How to Fix PC Randomly Turns Off

Many times, computer users, particularly those using Windows, encounter random shutdowns with their PCs. These unexpected shutdowns can be attributed to software issues, hardware problems, or a combination of both, influenced by various factors. Such interruptions on your PC can be highly frustrating and disrupt your workflow. In some cases, users may even lose crucial work if these issues persist consistently. Let's explore the possible reasons behind this and how to resolve the problem of a Windows computer shutting down unexpectedly.

This article aims to dismantle some of the typical causes behind unexpected PC failures, explains how to identify these issues, and proposes the most effective solutions to prevent them.

Here are the six most common reasons for sudden computer failures:

• Overheating Issues
• Rectify Hardware Issues
• Driver Issues
• Disable Fast Startup
• Malware and Virus Problems requiring antivirus software
• Inspect for Battery, Charger, or Power Supply Issues

Solution 1: Check the Computer for Overheating

The processors in computers can become overheated when used extensively. Typically, computers are designed to shut down automatically once they detect temperatures reaching a specific threshold. This precaution is implemented by developers during manufacturing to minimize or protect both software and hardware components from potential damage due to overheating.

Significant overheating is the primary reason why most PCs abruptly shut down. Numerous factors can contribute to overheating issues. If you utilize your computer for extended periods, such as video editing or playing graphics-intensive video games, you may be overloading the processor. In most instances, laptops tend to be more susceptible to overheating problems compared to desktop computers.

Along with these, several other reasons why your PC might be overheating include: 1. Poor ventilation: Insufficient airflow within the computer case can lead to trapped heat, causing components to overheat. 2. Dust accumulation: Over time, dust and debris can build up on fans and internal components, obstructing airflow and increasing temperatures. 3. Overclocking: If you've overclocked your CPU or GPU to boost performance, it can generate more heat than the system was designed to handle. 4. Faulty cooling components: A malfunctioning fan, damaged heat sink, or dried-out thermal paste can fail to effectively cool down critical parts. 5. Power supply issues: A malfunctioning power supply unit (PSU) can cause instability in voltage delivery, potentially leading to overheating. 6. Software issues: Resource-intensive applications or processes running in the background can strain your system, causing it to heat up. 7. Clogged air intake and exhaust: External obstructions like cables or furniture blocking the intake and exhaust vents can hinder proper cooling. 8. High ambient temperature: Operating your PC in a warm environment, such as a room with poor air conditioning, can contribute to overheating. 9. Inadequate cooling system: A low-quality or insufficient cooling solution, like a small or underpowered fan, may not be enough to keep the system cool. 10. Compatibility issues: Mismatched or incompatible hardware components can lead to inefficient power consumption and overheating. Addressing these issues can help prevent your PC from overheating and ensure its optimal performance and longevity.

• Dust, dirt, hair, and debris obstruct proper air circulation within the system.
• Cooling fan issues.
• Excessive usage or neglect of the PC.
• Dried out thermal paste between the CPU and heatsink.

Dust and dirt refer to small particles of various substances that accumulate on surfaces over time, often requiring cleaning to maintain hygiene and appearance.

People often neglect to keep their PCs clean, and quite frequently, you can observe dust, grime, hair strands, and food residue accumulating on computers. These particles obstruct the缝隙 within laptops and desktops by hindering the flow of air inside. Additionally, trapped debris tends to attract germs, which can create significant problems for the airflow surrounding the device.

It is your responsibility to keep your devices clean and well-maintained to prevent such issues. Regularly dust off and clean your PCs, and refrain from eating near the computer.

A malfunctioning cooling fan or a Power Supply Unit (PSU) fan

Ideally, you should have appropriate cooling fans, case fans, or processor fans to ensure extensive usage of your PC without the risk of overheating. These components play a vital role in preventing heat-related issues, and any malfunction in them can exacerbate the problem of overheating.

If your fans consistently make noise, they might be malfunctioning, and if they have dirt or dust accumulation, their performance will be compromised. If you notice such issues, either replace the fans or thoroughly clean them.

PC overuse or carelessness can be translated to "Excessive use of a personal computer or negligence."

You must ensure that your PC remains cool. If you overuse your computer or operate it under unfavorable conditions, the computer may shut down by itself to minimize damage to both the software and hardware.

In both scenarios, you either push the system to meet your heightened demands or subject it to unfavorable conditions, leading to overheating issues.

Here are some strategies to prevent these situations:

1. Work in an adequately ventilated area. 2. Avoid exposing your PC to direct sunlight. 3. Do not store your computer in warm/humid locations or environments. 4. If you're using a laptop, utilize a cooling pad. 5. Elevate your laptop if its cooling fans are located beneath the device body.

Replace the Thermal Paste

If the thermal paste between the heat sink and the CPU has dried out, it can lead to heating issues. Disassemble the setup, remove the dried paste, and apply a fresh layer of thermal compound.

