is Okay
I will explain how to do this in two different ways. The first way is to open your computer’s case and look at the PSU.
The second way is to use a program like HWMonitor.
Open Your Computer’s Case
If you open your computer’s case and look at the PSU, you should look for any obvious signs of damage.
If you see any burns or charred components, that is a sign that the PSU is failing and needs to be replaced.
You should also check to see if any cables are loose or damaged.
When you see bare wires, that is another sign that the PSU is failing and needs to be replaced.
Use A Program Like HWMonitor
If you use a program like HWMonitor, you can check the PSU’s voltage outputting. If any voltages are outside the normal range, that is a sign that the PSU is failing and needs to be replaced.
If you suspect your PSU is failing, you should replace it as soon as possible to avoid damaging your other components.
7. Look At Your RAM
The vital thing you should do when your computer randomly restarts is to check your RAM.
If you have a bad or failing RAM chip, it can cause your computer to restart randomly.
To check your RAM, you can use a program like Memtest86.
You may find that you have a bad or failing RAM chip; you should replace it as soon as possible.
When you have multiple Random Access Memory chips, you should also check them all to see if any of them are wrong.
If you replace a bad RAM chip, it can help to fix your computer’s randomly restarting problem.
8. Apply troubleshooting in Safe Mode
A random computer restart could be a sign of a bigger problem. One way to try and troubleshoot the issue is to start your computer in Safe Mode.
- To do this, restart your computer
- Then press and hold the F8 key while your computer is booting up.
- This will bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode and then press Enter.
- Your computer will now start in Safe Mode, and you can try to figure out what is causing the random restarting issue.
If you can identify the problem, you can try fixing it and restart your computer in Normal Mode.
9. Remove Newly Installed Programs
If you have installed any new programs recently, they may be causing your computer to restart randomly.
Try uninstalling any new programs and see if that fixes the problem.
You may be unsure which program is causing the problem; you can try uninstalling all the new programs you have installed until the problem is fixed.
When you still can’t figure out which program is causing the problem, you can try resetting your computer to an earlier time when it was working correctly.
This will undo any changes to your computer, including any new programs installed.
10. Try a clean boot
Random restarts can be caused by various things, including hardware issues, software conflicts, and driver problems.
This can help rule out software conflicts as the cause of your random restart issue.
To do a clean boot, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows logo key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type Msconfig and press Enter to open the System Configuration utility.
- On the General tab, select the Selective startup option.
- Clear the Load startup items check box.
- On the Services tab, click to select the Hide all Microsoft services check box and then click Disable all.
- On the Startup tab, click Open Task Manager.
- In the Task Manager window, click the Startup tab.
- For each item in the list, right-click the item and click Disable.
- Close the Task Manager window.
- Click OK, and then click Restart to restart your computer.
- After your computer restarts, check to see if the random restart issue has been resolved.
11. Perform System Restore
A system restores your computer to a previous point in time, which can be helpful if your computer is randomly restarting.
To perform a system restore:
- Click the Start button, then type “restore” in the search box.
- Select “Create a restore point” from the search results.
- Click the System Restore button on the System Properties windows update.
- If prompted, enter your administrator password.
- Click Next on the welcome screen.
- Select a restore point from the list and click Next.
- Confirm the restore point and click Finish.
- Restart your computer when prompted.
A system won’t affect your personal files but will remove any programs you installed after the restore point was created.
12. Reinstall Graphic Card Drivers
If your computer has unexpected Restart, it could be a problem with your graphics driver.
- To fix this, you will need to reinstall your graphic card drivers.
- First, you will need to uninstall your current drivers.
- To do this, go to the “Control Panel” and “Uninstall a Program.”
- Locate your driver software in the list of programs and click “Uninstall.”
- Once your drivers are uninstalled, you must download the latest drivers from your graphic card manufacturer’s website.
- Install the drivers and restart your computer. This should fix the problem.
13. Run a virus scan
When your computer randomly restarts, it may be due to a virus or malware. Running a virus scan can help you determine if this is the case.
There are a few different ways to run a virus scan. You can use a free online scanner, download and install an antivirus program, or use a built-in scanner if you have Windows 10.
Use a free online scanner
To run a virus scan using a free online scanner, go to the website of an antivirus provider and use their online scanner. Some popular online scanners include VirusTotal and MalwareBytes.
Download and install an antivirus program
To download and install an antivirus program, go to the website of an antivirus provider and follow their instructions. Some popular antivirus programs include Norton, McAfee, and Avast.
Use a built-in scanner
To use a built-in scanner in Windows 10, go to the Start menu and search for “Windows Defender.” Then, click “Scan now” to begin the scan.
14. Run Driver Verifier
When you experience random restarts on your computer, it could be caused by a driver issue. To help narrow down the cause, you can run the Driver Verifier tool.
This tool checks for corrupt or faulty drivers and can help fix them. To run Driver Verifier:
- Open the Start menu and type “verifier” into the search bar.
