Computers are supposed to make things better and save us time and nerves. Ideally. “But what if my PC randomly turns off?” you might ask.
Well, random shutdowns cause nervous breakdowns. So, if your computer keeps shutting down randomly, and you are at your wits’ end with this problem, our task today is to address the “My PC shuts down automatically” drama and bring peace and stability into your life.
This guide provides solutions from simple fixes to more advanced methods to restore the normal operation of your PC. Well, unless it’s possessed, but that’s unlikely.
Watch this short video for a quick fix. For more detailed steps, continue reading the full article:
Seriously, Why Does a PC Turn Off?
If your PC turns off without warning, heat-related issues might be at work.
These problems typically arise from:
- Improper PC usage
- Running heavy apps and numerous background processes
- Malfunctioning fans
- Accumulation of dust, dirt, and debris
- Overclocking
📌 Improper PC usage
Heat and computers don’t mix well. It means that you need to keep your PC cool at all times if you don’t want the motherboard protection mechanism to kick in, which is one of the primary reasons your computer randomly turns off . To prevent overheating:
- Keep your PC in cool environments
- Ensure proper airflow around the PC
- Avoid placing the computer directly against walls
- Protect it from direct sunlight
- Don’t use it in environments with high humidity
- Use a cooling pad if you’re a laptop owner
- Replace thermal paste if the PC gets too hot
Further reading: Ultimate Guide: How to Stop a Laptop from Overheating
📌 Running heavy apps and numerous background processes
Some of the latest AAA game titles , as well as CPU-hungry video editing and 3D modeling software, especially if they are coupled with constantly running background services and other processes, can easily heat up your computer. If that’s the case, you need to limit your PC’s background activity and consider investing in a new cooling system or even going for a full-scale upgrade of your computer.
📌 Failing fans
Malfunctioning video card, case, or processor fans can cause overheating. Check your fans for issues:
- Squealing fans clearly indicate a problem and may need replacing.
- Clean dirty or dusty fans, and your shutdown problem may be resolved as simply as that.
📌 Dirt and dust
Dusty computers are prone to overheating due to poor air circulation and create a perfect breeding ground for germs. Regular cleaning of your PC can help prevent shutdowns caused by dirt and debris. That said, keep your PC clean and kick the habit of eating near it, and you’ll be just fine.
Further reading: How to Clean the Water Cooling System on Your PC
📌 Overclocking
If your PC has been overclocked, its components may not be able to meet the increased power demands. Keep in mind that overclocking your computer is playing with fire: it may cause serious damage to your machine.
That is why you should consider disabling your overclocking utilities—your system should run as fast as it is supposed to. Otherwise, it may become overheated and a bit neurotic.
2. Hardware problems
Hardware issues can make it so that your PC randomly turns off. And one of the most common culprits is your random-access memory, or RAM. First, try unplugging recently installed devices and see if it helps. If not, here are some tips to deal with hardware problems, along with methods to identify if RAM is at fault:
📌 Device Manager
In order to identify the problematic device, try utilizing Device Manager. This Windows utility generates error codes and helps you troubleshoot device issues.
Note
To figure out which device is problematic, look for a yellow triangle with an exclamation mark or a red X.
The fastest way to access Device Manager, which works for both Windows 10 and 11, is to press Win + X and select Device Manager.
📌 The Check Disk utility
Hard drive issues can easily be a reason for random PC shutdowns. Check Disk, or CHKDSK, scans for file system errors and bad sectors. If you run it with the repair options (like the /f and /r switches in the Command Prompt), it will also attempt to fix issues like corrupted data or lost clusters, potentially resolving the shutdown problem.
Here’s how to check whether your hard disk drive is working properly (works for both Windows 10 and 11):
- This PC > right-click Local Disk (usually C:) > Properties > Tools > Error checking > Check > Scan drive.
or Win + X > Command Prompt (Admin) > type chkdsk /f /r > press Enter > type Y > press Enter.
Wait for the process to finish and reboot your computer.
If you have refurbished your PC recently, remove the newly added hardware and check whether your computer is OK. The point is, your new hardware may lead to incompatibility problems and bring about spontaneous shutdowns.
Already have a list of suspects? Good for you! Try removing your hardware items one by one—this might help you troubleshoot the issue.
Further reading: Why Does a Windows 10 and Windows 11 PC Run CHKDSK at Startup?
