Why Does My Computer Keep Restarting Randomly?
If you’re wondering how to fix a computer that keeps restarting, you’re likely dealing with one of the most frustrating and disruptive PC issues. Whether it happens at boot, while gaming, or during simple tasks, unexpected restarts can point to anything from overheating and driver problems to faulty hardware or power settings.
This guide will walk you through all the potential causes and show you step-by-step how to fix a computer that keeps restarting. No guesswork—just clear, actionable solutions.
Common Causes of a Restarting Computer
Overheating Issues
When your CPU or GPU overheats, your system may automatically shut down and restart to prevent hardware damage. Check your internal temperatures using tools like HWMonitor or Core Temp.
Faulty Power Supply (PSU)
An unstable or aging power supply can cause sudden restarts due to voltage drops. If your system restarts under load (like during gaming), the PSU could be the culprit.
Corrupted or Outdated Drivers
Faulty drivers—especially for graphics cards or chipset components—can cause crashes and reboots. Always keep your drivers up to date using Device Manager or manufacturer websites.
Automatic Restart Enabled in Windows
By default, Windows is set to restart automatically when it encounters a system error. Disabling this feature can help you see the error message (like a Blue Screen) and diagnose the problem.
Malware or Virus Infection
Some types of malware are designed to destabilize your system. Run a full scan using Windows Defender or a reliable third-party tool to rule this out.
Step 1: Disable Automatic Restart on System Failure
Go to Control Panel > System > Advanced system settings > Startup and Recovery. Under “System failure”, uncheck “Automatically restart”. This allows you to see error codes before the PC reboots.
Step 2: Check for Overheating
Use temperature monitoring tools to verify if thermal issues are causing restarts. Clean dust from fans, apply new thermal paste if needed, and ensure airflow isn’t obstructed.
Step 3: Run a Memory Diagnostic
Faulty RAM can cause restarts. Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and run a memory test. If errors are found, try reseating or replacing your RAM modules.
Step 4: Scan for Malware
Use Windows Security or free tools like Malwarebytes to perform a deep system scan. Remove any detected threats and restart your system in Safe Mode to verify stability.
Step 5: Update or Roll Back Drivers
Open Device Manager and check for driver updates for GPU, chipset, and network adapters. If a recent update caused restarts, roll back to the previous version.
Step 6: Check for Windows Updates and Corrupt Files
Run sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth in Command Prompt (admin) to fix corrupted system files. Also, install any pending Windows updates.
Step 7: Test with a Different Power Supply (Desktop PCs)
If you suspect your PSU, try using another compatible one. Power delivery issues often cause reboot loops under heavy load, such as gaming or video rendering.
Step 8: Check Event Viewer for Critical Errors
Open Event Viewer (type eventvwr in the Start menu) and check under “System” for critical errors logged at the time of restarts. Use the error codes to guide further troubleshooting.
Step 9: Reset BIOS or UEFI Settings
Enter BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing Del, F2, or F10 at boot) and choose “Load Optimized Defaults” or “Reset to Factory Settings”. Misconfigured BIOS settings can cause reboot issues.
Step 10: Perform a Clean Boot
Use MSConfig to disable all non-Microsoft services and startup programs. This helps determine if third-party software is interfering with your system and causing restarts.
Still Wondering How to Fix a Computer That Keeps Restarting?
If you’ve followed all the steps and your system still reboots, consider checking your hard drive for errors with chkdsk, or perform a clean install of Windows as a last resort. Persistent issues may also suggest a failing motherboard or power delivery system—consult a technician if necessary.
FAQs
1. Can a bad hard drive cause my computer to restart?
Yes. Corrupted sectors or failing drives can trigger system errors leading to restarts, especially during file access or boot.
2. Why does my PC restart during games only?
High-performance tasks like gaming push your PSU and GPU. If either component is unstable or overheating, the system may reboot under load.
3. Will Safe Mode stop the restarting problem?
If the issue is software or driver-related, Safe Mode may prevent restarts and allow further troubleshooting.
4. Is a power surge protector important?
Yes. Unstable voltage or surges can damage your PSU or motherboard and cause unpredictable restarts. Always use a quality surge protector.
5. Should I reset Windows to fix the issue?
As a last resort, yes. A clean Windows install can remove hidden corruption or malware that causes random reboots.