Is your PC restarting out of nowhere while gaming, watching videos, or even just idling? You’re not alone. Random reboots can be caused by a mix of hardware, software, and power issues. Here’s how to fix them step-by-step.
⚠️ Common Symptoms of a Restart Problem
- PC shuts down and reboots without warning
- Restarts after a few minutes of gaming or heavy use
- No error messages or blue screen
- May happen repeatedly or randomly
These usually point to power, overheating, or driver issues.
🔧 Fix #1: Check for Overheating
- Use HWMonitor or CoreTemp to check CPU/GPU temps
- Clean dust from fans, heatsinks, and case filters
- Replace thermal paste if CPU temps go above 90°C
Overheating is a very common reason for unexpected restarts.
🚧 Fix #2: Test Your Power Supply
- Make sure your PSU is high quality and the right wattage
- Use tools like OCCT or HWInfo to test voltages under load
- Try another PSU if available
Cheap PSUs often cause restarts when under stress.
🔓 Fix #3: Disable Automatic Restart
- Go to Control Panel > System > Advanced > Startup & Recovery
- Uncheck “Automatically restart”
This lets you see any error codes or blue screens instead of silent restarts.
⚖️ Fix #4: Run Windows Memory Diagnostic
- Type
mdsched.exein Start menu - Restart and scan for RAM issues
- Replace faulty RAM if detected
Faulty or mismatched RAM can cause reboot loops.
🪤 Fix #5: Update Drivers & BIOS
- Use Windows Update for core drivers
- Download latest GPU drivers (NVIDIA/AMD)
- Visit your motherboard site for BIOS update
Outdated or corrupt drivers often trigger random restarts.
🧰 Fix #6: Scan for Malware or Corrupted System Files
- Run a full antivirus/malware scan
- Open Command Prompt as admin and run:
sfc /scannowDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
🛠️ Fix #7: Check for Faulty Peripherals or Devices
- Unplug all non-essential USB devices
- Try running with just keyboard/mouse
- Remove add-on cards temporarily (Wi-Fi, capture cards, etc.)
🌟 Final Tips
- Make changes one at a time so you know what fixed it
- Log when the restart happens (after gaming? on idle?)
- If it continues, consider a clean Windows reinstall or hardware test
Still stuck? Drop a comment or visit our full Troubleshooting Hub for deeper diagnostics.
