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. Therefore, our task today is to address the ‘my pc shuts down automatically’ drama and bring peace and stability into your life.

So, your computer keeps shutting down randomly, and you are at your wits end with this problem. Well, your Windows-based machine might be possessed – but that’s unlikely.

Seriously, why does a PC turn off?

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1. Overheating

If your PC turns off without warning, heat-related issues might be at work.

Heat-related problems usually stem from:

  • careless PC usage;
  • fan issues;
  • dust, dirt, hair, and other debris;
  • overclocking.

Careless PC Usage

To begin with, heat and your computer are a pretty bad combination. Therefore, ALWAYS keep your PC cool: every time you neglect this rule, you put your computer in a dicey situation and your computer randomly turns off as a consequence. Whenever this happens, your motherboard is forced to shut down everything to save your machine.

To avoid PC overheating, follow these tips:

  • keep your computer out of hot places/zones;
  • get air circulating around your PC;
  • never place your computer close against the wall;
  • do not expose your computer to direct sunlight;
  • do not use your computer in humid conditions;
  • use a cooling pad (if you are a laptop user);
  • if your PC seems alarmingly hot, change the thermal paste.

Further Reading: Ultimate Guide: How to Stop a Laptop from Overheating


Fan Issues

If your video card fans, case fans, or processor fans malfunction, they cause overheating. Examine them closely to find out whether any of them is playing up:

  • if any of your fans keep squealing, that’s a bad sign – it must be broken;
  • if your fans are dirty or dusty, take a moment to clean them – this noble deed may fix the shutdown issue.

Also Read: Why Is My Computer Fan So Loud? Proven Solutions to Stop Fan Noise


Dirt and Dust

The truth is, dusty computers tend to bite the dust first. Dust, dirt, food remnants, hair, and other stuff can overheat your computer by preventing proper air circulation. Besides, trapped debris provides a hospitable environment for germs. Urgh! All of these are ingredients for your ‘PC shut down randomly’ problem.

You should keep your PC neat and tidy to avoid its overheating and consequent shutdowns: clean your PC regularly and give up your ‘eating around the computer’ habits.

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 we recommend you to disable 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.

Here are some tips to deal with them:

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.

To access Device Manager in Windows 10, go this way:

Start -> Control Panel -> Performance and Maintenance -> System -> Hardware tab -> Device Manager

or

Win + X -> Device Manager

Use Device Manager to diagnose and fix your PC.

Check Disk Utility

Check whether your hard disk drive is working properly:

  1. Local Disk -> Properties -> Tools -> Error Checking -> CheckorWindows button (right click) -> Command Prompt (Admin) -> Type CHKDSK /f /r -> Enter ->Type Y -> Enter
  2. Wait for the process to finish -> 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.

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Use Performance Monitor and Windows Memory Diagnostics

Did you know you can run diagnostics tests on Windows even without an OEM app? There are two native Windows tools you can use:

  1. Performance Monitor
  2. Windows Memory Diagnostics

You can use the first to check how your system’s components are performing and the second one to run memory tests.

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, navigate to Reports > System > System Diagnostics > [Computer Name] via the left-hand pane.

PC Randomly Turns Off

To use Windows Memory Diagnostics:

  1. Open “Run with Win Key + R”
  2. Type “mdsched.exe” in the Run field.
  3. Hit Enter.
  4. 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.

PC Randomly Turns Off

When the scan finishes the PC restarts and the test result will appear on the desktop when you log in. If it doesn’t, open Event Viewer and go to Windows Logs > System. Look for the most recent file: Memory Diagnostic and open it to view the report.

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3. Driver Issues

Faulty or out-of-date drivers can lead to random shutdowns in Windows 10.

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 -> Check for updates

Run Windows Driver Verifier

You can also make use of Windows Driver Verifier – it can detect problematic devices:

Start menu -> Type verifier -> Enter

Use Device Manager

In addition, try using Device Manager in order to resolve driver issues:

  1. Use the “Windows key + X” combination and select Device Manager.
  2. Select and right-click the driver(s) or driver group(s) that is outdated.
  3. Choose the Update driver option and follow through with the process
PC Randomly Turns Off

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.

Use a Special Tool

To diagnose and fix all your driver issues in a fast and simple way, try a special tool, e.g. Auslogics Driver Updater.

Driver Updater can fix all your driver issues.

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 malware infection.

