Windows 10 reboots itself – this is a widespread problem among personal computer users. In today’s article, we will talk with you what causes may be behind this problem and how you can fix it.
Why does Windows 10 restart itself?
The reasons behind spontaneous reboots of Windows 10 are a wagon and a small cart. Let’s take a look at a list of possible causes:
- special power settings;
- incorrectly working drivers;
- outdated BIOS version;
- overheating of PC hardware components;
- problems with RAM (or other hardware);
- active automatic reboot option;
- damage to system files and component store;
- viruses and malware.
Windows 10 reboots itself – what to do?
It is worth warning right away that the methods below are not a 100% solution: something may work for one user, something for another. We do not offer anything dangerous, and therefore you can perform them in any order convenient for you.
Solution # 1 Scan the system for viruses
In some cases, viruses can be behind the restart of Windows 10. Perhaps not so long ago you went to a suspicious site on the Internet or launched the same EXE file, after which some kind of infection settled on your PC. Scan your top ten and get rid of all found threats. You can even use Windows 10 System Defender!
Solution # 2 Updating drivers
Windows 10 may reboot itself if some drivers in the system started to work incorrectly. Most often, a video driver is behind various problems – let’s try to update it with you. Here’s how to do it:
- press Win + R to bring up the Run dialog box;
- write in an empty line of this window the value devmgmt.msc and press Enter;
- in the Device Manager window, expand the “Video adapters” section;
- right-click on your video card and select the “Update driver” option;
- click on the option “Automatically search for updated drivers” in the next window “;
- wait for the installation of the latest driver.
Do the same for the rest of the drivers on the system. Once done, restart your computer and check if Windows 10 keeps restarting on its own or not.
Solution # 3 Recovering system files and component store
Damage to system files and Windows 10 component store can cause the OS to start accidentally rebooting. You can repair this damage by using the SFC and DISM tools. Here’s what you need to do:
- right-click on Start and select “Command Prompt (administrator)”;
Be sure to call the Command Prompt with the rights of an administrator account, otherwise the method will fail to execute normally!
- After calling Command Prompt, run the following series of commands:
- sfc / scannow
- DISM / Online / Cleanup-Image / CheckHealth
- DISM / Online / Cleanup-Image / ScanHealth
- DISM / Online / Cleanup-Image / RestoreHealth
Restart your PC of course after executing the first and last command in the above list.
Solution # 4 Setting up the PC power supply
Windows 10 may start to restart unexpectedly if certain power settings have been changed on the system. Such settings could have been changed by various programs or even viruses.
One way or another, you need to open the section with power supply and check if everything is fine, and if not, change the settings. Try this:
- press Win + S to bring up the search bar;
- write down “Control Panel” and select the found result;
- select the “Hardware and Sound” section, then – the “Power supply” subsection;
- put a check mark next to the “High performance” scheme and click on the link “Setting up the power supply scheme” next to it;
- set the value “Never” in the settings for turning off the display and switching to sleep mode;
- now click on the link “Change advanced power settings”;
- open the “Processor Power Management” section and set the value “100%” for the minimum and maximum state of the process;
- save your changes to your power settings and restart your computer.
Test your computer and make sure your Windows 10 no longer reboots on its own.
Solution # 5 Checking the temperature of the components
If almost any component overheats, the computer may reboot. You need to check the temperature of your iron using specialized software, and then try to lower it. HWMonitor and AIDA64 are a couple of excellent utilities for system monitoring, where you can also get acquainted with the readings of temperature sensors. Let’s say your processor is overheating – what should you do? Cleaning the cooler from dust and replacing thermal paste often helps. As soon as you lower the temperature, the PC should stop rebooting.
Solution # 6 Disable automatic reboot
Windows 10 can reboot itself if the automatic reboot option is activated in the OS settings (used when BSoD appears). To disable this option, you need to do the following:
- press Win + S;
- write the query “System” and select the found result;
- click on the link “Advanced system parameters”;
- in the boot and recovery section, click on “Options …”;
- uncheck the “Perform automatic reboot” option;
- save your changes and restart your computer.
We enter the system and observe its behavior. Perhaps this time there will be no reboots.
Solution # 7 BIOS update
An outdated BIOS firmware can cause many problems, including random Windows 10 reboots. You need to go to the official website of your motherboard manufacturer and see the steps to update the BIOS. Here are some examples of such pages:
We carefully read the instructions on these pages and update the BIOS. The process is often extremely simple and does not take much time.
Solution # 8 Checking RAM
RAM issues can cause Windows 10 to restart itself. You can check your RAM for errors using a system tool. You can run this tool like this:
- press Win + S;
- enter the query “Windows Memory Checker” and select the found result;
- in the dialog box, click “Restart and Verify (Recommended)”.
Your PC will reboot and the RAM check will begin. The process can take quite a long time – be patient. Plus, it’s worth checking the bar at a time. Don’t want to use a system tool? You can use third-party software such as Memtest86 +. Is there really something wrong with RAM? Take it to a service center or buy a new bar.
After troubleshooting problems with the RAM, your Windows 10 should no longer restart itself.