📌 Use Performance Monitor and Windows Memory Diagnostic
Did you know you can run diagnostic tests on Windows to check for RAM-related and other hardware problems even without an OEM app? There are two native Windows tools you can use: Performance Monitor and the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool.
You can use the first to check how your system’s components are performing in real time and spot abnormal patterns in CPU, disk, memory, or network usage, and the second to run memory tests to check for RAM errors.
To run Performance Monitor, hit the Windows key to open the Start menu, type its name, and launch the app from the search results.
To get a quick summary of your PC’s hardware and check for issues , navigate to Reports > System > System Diagnostics > [Computer name] via the left-hand pane and look for any unexplained dips or spikes, as they may point to the problematic component.
Keep in mind that even though Performance Monitor provides a wealth of information, it may be hard to crawl through the report given its densely packed nature.
If there are no records displayed under Reports , you may need to start a diagnostic session manually. In Performance Monitor, go to Data Collector Sets > System in the left pane, right-click System Diagnostics , and click Start .
Wait a few minutes while the tool gathers info. Once complete, go to Reports > System > System Diagnostics > [Computer name] to view the collected data.
To use the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool :
- Open Run with the
Win key + R combo .
- Type mdsched.exe in the Run field.
- Hit Enter.
- Select Restart now and check for problems (recommended).
The tool will conduct a couple of memory tests. These generally take at least 5 minutes, so be patient.
When the scan finishes, the PC will restart, and the test result will appear on the desktop when you log in. If it doesn’t, open the Event Viewer and go to Windows Logs > System . Look for the most recent entry—Memory Diagnostic—and open it to view the report.
If the report says, “The Windows Memory Diagnostic tested the computer’s memory and detected no errors,” your RAM is likely fine.
However, if you see the “Hardware problems were detected” message or if it lists specific error codes or failing addresses, that means your RAM has issues and might be causing shutdowns. If that’s the case, try reseating individual memory modules and testing them separately, and replace any that are found to be faulty.
Fix this issue quickly
You can try using a safe and totally free tool developed by the Auslogics team of experts.
A few simple steps to troubleshoot the issue:
Download the tiny Auslogics TroubleShooter tool.
Run the application (no installation is needed).
The app will check for the issue mentioned in the article. When the scan is done, check that this is the issue you were looking to solve and click ‘Apply now’ to apply the recommended fix.
You can use the app to troubleshoot other malfunctions for free by simply typing in a brief description of the issue your PC is experiencing. Or you can scan your PC for performance issues using the My Scanner tab.
3. Driver issues
Faulty or out-of-date drivers can lead to random shutdowns in Windows 10 and 11.
Here are some proven tips to get your drivers in tip-top condition:
📌 Utilize Windows Update
Your Windows 10 can search for driver updates on its own:
- Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
Here’s the path for Windows 11 users:
- Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
📌 Run Driver Verifier Manager
You can also make use of Driver Verifier Manager — a built-in tool designed to stress-test your current drivers and detect problematic ones. But proceed with caution, as it’s quite a powerful tool.
The tool monitors driver behavior in real time and forces error conditions to expose problematic drivers—especially third-party ones. If a bad driver is detected, it often triggers a BSOD with details pointing to the culprit. To run the tool, click Start, type verifier, hit Enter, and follow the prompts.
📌 Use Device Manager
If you already have a suspect , try using Device Manager in order to update this device’s driver or resolve driver issues. Otherwise, skip to the next step. Here’s how to update drivers in Device Manager :
- Use the
Windows key + X combination and select Device Manager.
- Right-click the device you think might be responsible for your troubles.
- Choose the Update driver option and follow through with the process.
📌 Fix your drivers manually
You can troubleshoot your drivers manually, one by one. You might need to completely uninstall your drivers first and then reinstall them. Search for the latest driver versions for your models on the vendors’ websites.
For example, if you need to update your graphics drivers, you can follow our guides on how to update
NVIDIA drivers and
AMD drivers .
📌 Use a special tool
To diagnose and fix all your driver issues in a fast and simple way , you can use dedicated software that updates drivers automatically.
If you need a reliable tool with an extensive driver database, a free version available, and a solid set of extra features, check out Auslogics Driver Updater . It lets you update drivers in one click, back them up and roll them back as needed, check them for viruses, and can even help prevent overheating.
