Computer Keeps Restarting? How To Diagnose and Fix This Issue
Having your computer unexpectedly restart or shut down can be extremely frustrating. A computer that keeps restarting usually indicates an underlying hardware or software issue that needs to be addressed. Don’t worry – with some troubleshooting and diagnosis, you can likely resolve the restarting issue yourself. Here’s how to get to the bottom of what’s causing the restarts and how to fix it.
Diagnosing The Cause Of Frequent Restarts
When a computer randomly restarts, it’s almost always due to one of several common causes:
Overheating
One of the most common reasons a computer keeps restarting is overheating. The CPU or other components can overheat for several reasons:
- Dust buildup on vents/fans causing poor airflow
- Failing or inadequate cooling system (CPU fan, case fans, heat sinks)
- Thermal paste needs to be reapplied between CPU and heat sink
- Improper ventilation or hot environment
To diagnose overheating: Carefully clean dust from vents and fans and make sure all fans are working properly. Monitor component temperatures in the BIOS or using a hardware monitor app while the computer is running. If temperatures exceed 85-100°C, you likely have an overheating problem.
Faulty Power Supply
A failing or underpowered power supply can cause random restarts and shutdowns. Power supplies degrade over time and components like the GPU may require more power than the PSU can provide.
To test the power supply: Check Event Viewer for critical kernel power error messages. Try swapping in a known-good PSU, or use a PSU tester/multimeter to check voltage readings on the power supply rails.
Faulty RAM
RAM (memory) errors can definitely cause a system to unexpectedly restart. This could indicate a stick of RAM has gone bad or is not properly seated in the motherboard.
To test RAM: Run MemTest86 to check for errors. Try removing and reseating RAM sticks one at a time to isolate the faulty module. Swap in known-good replacement RAM to verify.
Driver Conflicts Or Corruption
Corrupted or outdated drivers can sometimes cause system instability and restarts. Recently installed drivers or hardware changes may be to blame.
To troubleshoot driver issues: Use System Restore to roll back to a time before the restarts occurred. Try updating drivers to newer versions, especially GPU, chipset, and storage drivers. Also uninstall recently added hardware or drivers.
Malware Or Viruses
Viruses, malware, or rootkits can modify system settings to make restarts more likely or force restarts to maintain control. To check for malware: Run scans with malware/antivirus software like Malwarebytes. You may need to boot into Safe Mode to remove persistent infections.
Faulty Hardware (GPU, CPU, Motherboard)
Defective hardware components like the CPU, GPU, motherboard, or storage drives can certainly cause restarts and crashes.
To isolate faulty components: Stress test components individually with software like Prime95 (CPU), FurMark (GPU). Test hardware in another system if possible. Listen for odd noises from PSU/fans that may indicate issues.
Fixing The Restart Issue – Steps To Take
Once you’ve diagnosed the specific cause of the restarts, it’s time take steps to resolve the problem:
Cleaning/Improving Cooling
If overheating is the issue, thoroughly clean dust buildup from case and CPU/GPU fans with compressed air. Reapply high quality thermal paste between CPU and heatsink if temps remain high. Make sure your case has adequate airflow. Upgrade to higher CFM fans or install additional case fans if needed. Also ensure proper airflow path through the case.
Replacing The Power Supply
If testing points to a failing or underpowered power supply, replace it with a new PSU from a quality manufacturer that provides enough wattage for your full system configuration. Look for 80+ Bronze or better efficiency rating.
Reseating/Replacing RAM
For RAM-related restarts, reseating modules may help. If not, replace any persistently failing RAM sticks with new modules. Test sticks individually and make sure your BIOS memory settings/voltages match RAM specs.
Updating Drivers
Update GPU, motherboard, storage and other drivers to newest stable versions that support your hardware. Check manufacturer websites or use a driver update utility to fetch the latest drivers. Revert any recently updated drivers or roll back system changes.
Eliminating Malware
Run full scans with malware/antivirus scanners such as Malwarebytes to remove any potential viruses, rootkits, or other malware causing the crashes. Boot into Safe Mode if needed to clear stubborn infections.
Replacing Faulty Hardware
If you isolated a faulty CPU, motherboard, GPU or storage drive, you’ll likely need to replace that component with a new part to resolve the random restarts. Test parts individually or swap in spares to be sure it fixes the issue.
Persistently troubleshooting and diagnosing the restart cause is key to resolving the problem. Take the issue step-by-step to identify faulty hardware, overheating, power issues, malware, or driver conflicts. With time and testing, you can uncover the reboot culprit and implement the right solution to get your system stable once again.
