How to Fix It When a Computer Randomly Restarts
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix random restarts on your computer:
1. Check for Overheating
Monitor Temperatures:
- Download and install a temperature monitoring tool like HWMonitor or Core Temp.
- Check the temperatures of your CPU and GPU while the system is under load (e.g., during gaming or running demanding applications).
- If temperatures exceed safe levels (typically above 85°C for CPUs), clean dust from fans and heatsinks, and ensure good airflow in your case.
Graphics Drivers:
- Go to the Nvidia or AMD website (depending on your GPU) to download the latest drivers.
- Use Device Manager (right-click Start > Device Manager) to check for driver updates. Expand "Display adapters," right-click your GPU, and select "Update driver."
- Visit the motherboard manufacturer's website to get the latest chipset drivers.
- Windows Memory Diagnostic: Type "Windows Memory Diagnostic" in the Start menu and select it. Choose “Restart now and check for problems.”
- MemTest86: Create a bootable USB drive with MemTest86 to perform a more thorough test.
- CHKDSK: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command:
chkdsk C: /f /r. This may require a restart.
- CrystalDiskInfo: Use this tool to check the S.M.A.R.T. status of your hard drive. Look for any warnings or errors.
Full System Scan:
- Use an antivirus program like Windows Defender, Malwarebytes, or another reputable antivirus software to perform a full system scan.
- Consider running a boot-time scan to catch any malware that might be hidden during normal operation.
Inspect PSU:
- Ensure the power supply unit (PSU) has adequate wattage for your components. If possible, test with a different PSU to rule out power issues.
- Look for signs of physical damage or wear, like burnt cables or unusual noises from the PSU.
- Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options. Select "Change plan settings" for your current plan, then "Change advanced power settings."
- Set "Processor power management" to 100% for both plugged in and on battery (if applicable).
- Open Control Panel > System > Advanced system settings.
- Under the "Startup and Recovery" section, click "Settings," and uncheck "Automatically restart." This will allow you to see error messages when a crash occurs.
View Logs:
- Type "Event Viewer" in the Start menu and open it.
- In the left pane, expand "Windows Logs" and click on "System."
- Look for critical errors or warnings around the time of the restarts. Pay attention to any error codes that could indicate hardware issues.
Remove Recent Installations:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Sort by "Install date" to find recently installed programs.
- Uninstall any software or updates that coincide with the start of the random restarts.
Repair System Files:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator (search for "cmd," right-click, and select "Run as administrator").
- Type
sfc /scannowand press Enter. This process can take some time and will attempt to repair any corrupted system files.
System Restore:
- Search for "Create a restore point" in the Start menu. Click on "System Restore" to revert your system to a previous state when it was stable.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery. Under "Reset this PC," you can choose to keep your files or remove everything. This reinstalls Windows and may fix underlying issues.
- If none of these solutions resolve the problem, it may indicate a deeper hardware issue. A professional technician can perform stress tests, diagnostics, and physical inspections to identify and resolve the problem.
Test RAM:
Check Hard Drive Health:
Power Options:
Disable Automatic Restart:
By following these detailed steps, you should be able to narrow down the cause of the random restarts and implement a solution. If you have any specific errors or symptoms during this process, feel free to ask for more targeted advice!
.jpg)
0 Comments