Download Auslogics Driver Updater
Prevent hardware errors and ensure problem-free device operation with this advanced tool that detects outdated drivers and safely gets them updated.
4. Malware infection
If your PC randomly turns off or keeps shutting off spontaneously, you should scan your system as soon as possible—such symptoms are indicative of a malware infection.
Here is your first aid kit:
📌 Windows Security
Windows Security, or Windows Defender , is a built-in security solution that can banish unwelcome guests from your computer. If your PC runs Windows 10, follow this path:
- Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options > Full scan > Scan now.
The path is pretty much the same in Windows 11, only with a slight difference:
- Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options > Full scan > Scan now.
📌 Your main antivirus program
Perform a deep system scan using your main security solution. Make sure you have the latest version of your antivirus software installed.
📌 A special anti-malware tool
Let a special tool like Auslogics Anti-Malware join the battle . It is designed to complement your primary antivirus and spot hidden threats it may have missed, adding an extra layer of protection. Anti-Malware checks your system for malicious programs and security issues, detects tracking cookies that collect your personal data, and more.
So if malicious invaders are the reason your PC keeps turning on and off , Auslogics Anti-Malware might just be the right tool to force them to beat a retreat.
Download Auslogics Anti-Malware
Detects malware, spyware and viruses, then safely removes them from your PC to help keep it as secure as possible. The program is made to complement your main antivirus.
5. Battery problems
With time, laptop users tend to run into battery issues. So, if your venerable laptop has become too unpredictable and your PC randomly turns off, your battery might be the one to blame for this kind of misbehavior.
To rule battery problems out, check your battery health first. If it’s fine, just skip it. However, if you confirm that your good old battery is in bad shape, consider replacing it with a new one. Just make sure your new battery fits your laptop’s requirements.
Also read: Which Copilot+ PC Battery Offers the Best Performance: Let’s Compare
6. UPS/Surge protector failure
Do you use a surge protector or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS)? If yes, make sure the device in question is not the reason your computer shuts off randomly: plug your computer directly into the power outlet and see if it works properly. If the issue seems resolved, your surge protector/UPS is either overloaded (try leaving just your computer plugged in) or simply defective (bad luck!).
7. Insufficient charger wattage
If you use resource-heavy programs or apps, you may need a charger with a higher wattage capacity. For example, if your charger is 90 watts or less, this might not be enough—as a result, your PC keeps shutting down spontaneously.
Note
The preferred charger wattage for heavily used computers is from 100W to 240W.
8. Dodgy sleep mode
Sleep mode is a great option if it works properly: it preserves energy and lets you wake up your sleeping computer within just a few seconds. However, sleep mode may become dodgy in Windows 10 (in Windows 11 too, unfortunately) and cause it so that your PC randomly turns off instead of going into sleep mode. Try disabling sleep mode to fix the issue.
Here’s the path for Windows 10:
- Start > Settings > System > Power & sleep > select Never for both Screen and Sleep.
And here’s where to go if you’re on Windows 11:
- Start > Settings > System > Power & battery > Screen, sleep, & hibernate timeouts > select Never for all options.
Do you know how to disable and enable hibernation on Windows?
9. Fast Startup disadvantages
The Fast Startup option helps your computer boot up faster. Unfortunately, Fast Startup may account for spontaneous shutdowns. Disable Fast Startup and check the reaction of your PC. The steps are the same for both Windows 10 and 11:
- Start > search for Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do > Change settings that are currently unavailable.
- Shutdown settings > uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended) > Save changes.
10. The automatic restart loop
Automatic restart is a feature that forces your computer to restart automatically after crashes. Sometimes, however, if things go south, it can get into a restart loop, making your PC shut down randomly and then boot up over and over again. Here’s how you can disable the automatic restart on both Windows 10 and 11:
- Press
Win + R > type sysdm.cpl > Advanced tab > Startup and Recovery > Settings > uncheck Automatically restart under System failure > OK.
11. Out-of-date BIOS
If you continue to ask, “ Why does my computer keep shutting down ” after implementing the solutions above , consider updating your BIOS .
This procedure must be performed carefully; otherwise, your PC can be irreversibly damaged. Therefore, if you are uncertain of your expertise, we recommend that you seek professional assistance.