Here is your first aid kit:

Windows Defender

Microsoft Windows Defender is a built-in security solution that can banish unwelcome guests from your computer:

Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Defender -> Open Windows Defender -> Full

Microsoft Windows Defender is a built-in security solution

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 anti-malware tool join the battle – for example, Auslogics Anti-Malware will back up your main antivirus and force malicious invaders to beat retreat. And if a malicious invader is the reason your PC keeps turning on and off, wouldn’t using this anti-malware tool fix the problem permanently?

Auslogics Antimalware - A Special Anti-Malware Tool

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 misbehaviour.

Consider replacing your old battery with a new one. Make sure your new battery fits your laptop’s requirements.


Also Read: How to Check Your Laptop Battery Health on Windows 10 and 11?


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 Voltage

If you use resource-heavy programs or apps, you may need a charger with a higher voltage 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.

The preferred charger voltage for excessively 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 and cause it so that your PC randomly turns off instead of going into sleep mode.

Try disabling Sleep Mode to fix the issue:

Start -> Settings -> System -> Power & Sleep -> Screen & Sleep -> Select Never

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:

  • Start -> Power Options -> Choose what the power buttons do -> Change settings that are currently unavailable
  • Shutdown settings -> Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended) -> OK

Further Reading: How to Turn Off Fast Startup in Windows 10/11


10. Out-of-date BIOS

If you continue to ask, ‘why does my computer keep shutting down’ after implementing the Fast Startup solution, 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 you to seek professional assistance.

Here are 5 consecutive steps to update your BIOS:

  1. Explore your vendor’s website -> download the updated BIOS -> place the compressed file on the root of your formatted flash drive.
  2. Boot your PC -> Hit Delete on Boot -> BIOS -> M-Flash.
  3. Select one file to update BIOS and ME -> Select your flash drive.
  4. Wait for the system to reboot and start updating your BIOS.
  5. Wait for the updating process to finish.

11.Software Issues

Certain software issues can make it so your PC randomly turns off.

Watch out for:

Here are some ideas to sort out these problems:

Use System File Checker

The System File Checker tool is aimed at repairing missing or corrupted system files:

  1. Start -> Enter Command Prompt -> right-click Command Prompt -> select Run as administrator
  2. Enter DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth -> Enter sfc /scannow
  3. Wait for the system scan to finish -> Reboot your Computer
PC randomly turns off

Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

If you are experiencing issues with apps in Windows 10, try running Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter. Fixing app problems can stop continual shutdowns.

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

Corrupt registry keys and entries, PC junk and unbalanced system settings can turn your Windows into a roller coaster. Using a comprehensive tool, e.g. Auslogics BoostSpeed’s Tweak Manager, can get your computer back on track and save you a lot of time and effort.  This could also come in handy to make the problem where your PC randomly turns off disappear.

Auslogics BoostSpeed Tweak Manager

12. 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 computer turn off randomly’ after using the prescribed solutions, you might as well admit that your OS is not OK. Things might have gone wrong after upgrading to Windows 10.

Here are some troubleshooting ideas for you to consider:

Use System Restore Points

Take your Windows back to the good old days:

  1. Start (right-click) -> Control Panel -> System and Security
  2. File History -> Recovery -> Open System Restore -> Next
  3. Select the preferred restore point and click Next -> confirm the preferred restore point by clicking Finish -> click Yes on the warning box

Also Read: System Restore Not Working in Windows 10


Reset Your Computer

Reset your computer to its factory default settings:

Start Menu -> type Reset-> Reset this PC

You will be able either to stay on Windows 10 or to 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:

  1. Click “Windows key + I” to enter the Settings page.
  2. Open the Windows Update tab and select “Advanced Options.”
  3. Scroll down to Recovery and choose the option “Reset this PC” to recover the original OS files.
PC randomly turns off
Note
This option allows you to keep your personal files. However, all your personal settings and installed programs will be removed.

Reinstall Your OS

Why not give your PC a fresh start? If after using the Reset option and your PC randomly turns off nonetheless, consider reinstalling your OS. Unfortunately, this will erase your personal data. Thus, make sure you have backed up all your important files.

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.

  1. Clean the outside parts of your computer regularly to prevent dust from accumulating.
  2. Ensure that your PC cooling system is running. If you have the skills and can open your computer without damaging anything, clean the fan frequently.
  3. Use UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) devices to guard against power fluctuations that could damage your computer components.
  4. Keep your drivers and software applications up to date. You can also do this whenever your computer shuts off randomly.

Use your PC optimally, not overloading it with too many running tasks and programs. Here, you can use the Auslogics Essential Tools package to monitor and improve your computer functionality.

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.
Yes, as long as the original computer 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.