If you’re facing random shutdowns or restarts then don’t worry as sometimes Windows restarts or shutdown PC to install important updates, Antivirus do this to protect your system from virus or malware infection, etc. But if the random shutdowns or restarts are frequent then this might be a problem. Imagine your computer shuts down randomly every hour, well that is a very annoying issue which users are facing.
Most of the computers are design to shut down automatically if the temperature of the system reaches anywhere from 70 to 100 degrees Celsius. In other words, if your PC is overheating then that might be the root cause of the random shutdowns. But this issue is not just limited to one cause, there can be a variety of reasons as to why the computer shuts down randomly.
Why does my computer turn off without warning?
Some of the other causes due to which you’re facing this issue is faulty power supply (PSU), hardware failure, problem with UPS, virus or malware infection, system files might be corrupted, etc. Anyway, without wasting any time let’s see How to Fix Computer Shuts Down Randomly with the help of the below-listed troubleshooting guide.
How to Fix Computer Shuts Down Randomly
Make sure to create a restore point just in case something goes wrong.
Method 1: Check for Overheating issues
If your CPU runs too hot for a very long time, it may cause you a lot of trouble, including sudden shutdown, system crash or even a CPU failure. While the ideal temperature for CPU is room temperature, a little higher temperature is still acceptable for a short time period. So you need to check if your computer is overheating or not, you can do that by following this guide.
If the computer overheats then the Computer definitely shuts down due to overheating issues. In this case either you need to service your PC as heats vents might be blocked due to excessive dust or your PC fans are not working correctly. In any case, you will need to take the PC to the service repair center for further inspection.
Method 2: Check Power Supply
A faulty or failing Power Supply is generally the cause for the Computer randomly shutting down. Because the power consumption of the hard disk is not met, it won’t get enough power to run, and subsequently, you may need to restart the PC several times before it can take the adequate power from PSU. In this case, you may need to replace the power supply with a new one or you could borrow a spare power supply to test if this is the case here.
If you have recently installed new hardware such as a video card then chances are the PSU is not able to deliver the necessary power needed by the graphic card. Just temporarily remove the hardware and see if this fixes the issue. If the issue is resolved then in order to use the graphic card you may need to purchase a higher voltage Power Supply Unit.
Method 3: Remove recently installed Hardware and Software
If you have recently installed new hardware then you might be facing random shutdowns because of this new hardware and to fix the issue just remove any recently added hardware from your PC. Similarly, also make sure to uninstall any software or program which you might have added recently.
Uninstall Recently Installed Updates
To uninstall the recently installed programs, first, you need to enter the Safe Mode and then follow the below steps:
1. Open Control Panel by searching for it using the search bar.
2. Now from the Control Panel window click on Programs.
3. Under Programs and Features, click on View Installed Updates.
4. Here you will see the list of currently installed Windows updates.
5. Uninstall the recently installed Windows updates which might be causing the issue and after uninstalling such updates your problem may be solved.
Method 4: Disable Fast Startup
Fast Startup is a feature that provides faster boot time when you start your PC or when you shut down your PC. It is a handy feature and works for those who want their PCs to work fast. In fresh new PCs, this feature is enabled by default but you can disable it anytime you want.
Most of the users had some issues with their PC then the Fast Startup feature is enabled on their PC. In fact, many users have resolved the Computer shuts down randomly issue by simply disabling Fast Startup on their system.
Method 5: Run CCleaner and Malwarebytes
1. Download and install CCleaner & Malwarebytes.
2. Run Malwarebytes and let it scan your system for harmful files.
3. If malware is found it will automatically remove them.
4. Now run CCleaner and in the “Cleaner” section, under the Windows tab, we suggest checking the following selections to be cleaned:
5. Once you’ve made certain the proper points are checked, simply click Run Cleaner, and let CCleaner run its course.
6. To clean your system further select the Registry tab and ensure the following are checked:
7. Select Scan for Issue and allow CCleaner to scan, then click Fix Selected Issues.
8. When CCleaner asks “Do you want backup changes to the registry?” select Yes.
9. Once your backup has completed, select Fix All Selected Issues.
10. Restart your PC to save changes and this would Fix Computer shuts down randomly issue, if not then continue with the next method.
Method 6: Update Unknown Device Drivers in Device Manager
The most common problem a Windows user faces is unable to find the right drivers for unknown devices in Device Manager. We all have been there and we know how frustrating it can get dealing with unknown devices, so go to this post to find drivers for unknown devices in Device Manager.
Method 7: Reinstall Graphics Card Driver
1. Press Windows Key + R then type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter to open Device Manager.
2. Expand Display adapters and then right-click on your NVIDIA graphic card and select Uninstall.
3. If asked for confirmation select Yes.
4. Press Windows Key + X then select Control Panel.
5. From Control Panel click on Uninstall a Program.
6. Next, uninstall everything related to Nvidia.
7. Reboot your system to save changes and again download the setup from the manufacturer’s website.
8. Once you are sure that you have removed everything, try installing the drivers again. The setup should work without any problems and you will be able to Fix the Computer shuts down randomly issue.