Here are 5 consecutive steps to update your BIOS:
- Explore your motherboard or PC vendor’s website, download the latest BIOS version , and extract the downloaded file into the root directory of your formatted flash drive (FAT32).
- Reboot your PC and enter the BIOS (usually by pressing Delete, F2, or Esc during boot).
- Look for the BIOS update utility (it may be labeled as EZ Flash , Q-Flash , M-Flash , BIOS Flash Update , or something similar depending on your system).
- Select the BIOS file on your USB drive and confirm the update.
- Now, wait patiently while the BIOS is being flashed—don’t turn off your PC during this step.
12. Software issues
Certain software issues can make it so your PC randomly turns off . Watch out for:
Again, just like with hardware, try uninstalling recently installed apps. If this doesn’t help, here are some ideas to sort out software problems:
📌 Use the System File Checker
The System File Checker tool is aimed at repairing missing or corrupted system files. Here’s how to run it:
- Start > type Command Prompt > right-click Command Prompt > select Run as administrator.
- Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and hit Enter. Wait for the process to finish.
- Type sfc /scannow and hit Enter.
- Wait for the system scan to finish and reboot your computer.
📌 Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter
If you are experiencing issues with apps in Windows 10, try running the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter. Fixing app problems can stop continual shutdowns.
In Windows 11, troubleshooters are deprecated and are being replaced by the Get Help app, so you won’t find the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter in Settings.
However, there’s still a convenient way to launch it on both operating systems:
Click on the search icon > type Windows Store > select Find and fix problems with Windows Store Apps > follow the prompts in the app.
📌 Troubleshoot your software manually
Take a closer look at the apps you use. Does your computer keep turning off while one particular application is running? Do your best to trace the culprit and reinstall the app in question.
📌 Use a special diagnostic tool
Finally, there’s an easier way to check for software issues on your computer. Using a comprehensive tool like Auslogics BoostSpeed can help get your computer back on track and save you a lot of time and effort.
By cleaning up your PC , repairing corrupt registry keys and entries , optimizing startup processes, and fixing many other issues, t his tool could definitely come in handy to make the problem where your PC randomly turns off disappear.
Fix this issue quickly
You can try using a safe and totally free tool developed by the Auslogics team of experts.
A few simple steps to troubleshoot the issue:
Download the tiny Auslogics TroubleShooter tool.
Run the application (no installation is needed).
The app will check for the issue mentioned in the article. When the scan is done, check that this is the issue you were looking to solve and click ‘Apply now’ to apply the recommended fix.
You can use the app to troubleshoot other malfunctions for free by simply typing in a brief description of the issue your PC is experiencing. Or you can scan your PC for performance issues using the My Scanner tab.
13. Problematic OS
Windows issues deserve particular attention. To prevent them from hogging the limelight, we’d better discuss them here.
So, if you still have to ask, “Why does my PC keep turning off randomly?” after using the prescribed solutions, you might as well admit that your OS is not OK. Things might have gone wrong after a buggy update or after upgrading to Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Here are some troubleshooting ideas for you to consider:
📌 Use system restore points
Windows automatically creates restore points after installing Windows updates, apps, and other significant system changes, allowing you to revert them if anything goes wrong. Here’s how to take your Windows back to the good old days:
- Right-click Start > Control Panel > System and Security. Alternatively, type Control Panel in Search and hit Enter.
- File History > Recovery > Open System Restore > Next.
- Select the preferred restore point and click Next > confirm the preferred restore point by clicking Finish > click Yes in the warning box.
Using System Restore will bring your system back to the state it was in at the date and time of the restore point. Although it wouldn’t delete your personal files, all the apps installed and other changes made after the restore point date will be erased, so
backing up your files before running System Restore would be a good idea.
Also read: System Restore Not Working in Windows 10
📌 Reset your computer
If all else fails, you can reset your computer to its factory default settings. Follow these steps on Windows 10:
- Start > type Reset > Reset this PC.
You will be able to either stay on Windows 10 or downgrade to the previous version of Windows if you have upgraded the system previously—the choice is yours!
For Windows 11, you can reset your computer this way:
- Click the
Windows key + I to enter the Settings page.
- Open the Windows Update tab and select Advanced options.
- Click Recovery and then Reset PC under Recovery options to restore the original OS files.
A Windows reset reinstalls the operating system while giving you the choice to keep or remove your personal files.