- Select “Create custom settings (for code developers)” and click Next.
- Select “Select individual settings from a full list” and click Next.
- In the “Available Settings” list, select “Special Pool” and “Force IRQL Checking” and click Next.
- Click Finish to start running Driver Verifier.
- Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
If you experience any crashes while Driver Verifier is running, there is a problem with one of your drivers.
You can use the crash dumps to help figure out which driver is causing the problem. Once you’ve identified the problematic driver, you can try updating or reinstalling it.
15. Disable The Fast Startup
Fast startup is a Windows 10 that helps your PC start up faster after shutdown. However, the fast startup can sometimes cause random restarts on your PC.
To disable fast startup, follow these steps:
1) Go to Start > Settings > Power & Sleep
2) Under “Related Settings,” click the Additional power settings link.
3) In the Power Options window, click Choose what the power buttons do.
4) Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
5) Under Shutdown settings, uncheck the Turn on fast startup (recommended) option.
6) Click Save changes.
After you disable fast startup, your PC will take a bit longer to start up, but it should no longer randomly restart.
16. Closely Examine the Motherboard and Other Internal Components
Look for signs of defective hardware, such as a bulging battery (if you use a laptop) or bulging capacitors.
You may not be able to fix these issues at home, but identifying them will help a repair shop find and fix the problem.
More Questions & Answers
Why does my PC randomly restart without warning?
The blaster virus, for example, is programmed to restart your computer without prior notice.
Viruses usually cause the computer to restart every 5, 10, 15, or 30 minutes after it has started, depending on the infection.
Can the power supply cause random restarts?
Overheating of the CPU/GPU and the subsequent shutdown of the system to avoid further damage are the two most common causes of unexpected reboots and shutdowns.
There is a problem with the PSU’s ability to send adequate power to the GPU or to maintain a stable voltage for the PC’s operation.
Can RAM cause random reboots?
Yes, faulty or incompatible RAM can cause random reboots.
When the RAM in your computer fails, it can cause errors and instability that can lead to crashes and reboots.
There are several possible causes for faulty RAM, such as incorrect installation, incompatible RAM modules, or faulty memory chips.
It is also possible for the RAM to become damaged over time due to age or overheating.
If you are experiencing random reboots, it is recommended to check the RAM in your computer to see if it is functioning properly.
You can do this by running a diagnostic tool, such as Memtest86, to test the RAM for errors.
If errors are detected, you may need to replace the faulty RAM or seek help from a professional technician to resolve the issue.
Will a failing hard drive cause random reboots?
Computer failures happen in a variety of shapes and sizes. Sudden reboots are a warning that the hard disk may be failing.
Your computer’s screen goes blue, freezes, and may even demand a reboot, which is what the blue screen of death is.
A computer crash while attempting to access data is a significant indicator of a hard disk failure.
What is the lifespan of a CPU?
The lifespan of a CPU, or central processing unit, can vary depending on a number of factors, such as usage, quality, and manufacturing process.
In general, modern CPUs can last for many years with proper care and maintenance.
Most manufacturers provide warranties for their CPUs that range from one to three years, which can give an indication of their expected lifespan.
However, it is not uncommon for a well-maintained CPU to last for five years or more.
The lifespan of a CPU can be affected by several factors, including overclocking, overheating, voltage fluctuations, and physical damage.
Overclocking, or running the CPU at speeds higher than its rated frequency, can increase the risk of damage and reduce the lifespan of the CPU.
Overheating can also cause damage to the CPU, so it is important to ensure that the CPU is properly cooled.
Is it okay to turn off the computer overnight?
Yes, it is generally okay to turn off your computer overnight. In fact, shutting down your computer when you are not using it can help to conserve energy and extend the lifespan of your hardware components.
When you shut down your computer, all running programs and processes are closed, and the operating system and hardware components are powered off.
This can help to reduce wear and tear on the components, as well as minimize the risk of overheating or other issues.
While some users prefer to leave their computers running overnight for various reasons, such as running updates or background processes, it is generally not necessary.
If you need to leave your computer running overnight for a specific reason, such as running a large download or backup, it is important to ensure that the computer is properly ventilated and not at risk of overheating.
Which is better, sleep or shutdown?
Booting from sleep is substantially quicker than booting from a shutdown, and it may almost seem instantaneous on faster computers.
Laptops and desktop computers both use more power when you sleep. As long as the machine’s power supply remains steady, it will preserve all of its memories while it sleeps.
What to do if the computer restarts while playing a game?
There are a few things that could be causing your computer to restart while playing a game. It could be an issue with the game, your computer’s settings, or a problem with your hardware.
If you’re having this issue with a specific game, try updating it or reinstalling it. You can also try running the game in compatibility mode.
When your computer’s settings are causing the issue, you may need to adjust your power settings or disable features like hibernation.
Finally, if the problem is with your hardware, it’s possible that a driver needs to be updated or that there’s a hardware conflict. You can try updating your drivers or running a diagnostic tool to check for hardware problems.