Why Your PC Keeps Restarting and How to Fix It Permanently

Your computer restarts right in the middle of important work. Then it happens again. And again. Few computer problems are more disruptive than unexpected restarts.

The constant rebooting isn't random—there's always a cause. This guide will help you identify why your PC keeps restarting and show you exactly how to fix it. Our Saskatoon tech team has solved hundreds of these cases using these exact troubleshooting steps.

The Five Primary Causes

1. Overheating

Excessive heat can force automatic restarts as a protective mechanism. Modern computers monitor internal temperatures and shut down to prevent hardware damage.

Solutions:

• Monitor temperatures using diagnostic tools like HWMonitor or SpeedFan
• Ensure proper ventilation around your computer
• Clear dust accumulation from vents and fans
• Consider upgrading your cooling system if temperatures remain high
• Avoid blocking air vents with papers or placing laptops on soft surfaces

2. Software Glitches

Buggy applications, incompatible programs, and operating system errors trigger involuntary restarts.

Solutions:

• Update all software to the latest versions
• Use System Restore to roll back to a stable state
• Run malware scans to eliminate malicious software
• Uninstall recently added programs that may be causing conflicts
• Check Windows Event Viewer for error messages before crashes

3. Hardware Malfunctions

Faulty RAM, failing power supplies, and deteriorating hard drives commonly cause restart loops.

Diagnostic Signs:

• Beep codes during startup
• Display anomalies or artifacts
• Random freezes before restarts
• Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors

Solutions:

• Test RAM using Windows Memory Diagnostic tool
• Check power supply voltage stability
• Run hard drive diagnostic tests
• Consider professional hardware replacement if components fail tests

4. Driver Issues

Outdated or improperly installed drivers create system instability, particularly graphics and chipset drivers.

Solutions:

• Update drivers from manufacturer websites
• Use Device Manager to check for driver warnings
• Roll back recent driver changes if problems started after an update
• Uninstall and reinstall problematic drivers

5. Malware Infections

Viruses and malicious software force system restarts as part of their disruptive behavior or to prevent removal.

Solutions:

• Run comprehensive antivirus scans using Windows Defender
• Use anti-malware tools like Malwarebytes for deep scanning
• Download software only from trusted sources
• Keep Windows Defender definitions up to date
• Avoid clicking suspicious email links or attachments

Not sure if malware is the problem? Read our guide on how to tell if your computer has a virus.

Advanced Troubleshooting

Check Windows Error Logs

1. Press Windows + X and select Event Viewer
2. Navigate to Windows Logs → System
3. Look for Critical or Error entries around the time of crashes
4. Note error codes and search for specific solutions

Disable Automatic Restart

To see actual error messages instead of immediate restarts:

1. Right-click This PC → Properties
2. Click Advanced system settings
3. Under Startup and Recovery, click Settings
4. Uncheck Automatically restart

Common Scenarios

Computer Keeps Restarting on Startup

If your computer keeps restarting on startup before loading Windows, the issue is likely hardware-related (RAM or power supply) or a corrupted boot sector. Try booting into Safe Mode to rule out driver conflicts.

PC Randomly Restarts While Gaming or Working

When a pc randomly restarts under load, overheating or a failing power supply are the usual suspects. If "my machine keeps restarting" only during intensive tasks, check your GPU temperatures first.

Still Experiencing Random Restarts?

If your PC continues restarting after trying these fixes, or if you're dealing with:

• Complex Blue Screen errors you can't diagnose
• Hardware failures requiring component replacement
• Restarts that happen immediately upon startup
• Data loss concerns during troubleshooting

Professional diagnosis is your best option. Our tech support services in Saskatoon can:

• Identify the exact cause of restarts (hardware or software)
• Test and replace failing components (RAM, power supply, etc.)
• Resolve driver conflicts and software issues
• Perform clean Windows OS installation if needed
• Optimize system for stable, reliable performance

Services start at just $29, with most issues diagnosed and resolved within 24-48 hours. We offer both remote and in-person support.

Contact us today to fix your restart issues permanently, or visit our homepage to learn more about our services.

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• Why Your Windows Laptop Keeps Restarting
• How to Fix Windows Update Stuck Issues
• Why Your PC Is Slower After Updates