Why Does My Computer Restart Itself?
There are several reasons why your PC randomly reboots or restarts on its own. Below are some common causes:
1. Hardware Issues or Problems
Faulty or loose connections, or damaged hardware, can easily cause a PC shutdown randomly. Check your power supply and all cables, ensuring everything is securely connected.
2. Overheating
When your PC is restarting randomly, overheating could be a culprit, especially during resource-intensive tasks like gaming. Over time, dust can accumulate inside your PC, trapping heat. In some cases, the thermal paste between your CPU and heat sink might have dried out, leading to random shutdowns.
3. Malware or Viruses
Viruses or malware could trigger your PC to randomly restart. Use reliable antivirus software to scan your system and fix any detected issues.
4. Windows Updates
Occasionally, Windows updates can cause Windows to randomly restart. Look for any pending updates and make sure you install any patches released by Microsoft.
5. Overclocking
If you have increased your system’s clock speeds, it may cause PC random shutdowns due to overheating or voltage overload. Reducing or turning off overclocking can help if you experience random restarts or freezes.
You need to be aware that you might also encounter data loss.
Windows computers might restart randomly due to any of the above-mentioned reasons. However, some users might also encounter data loss situations.
Unsaved files, files that were being accessed, saved, or written at the time of the system restart could get corrupt, especially in case the computer restart process interrupts vital processes like saving or editing.
If the computer got restarted due to any Hard Drive issue or file system issue, then there’s a high chance, the data might get corrupt/damaged/ or go missing.
System crashes or reboots caused due to various errors like “Blue Screen” errors, might also corrupt system or user files. However, in most cases, your personal files, data, and folders remain untouched, but they might also get corrupt or lost.
Windows system notifies users to save their work and data beforehand. Users also need to save their files and data, take regular backups of their data, and save it in multiple locations.
Backups can be used in case of data loss. But for those who do not have any backups. You need to use data recovery software.
How to Fix a Computer That Keeps Restarting Randomly?
Here are some proven solutions to resolve the PC randomly restarting problem:
- Disable the Automatic Restart Feature
- Disable the Fast Startup
- Check for Power Connection and Problematic Hardware Components
- Scan for Viruses or Malware Using Anti-Virus
- Update your Windows System
- Check for RAM Errors
Solution 1: Turn Off the Automatic Restart Feature
Note: Disabling this feature will stop your computer from restarting randomly, but it won’t fix the underlying problem.
1: Press Windows+I to open settings.
2: Scroll down and select About.
3: Click Advanced System Settings.
4: In the Advanced tab, click Settings under Startup and Recovery.
5: Uncheck the box for Automatically Restart.
6: Click OK to save changes.
The next solution talks about disabling the fast startup option as a way to fix the issue of the Computer restarting randomly.
Solution 2: Disable Fast Startup
Disabling fast startup can sometimes fix PC restarting by itself issues.
1: Open the Control Panel.
2: Search for and open Power Options.
3: Select Choose what the power buttons do.
4: Click Change settings that are currently unavailable option.
5: Uncheck the Turn on fast startup option and click on the Save changes option.
Solution 3: Check Power Connections to Resolve the Issue of Computer Restarts Randomly
Loose or faulty power connections can cause your PC to randomly reboot. Ensure that the power supply, cables, and outlets are all securely connected and in working condition.
If you tried the above-mentioned solutions like disabling the Automatic Startup feature and Fast Setup option and have also tried checking the power connection and other connected peripherals. There might be a high chance that the issue of the Computer restarting randomly is due to virus or malware attacks.
The next solution talks about scanning the computer to find and get rid of viruses, and malware that might be causing the issue.
Solution 4: Scan for Malware and Viruses
Viruses can make your computer restart itself. Run a full system scan using trusted antivirus software. If viruses are detected, follow the prompts to fix them.
Solution 5: Install the Latest Windows Updates
If Windows is restarting randomly, an outdated or buggy update could be the cause.
1: Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2: Click on Windows Update.
3: Select Check for Updates.
4: Install any available updates.
If none of the above-mentioned solutions have worked out well for you. The next solution talks about checking for RAM errors as a way to fix the PC rebooting randomly issue.
Solution 6: Check for RAM Errors to Fix the Computer Restarts Randomly Issue
Faulty RAM can trigger PC random shutdowns.
1: Open the Start menu and search for mdsched.exe.
2: Select Restart now and check for problems.
3: If the diagnostic tool finds an issue, consider replacing your RAM.
Prevent Data Loss from a Computer That Randomly Restarts
A computer randomly restarting can lead to data corruption or loss. Before troubleshooting the issue, ensure your data is safe by transferring it to a healthy external drive.
Use a data recovery tool like SFWare to recover and protect your files from system crashes.
How to Recover Data Lost After Encountering Computer Rebooting Randomly Issue?
SFWare Data Recovery Software is a specialized tool that can recover more than 500+ file types that were deleted or lost for any reason. The tool is compatible with all newer and older versions of Windows or Mac.
Click on the download button to download the tool now and start recovering data that was lost after your Computer shuts down by itself or when the Computer keeps randomly restarting.
Steps to Use SFWare Data Recovery Tool to Recover Data from a Computer That Restarts Randomly
1: Download, install, and launch SFWare Data Recovery Software.
2: Select the main drive and click on Start Scan.
3: View the recovered files in real-time during the scan.
4: Select the files you wish to recover and click Save.
5: Choose a healthy external drive to store your recovered files.
Conclusion
Random restarts can disrupt your work and lead to data loss. By following the steps in this guide, you can resolve the PC keeps randomly restarting issue and protect your data. If none of these fixes work, consult a professional. Remember, before repairing your PC, use a tool like SFWare to secure your data.