- Selecting Keep my files will reinstall Windows, remove all apps and drivers (except pre-installed ones), and reset settings to default—but keep your personal files intact.
- Selecting Remove everything will wipe all personal files, apps, and settings, returning your PC to the factory-like state.
📌 Reinstall your OS
Why not give your PC a fresh start? If, after using the reset option, your PC randomly turns off nonetheless, consider reinstalling your OS. This requires creating installation media using tools like the Windows Media Creation Tool.
Unfortunately, this will erase your personal data. In fact, the reinstall will wipe the entire drive, including system partitions, files, apps, and settings, offering a completely fresh start and removing every trace of previous installs, errors, or third-party software.
Thus, make sure you have backed up all your important files.
Fix this issue quickly
You can try using a safe and totally free tool developed by the Auslogics team of experts.
A few simple steps to troubleshoot the issue:
Download the tiny Auslogics TroubleShooter tool.
Run the application (no installation is needed).
The app will check for the issue mentioned in the article. When the scan is done, check that this is the issue you were looking to solve and click ‘Apply now’ to apply the recommended fix.
You can use the app to troubleshoot other malfunctions for free by simply typing in a brief description of the issue your PC is experiencing. Or you can scan your PC for performance issues using the My Scanner tab.
What if My PC Randomly Shuts Off While Gaming?
When gaming—especially with demanding titles—your system often has to allocate a large chunk of its resources to keep your experience nice and seamless. But this high load can come at a price, exposing all sorts of issues.
When your PC randomly shuts off while gaming, this may signal that your PC is struggling to handle the load. Start by trying the troubleshooting methods we’ve already covered: kill off background processes, update drivers, check for disk and RAM errors, and scan for malware to rule out common software-related causes.
Additionally, if your computer turns off while gaming exclusively, try the following:
Also read: Best BIOS Settings for Gaming PC Performance
Preventive Measures Against Your Computer Shutting Down Randomly
In addition to these methods of fixing issues that make your PC turn off suddenly, here are some things you can do to prevent reoccurrence:
- Clean the outside parts of your computer regularly to prevent dust from accumulating.
- Ensure that your PC’s cooling system is running. If you have the skills and can open your computer without damaging anything, clean the fans frequently.
- Use UPS devices to guard against power fluctuations that could damage your computer’s components.
- Keep your drivers and software applications up to date . You can also update them whenever your computer shuts off randomly .
- Use your PC optimally without overloading it with too many running tasks and programs. Here, you can use the Auslogics Essential Tools package to monitor and improve your computer’s functionality.
Check how to fix the issue if your
computer keeps restarting . We’ve also prepared a helpful video that you can watch and save for future reference:
The PC Randomly Turns Off? Not Anymore
With all the fixes and tips provided in this article, your computer’s random shutdown problem should be resolved by now. Whether it’s hardware or software that’s the culprit, hopefully you already enjoy the smooth operation of your PC.
Which fix has worked for you? Please drop a comment below, and don’t forget to click the thumbs up and share this article with your friends who may experience the same issue.
Still have a PC-related question?
Feel free to visit our
Ask a Question forum to get help from Auslogics specialists.
FAQ
Your computer turns off randomly because it is overheating or has issues with the power supply, hardware, or software components. If all your drivers and software applications are up to date and your PC is free of malware, you may have a faulty hard drive or RAM.
Begin by running built-in diagnostic tools like Check Disk, Performance Monitor, and Windows Memory Diagnostic to pinpoint any hardware or software issues. Also, ensure your drivers are up to date, check for overheating, and verify your power settings.
Yes, faulty or unstable RAM can cause unexpected shutdowns by triggering errors that force the system to power off for protection. Running Windows Memory Diagnostic and checking the Event Viewer can help you confirm if RAM issues are the culprit.
Yes, as long as the original computer’s RAM is faulty. Nevertheless,
upgrading your RAM is usually good, as it helps your computer manage tasks more easily. Make sure that the new RAM is compatible with your computer before installing it.
There are many reasons your PC would turn on and show you a black or blue display. It could be a BIOS problem or a hardware issue. Contact a credible technician near you to help you identify the problem and fix it.
Gaming places high demands on your system, which can expose issues like overheating, power supply instability, or faulty graphics drivers, among others. These are the key factors you should address to resolve shutdowns during gameplay.
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