Computer Randomly Restarts Windows 11

Computer Randomly Restarts Windows 11: Troubleshooting Guide

Experiencing unexpected restarts on your Windows 11 computer can be frustrating and disruptive. These restarts, often without warning, can lead to data loss and hinder productivity. This guide provides a structured approach to diagnose and resolve the underlying causes.

Hardware Issues

Hardware problems are a common culprit behind random restarts. These issues can range from overheating to failing components. Let's examine the key areas:

• Overheating: Monitor your CPU and GPU temperatures using monitoring software like HWMonitor. If temperatures consistently exceed 80°C (176°F) during normal usage, overheating is likely the cause. Clean dust from fans and heatsinks, and consider reapplying thermal paste.
• RAM Issues: Faulty RAM can cause system instability. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool (search for "Windows Memory Diagnostic" in the Start menu). This tool performs a comprehensive memory test and can identify errors. Consider running the extended test, which can take several hours.
• Power Supply Unit (PSU): A failing PSU may not provide sufficient power, leading to sudden shutdowns. If you suspect PSU problems, consider testing it with a PSU tester or replacing it with a known good unit. A PSU should provide at least 20% more wattage than your system's power requirements.
• Hard Drive/SSD Issues: Check the health of your storage drive using tools like CrystalDiskInfo. Look for warnings or errors indicating potential drive failure.

Software Solutions and Advanced Troubleshooting

If hardware checks pass, software issues are the next logical area to investigate. Consider these steps:

1. Driver Problems: Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause instability. Update your drivers, especially for your graphics card, network adapter, and chipset. You can download the latest drivers from the manufacturer's website.
2. Windows Updates: Ensure Windows 11 is fully updated. Go to Settings > Windows Update and check for updates. Sometimes, a recent update might be the cause, in which case, consider temporarily uninstalling it to see if the issue resolves.
3. System File Checker (SFC): Corrupted system files can trigger restarts. Run the System File Checker by opening Command Prompt as an administrator and typing sfc /scannow. This tool scans and repairs corrupted system files.
4. Event Viewer: The Event Viewer logs system errors and warnings. Search for "Event Viewer" in the Start menu. Look for critical errors or warnings that coincide with the time of the restarts. These logs can provide clues about the cause.
5. Disable Automatic Restart: To see the error message before the restart, disable automatic restart on system failure. Go to System Properties (search for "View advanced system settings"), click Settings under Startup and Recovery, and uncheck "Automatically restart" under System failure.

By systematically addressing hardware and software possibilities, you can effectively diagnose and resolve the root cause of random restarts in Windows 11.