Computer turns off on its own: how to fix

Diagnosing a PC that suddenly restarts is difficult because generally no error message appears to report an issue. Nevertheless there are some tips you can use to find the root cause. This article will fill you in.

Why might a computer restart itself?

Defective memory

In most cases, the sudden reboot of a PC is due to faulty RAM modules. Unbranded memory modules that have small defects that can cause the computer to malfunction. Check your memory with MemTest to run a diagnostic.

The results of MemTest are easy to analyze. If the home screen retains the same table after at least one full scan, the memory is in good condition. If additional lines appear, it means that the memory is defective.

For example, you can choose memory modules from the Corsair brand, which is reliable (lifetime warranty) and high quality.

N.B. If your motherboard supports it, you can purchase two modules to take advantage of Dual Channel mode. To use this mode, you must use two quality identical modules that are the same brand and not generic.

Hardware issue

First, try updating the device drivers on the computer. To do this, download the latest versions of the manufacturer's pages or the download section of CCM drivers.

If this does not work, restart the PC with a minimum amount of connected peripherals. Disconnect the CD drive, the recorder, the internet router, the printer, the external hard disk, etc. Try again until the PC no longer reboots itself. Then, reconnect the peripherals one by one until the problem occurs again.

Overheated processor

Observe the processor's temperature. If it is too high, install a more powerful fan.

To find out the temperature of the processor, you can use the program AIDA64 Extreme Edition.

N.B. If necessary, remove dust from the CPU housing with an air pump, for example. This will not only significantly reduce the PC's noise, but in some cases will also decrease the PC's ambient temperature and the processor's temperature.

Power issue

In this case, the solution is to change the power supply to a more powerful one. If this does not solve the problem, have your PC examined by a professional.

The restart could also be due to interferences in the electrical network of your electricity supplier. If you suspect this could be the cause, ask the electricity company to examine the network. If the issue is actually due to interference in the electricity network, the company should do what is necessary.

The purchase a power supply to solve this problem.

Software or driver problem

It is important to remember when the problem started, and also which programs and drivers were installed before it started. Then, remove the software or update the driver you suspect is responsible for the conflict.

Defective or incompatible hardware

Make a full review of the computer: motherboard, processor, graphics card, sound card, etc. A technician can also do the work and examine the equipment by changing these components one by one.

BIOS

Verify that the frequency of the memory is correct and that the latency time is according to the factory settings.

You can also do an update to the BIOS, for this, go to the website of the manufacturer of the motherboard. Do not forget to make a backup copy of the current BIOS on external support. Be careful since a power cut during the BIOS update would be fatal for your PC.

Viruses

Viruses are among the main causes of a PC restarting suddenly. There are several types of viruses that lead to this problem, but by installing an antivirus or using the tools available online you should be able to solve it.

How to prevent your PC from restarting itself?

• Disable automatic restart

To prevent the PC from restarting itself, sometimes only a single action is needed. However, it is not always effective:

1) Go to Start > Control Panel > Performance and maintenance > System.

2) Next, click on the Advanced Options tab (in Windows 10, right click on This Team > Properties > Advanced configuration of the system).

3) In Start and recovery click Settings. Uncheck Automatically restart.

Or if you are using older versions of Windows:

Go to Start > Run. Type shutdown -a, and click OK.

• Use system event viewer

It is possible to view the error messages generated by the system thanks to the Windows Event Viewer.

1) To access this tool go to Control Panel > Administrative Tools.

2) Double-click on Computer Management.

3) Open the Event Viewer (System Tools section) and read the error messages.