Random Restarts

Overview

Random restarts can be caused by overheating, power supply issues, faulty
hardware, incorrect system settings, or corrupted drivers. This guide covers
the most common causes and how to fix them.

Common symptoms

  • PC restarts without warning
  • Restarts occur during gaming or heavy tasks
  • Restarts happen shortly after startup
  • No error message before reboot
  • System restarts when idle

Possible causes

  • Overheating CPU or GPU
  • Failing power supply (PSU)
  • Faulty RAM
  • Loose power cables
  • Driver or Windows update issues
  • Corrupted system files
  • BIOS or firmware problems

Step 1 – Check for overheating

  1. Ensure fans are spinning properly.
  2. Clean dust from vents and components.
  3. Use a temperature monitoring tool to check CPU and GPU temps.

Step 2 – Inspect power connections

  • Ensure the power cable is firmly connected.
  • Check internal PSU cables if comfortable opening the case.
  • A loose connection can cause sudden restarts.

Step 3 – Test the power supply (PSU)

A failing PSU is one of the most common causes of random restarts.
If possible, test with another PSU or have it checked professionally.

Step 4 – Check for Windows updates

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to Windows Update.
  3. Install any available updates.

Step 5 – Update drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause instability.

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Update graphics, chipset, and network drivers.

Step 6 – Run System File Checker

  1. Press Start, type cmd.
  2. Right‑click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
  3. Type:

    sfc /scannow
  4. Press Enter.

Step 7 – Test your RAM

  1. Press Start and type Windows Memory Diagnostic.
  2. Select Restart now and check for problems.

Step 8 – Disable automatic restart on system failure

This allows you to see error messages instead of an instant reboot.

  1. Press Start, type View advanced system settings.
  2. Click Startup and Recovery.
  3. Uncheck Automatically restart.

Step 9 – Check BIOS settings

  • Reset BIOS to default settings.
  • Ensure no overclocking is enabled.

When to seek professional help

  • Restarts continue after all steps
  • PSU or motherboard failure is suspected
  • System restarts during light use or idle
  • Burning smell or unusual noises from the PC
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