Troubleshooting Random Restarts

Random restarts can be caused by a variety of factors including hardware failure,

overheating, software issues, or power supply problems. Follow these steps to diagnose and
resolve the issue.

Step 1: Check for Overheating

1. Monitor System Temperature:
o Install Monitoring Software: Use tools like HWMonitor or Core Temp to check
the CPU and GPU temperature.
o Normal Temperature Range: The CPU should typically stay between 40°C and
70°C. Anything higher could indicate overheating.
2. Ensure Proper Ventilation:
o Check for Blocked Vents: Make sure the computer’s air vents are not
obstructed.
o Clean Fans and Heatsinks: Dust buildup can cause the computer to overheat.
Clean the internal fans and heatsinks using compressed air to allow for proper
airflow.
3. Check Fan Operation:
o Ensure Fans Are Working: Verify that all system fans (CPU, GPU, case fans) are
spinning properly. If a fan is failing, it can cause the system to overheat and
restart.

Step 2: Check Power Supply Unit (PSU)

1. Inspect PSU Cables:
o Ensure Proper Connections: Make sure all power cables, especially those from
the PSU to the motherboard and CPU, are securely connected.
2. Test PSU Wattage:
o Check Power Output: If the power supply does not provide enough wattage for
the components, it can cause random restarts. Use a power supply calculator
to verify the PSU meets the system’s power requirements.
3. Replace PSU (if Necessary):
o Test with Another PSU: If you suspect the PSU is faulty, try replacing it with a
known good unit or have it tested by a technician.

Step 3: Check for Software or Driver Issues

 1. Disable Automatic Restarts:
o Disable in System Settings: Go to Control Panel > System > Advanced system
settings > Startup and Recovery and uncheck Automatically restart under
System failure. This will help identify whether a software issue is causing the
restart.
2. Update Device Drivers:
o Update Drivers: Outdated or corrupted drivers, especially for critical
components like the GPU, can cause instability. Update all drivers, particularly
for the motherboard, GPU, and network adapter.
3. Check Event Viewer for Errors:
o View System Logs: Open Event Viewer by typing it in the search bar. Under
Windows Logs > System, look for critical errors or warnings around the time
the restart occurred to identify potential software or hardware problems.

Step 4: Check for Windows Updates and Malware

1. Install Windows Updates:
o Update the OS: Ensure that Windows is fully updated by going to Settings >
Update & Security > Windows Update. Sometimes bugs in outdated versions
can cause random restarts.
2. Run a Full Malware Scan:
o Check for Malware: Malware can sometimes cause system instability. Run a full
scan with your antivirus software or use tools like Malwarebytes to check for
infections.

Step 5: Test for Memory Issues

1. Run Windows Memory Diagnostic:
o Test the RAM: Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter. Select
Restart now and check for problems to run the Windows Memory Diagnostic
tool.
o Look for Errors: The tool will scan the memory for errors and report any issues
that may be causing the restarts.
2. Reseat or Replace RAM Modules:
o Reseat RAM: If the diagnostic test doesn’t show errors but restarts persist, try
reseating the RAM modules in their slots.
 o Test One Stick at a Time: If you have multiple RAM sticks, test the system with
one stick at a time to see if a faulty module is causing the problem.

Step 6: Check for Storage Issues

1. Run CHKDSK:
o Check for Disk Errors: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type
chkdsk /f /r to check for bad sectors or file system errors that could be causing
the restarts.
2. Test Hard Drive Health:
o Use SMART Tools: Use tools like CrystalDiskInfo to check the health of your
hard drive or SSD. A failing drive can cause system instability.

Step 7: Test for Hardware Conflicts

1. Disconnect External Devices:
o Isolate External Hardware: Unplug all external devices (USB drives, printers,
etc.) and see if the restarts continue. Faulty external hardware can sometimes
cause system crashes.
2. Test with Minimal Setup:
o Run with Minimum Hardware: Remove unnecessary hardware (like secondary
hard drives or add-on cards) and run the system with only the essential
components to determine if a hardware conflict is causing the problem.

Step 8: Check BIOS/UEFI Settings

1. Update BIOS/UEFI:
o Check for Updates: Go to the motherboard manufacturer’s website and see if
there is a BIOS/UEFI update available. New BIOS updates can fix bugs or
stability issues.
2. Reset BIOS to Default Settings:
o Reset Settings: Sometimes incorrect or aggressive BIOS settings (such as
overclocking) can cause random restarts. Reset the BIOS to its default settings
to see if it resolves the issue.

Step 9: Test for Software Conflicts

1. Perform a Clean Boot:
 o Disable Startup Programs: Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, and click Disable all.
Then go to the Startup tab in Task Manager and disable startup items. Reboot
the computer and see if the restarts persist. If the issue is resolved, a third-
party application might be the cause.

Step 10: Reinstall Windows (Last Resort)

1. Back Up Data:
o Backup Important Files: Before proceeding, make sure to back up any
important files.
2. Perform a Clean Install of Windows:
o Reinstall the OS: If all other steps fail, you may need to reinstall Windows to
resolve deeper system issues.

Summary: Random restarts can be caused by overheating, power supply issues, driver
conflicts, or faulty hardware. By systematically going through these steps—checking for
overheating, updating drivers, running memory diagnostics, and testing hardware—you can
isolate the cause and resolve the issue.