How to Fix a Computer That Restarts Randomly

Few things are more frustrating than when your computer suddenly restarts out of nowhere. Whether you’re in the middle of writing an email, gaming, or watching a movie, unexpected restarts not only interrupt your work but may also signal underlying hardware or software problems.

If your PC running Windows 10 or Windows 11 keeps restarting randomly, this guide will help you diagnose the problem, walk through step-by-step troubleshooting, and answer the most common questions people have about this issue. We’ll also provide links to trusted resources where users and experts share additional fixes.

Why Does My Computer Restart Randomly?

There isn’t a single reason why random restarts happen—they can stem from both software glitches and hardware issues. Here are the most common causes:

Automatic Windows Updates – Windows sometimes forces restarts after updates.
Overheating – High CPU or GPU temperatures can trigger auto-shutdowns or restarts to protect components.
Driver problems – Corrupted or outdated drivers can cause crashes.
Faulty RAM or storage – Hardware errors can restart the system unexpectedly.
Power supply issues – An unstable PSU can cut power and restart the system.
Malware or corrupted system files – Software corruption can lead to instability.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Random Restarts

Step 1: Disable Automatic Restart on System Failure

When Windows encounters a critical error (like a Blue Screen), it may restart instantly, giving you no time to read the error.

Press Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl, and hit Enter.
Go to the Advanced tab > Startup and Recovery > Settings.
Under System failure, uncheck Automatically restart.
Next time, you’ll see the Blue Screen error code (e.g., 0x0000007E, CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED) instead of an instant reboot.

This step helps identify the root cause.

Step 2: Check for Overheating

Overheating is a common cause of random restarts.

Install monitoring tools like HWMonitor or Core Temp.
If CPU temps exceed 85°C (185°F) or GPU temps exceed 90°C (194°F), your system may auto-restart.

Fixes:

Clean dust from fans and heatsinks.
Replace thermal paste if it’s old.
Ensure good airflow in your case.

Step 3: Update or Reinstall Drivers

Driver issues often cause instability.

Press Windows + X > Device Manager.
Expand Display adapters, Network adapters, and Storage controllers.
1. Right-click > Update driver.

If random restarts began after a driver update:

- Roll back to the previous version in Device Manager > Properties > Driver tab.

👉 Check manufacturer sites:

NVIDIA Drivers
AMD Drivers
Intel Drivers

Step 4: Run Windows Update

Sometimes the restart bug itself is patched by Microsoft.

Press Windows + I > Windows Update > Check for updates.

Step 5: Scan for Malware and Corrupt Files

Run Windows Security (Defender) > Quick scan.
For deeper scans, use Malwarebytes.
Also, repair corrupted system files:
sfc /scannow
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

Run these commands in Command Prompt (Admin).

Step 6: Test RAM and Storage

Faulty memory or SSD/HDD corruption can trigger random restarts.

Run Windows Memory Diagnostic (type mdsched.exe in Start).
For storage, open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:
chkdsk C: /f /r
Tools like MemTest86 can do deeper RAM testing.

Step 7: Check the Power Supply

A failing power supply (PSU) can randomly cut out and restart the PC.

If possible, test with a different PSU.
Ensure your PSU wattage is sufficient for your system.
Look for signs like system restarting under heavy load (gaming, rendering).

Step 8: Event Viewer Logs

Windows Event Viewer can reveal what caused the restart.

Press Windows + X > Event Viewer.
Go to Windows Logs > System.
Look for Critical or Error events around the time of restart (e.g., Kernel-Power Event ID 41).

Step 9: Perform a Clean Boot

Conflicts with startup apps may cause instability.

Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
Go to Services tab > Check Hide all Microsoft services > Disable all.
Restart and test.

Step 10: Advanced Steps

If nothing works:

BIOS Update: Outdated BIOS can cause instability.
Reseat Hardware: Remove and reinsert RAM, GPU, and storage.
System Restore: Roll back to a restore point before the issue began.
In-Place Upgrade: Reinstall Windows without losing files.

Example Error Codes You May See

0x0000009F – DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE
0x0000007E – System thread exception not handled
Kernel-Power Event ID 41 – Sudden loss of power
CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED – System process failure

These codes can guide your troubleshooting.

FAQs: Random Restarts in Windows

Why does my computer restart without warning?

It could be overheating, driver conflicts, or a failing PSU. Check Event Viewer and temps first.

How do I stop Windows from restarting after updates?

Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Restart options and disable automatic restarts.

Can bad RAM cause random restarts?

Yes. Faulty memory often leads to restarts or BSODs.

My PC restarts when gaming—why?

High load increases heat and power draw. Check temps, GPU drivers, and PSU stability.

Is malware a possible cause?

Yes, though less common. A full antivirus scan can rule it out.

Helpful Resources

Microsoft Answers – Random Restart Issues
Reddit r/WindowsHelp – PC Restart Threads
Intel Support – Driver Downloads

Final Thoughts

A computer that restarts randomly isn’t just inconvenient—it can point to overheating, hardware issues, or software corruption. By disabling automatic restarts, monitoring temperatures, updating drivers, and testing RAM or PSU, you can narrow down the cause and fix it.

If the problem persists, forums like Reddit’s r/WindowsHelp and Microsoft Answers are excellent places to find user-reported fixes for the latest issues. And remember: addressing random restarts early can prevent bigger hardware failures down the line.