This is different from a screen that freezes or will not turn on
A computer that restarts itself is its own kind of problem, separate from a blue error screen or a computer that will not power on at all. The machine is running fine, then it shuts off and comes back up on its own, sometimes once a week, sometimes several times a day.
That pattern points us toward a handful of usual suspects: the computer overheating and shutting down to protect itself, a power supply that is starting to fail, a driver or update that is not playing well with your hardware, or in some cases malware running in the background. Each of those looks a little different once we start testing.
What usually causes it
Overheating is one of the most common causes we find, especially in laptops with years of dust built up inside, or desktops kept in a closed cabinet with no airflow. A power supply nearing the end of its life can also cause random restarts, especially under load, like when a lot of programs are open at once.
- Dust-clogged fans or vents causing the computer to overheat
- A power supply that is failing and cannot keep a steady charge
- A Windows update or driver that does not match your hardware
- Malware running in the background and destabilizing the system
- A failing memory stick that causes the system to crash and reboot
How we narrow it down at your home
We start by checking temperatures while the computer is running under normal use, since a computer that overheats and shuts down leaves clear signs once we look. From there we check the event logs for a pattern around updates or drivers, test the memory, and rule out malware with a proper scan.
- Checking internal temperatures during normal use
- Reviewing the system logs for the moments right before each restart
- Testing memory and the power supply under load
- Scanning for malware that could be causing instability
- Cleaning out dust if airflow is part of the problem
Getting it fixed
Random restarts tend to get worse, not better, so it is worth having someone look before you lose unsaved work at the wrong moment. Call (615) 852-5565 Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and we will come to your home with our promise: fixed, or your money back.
Need patient, local help?
These Deskside services are the closest match for this guide.