Method 8: Disable Windows Automatic Restart Feature
Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error occurs when the system fails to start causing your Computer to restart or shuts down randomly. In short, after a system failure occurs, Windows 10 automatically restart your PC to recover from the crash. Most of the time a simple restart is able to recover your system but in some cases, your PC might get into a restart loop. That’s why you need to disable automatic restart on system failure in Windows 10 in order to recover from the restart loop.
Method 9: Change Power Options
1. Type control in Windows Search then click on Control Panel from the search result.
2. Under Control Panel navigate to Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
3. Now under Power options click on Change plan settings next to your currently active power plan.
4. Next, click on Change advanced power settings.
5. Scroll down and expand Processor power management.
6. Now click Minimum processor state and set it to a low state such as 5% or 0%.
Note: Change the above setting both for plugged in and battery.
7. Click Apply followed by OK.
8. Reboot your PC to save changes and see if you’re able to fix Computer shuts down randomly issue.
Method 10: Run Memtest86 and Driver Verifier
Test RAM for Bad Memory
Are you experiencing a problem with your PC, especially the Computer shuts down randomly issue? There is a chance that RAM is causing a problem for your PC. Random Access Memory (RAM) is one of the most essential components of your PC therefore whenever you experience some problems in your PC, you should test your Computer’s RAM for bad memory in Windows. If bad memory sectors are found in your RAM then in order to resolve Computer shuts down randomly issue, you will need to replace your RAM.
Run Driver Verifier
This method is only useful if you can log into your Windows normally not in the safe mode. Next, make sure to create a System Restore point. Run Driver Verifier in order Fix Computer shuts down randomly on Windows 10 issue. This would eliminate any conflicting driver issues due to which this error can occur.
Method 11: Reset BIOS to default settings
1. Turn off your laptop, then turn it on and simultaneously press F2, DEL or F12 (depending on your manufacturer) to enter into BIOS setup.
2. Now you’ll need to find the reset option to load the default configuration and it may be named as Reset to default, Load factory defaults, Clear BIOS settings, Load setup defaults, or something similar.
3. Select it with your arrow keys, press Enter, and confirm the operation. Your BIOS will now use its default settings.
4. Once you’re logged into Windows see if you’re able to fix Computer shuts down randomly issue.
Method 12: ATX Resetting
Note: This process generally applies to laptops, so if you have a computer then leave this method.
1. Power off your laptop then remove the power cord, leave it for a few minutes.
2. Now remove the battery from behind and press & hold the power button for 15-20 seconds.
Note: Do not connect the power cord just yet, we will tell you when to do that.
3. Now plug in your power cord (battery should not be inserted) and trying booting up your laptop.
4. If it’s boot properly then again turn off your laptop. Put in the battery and again start your laptop.
If the problem is still there again turn off your laptop, remove the power cord & battery. Press & hold the power button for 15-20 seconds and then insert the battery. Power on the laptop and this should fix the issue.
Method 13: Update BIOS
BIOS stands for Basic Input and Output System and it is a piece of software present inside a small memory chip on the PC’s motherboard which initializes all the other devices on your PC, like the CPU, GPU, etc. It acts as an interface between the computer’s hardware and its operating system such as Windows 10.
It is recommended to update BIOS as a part of your scheduled update cycle as the update contains feature enhancements or changes that will help to keep your current system software compatible with other system modules as well as provide security updates and increased stability. BIOS updates cannot take place automatically. And if your system has outdated BIOS then it can lead to Computer shuts down randomly issue. So it is advised to update BIOS in order to fix the computer shutting down the issue.
Note: Performing BIOS updates is a critical task and if something goes wrong it can seriously damage your system, therefore, expert supervision is recommended.
Method 14: Clean Memory Slot
Note: Don’t open your PC as it may void your warranty, if you don’t know what to do please take your laptop to the service center.
Try to switch RAM in another memory slot then try using only one memory and see if you can use the PC normally. Also, clean memory slot vents just to be sure and again check if this fixes the issue. Afte this makes sure to clean the power supply unit as generally dust settles on it which can cause random freezes or crashes of Windows 10.
Method 15: Refresh or Reset Windows 10
Note: If you can’t access your PC then restart your PC a few times until you start Automatic Repair. Then navigate to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove everything.
1. Press Windows Key + I to open Settings then click on the Update & Security icon.
2. From the left-hand menu select Recovery.
3. Under Reset this PC click on the “Get Started” button.
4. Select the option to Keep my files.
5. For the next step you might be asked to insert Windows 10 installation media, so ensure you have it ready.
6. Now, select your version of Windows and click on only the drive where Windows is installed > Just remove my files.
7. Click on the Reset button.
8. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the reset.
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That’s it, we hope this guide was helpful and you were able to fix Computer Shuts Down Randomly issue but if you still have any queries regarding this post then feel free to ask them in the comment section.
Computer does start long enough to enter any diagnostics.