Visit this website to learn more about how to apply thermal paste.

Solution 2. Address Hardware Issues

Faulty hardware can cause your PC to shut down unexpectedly. As it's a hardware issue, you won't be able to view or determine the underlying cause directly. In such instances, you can utilize the Device Manager to identify the problematic device and generate error codes to facilitate troubleshooting.

On a Windows 10 computer, you can access the Device Manager by following these steps: 1. Press the "Windows" key + "X" on your keyboard. 2. A menu will appear; select "Device Manager" from the options. 3. Alternatively, you can search for "Device Manager" in the Search bar located next to the Start button. 4. Click on the "Device Manager" result to open it. This will open the Device Manager, where you can view and manage all the hardware devices installed on your system.

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

You can also use this feature to

Win + X -> Device Manager

When you run the Device Manager, it provides information about hardware components such as processors, disks, monitors, and storage controllers. If the issue persists, inspect any recently installed hardware, like graphics cards or RAM.

Solution 3. Drivers

Device drivers are crucial for the smooth operation of hardware. If you have any outdated or malfunctioning drivers, they can lead to spontaneous PC shutdowns. Fortunately, resolving these issues by updating the problematic or outdated drivers is a straightforward process.

You can inspect for malfunctioning or outdated drivers in the Device Manager section and proceed to update them. Follow the steps outlined in Solution 2 to access the Device Manager, and then adhere to the subsequent steps to identify and update any faulty drivers: 1. In the Device Manager window, browse through the list of devices categories. 2. Expand each category to view the individual devices. 3. Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark or a red cross next to them. These symbols indicate that there's an issue with the driver. 4. Right-click on the problematic device and select "Update Driver Software." 5. Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software" to let Windows search for the latest driver online. 6. If Windows finds an updated driver, follow the on-screen instructions to install it. 7. If no update is found, you can visit the manufacturer's website to download and install the latest driver manually. 8. Repeat this process for all the faulty devices you've identified. Remember to restart your computer after updating the drivers to ensure the changes take effect.

• Win + X -> Device Manager -> Expand the device categories -> Locate the problematic driver.

Update the faulty driver.

Solution 4. Disable Fast Startup

The fast startup feature aids in swiftly booting up your laptop; however, it can unfortunately lead to unexpected shutdowns. If you frequently encounter such issues, you can disable this function to check if it improves your PC's performance. Follow the steps below to disable fast startup: 1. Press the "Windows key + I" to open Settings. 2. Click on "System" from the list of options. 3. In the left sidebar, select "Power & sleep" and then click on "Additional power settings" or "Battery" (depending on your Windows version). 4. On the Power Options window, click on "Choose what the power buttons do" on the left panel. 5. Scroll down and click on "Change settings that are currently unavailable." 6. Under the "Shutdown settings" section, locate the "Turn on fast startup" checkbox (it might be labeled differently as "Enable fast start-up" or "Fast boot"). 7. Uncheck the "Turn on fast startup" box. 8. Click "Save changes" to apply the new settings. After disabling fast startup, restart your laptop and observe if the random shut downs persist. If the issue is resolved, the cause was likely related to the fast startup feature. If not, there may be other underlying problems that require further investigation.

Step 1. Launch the Control Panel -> Change the view mode of the Control Panel to Large Icons.

Step 2. Open Power Options -> Click on the "Choose what the power buttons do" option.

Step 3. Disable the "Turn on fast startup (recommended)" option -> Save the changes.

Solution 5: Malware and Virus Issues

There are cases where malware and viruses can lead to the malfunctioning of personal computers. You can perform a system checkup using the TotalAV Protection App to detect any security issues.

Could you please provide the text that needs to be translated into English?

TOTALAV

TotalAV is an Award-Winning Antivirus and Security Software that Offers Real-Time Protection against Viruses, Malware, and Online Threats.

 Get Protected Now

Antivirus Protection Activated

You can detect malfunctions caused by viruses and malware if the computer is behaving abnormally, such as issuing unusual commands or experiencing random shutdowns.

Step 1. Install the TotalAV antivirus app on your PC.

Step 2. Run the Virus and Threat Protection section.

Step 3. Choose the Scan Options.

Step 4. Check the Full Scan option and click "Scan now".

You can acquire detailed knowledge about the methods to safeguard your PC from malware and viruses in advance.

Solution 6. Check for Battery, Charger, or Power Supply Issues

If your laptop is aged, it's inevitable that you'll encounter battery issues. The type of applications and programs you run on your device might also contribute to your battery woes. To address this, consider replacing the old battery with a new one to meet your laptop's specifications.

Charger and power supply issues can also lead to spontaneous malfunctions. A faulty surge protector or power plug can cause such abnormal behavior. Occasionally, plugging a charger into a low voltage source can also result in system failure.

Final Verdict can be translated into English as "Ultimate Judgment" or "Final Decision."

If you're a frequent PC user encountering unexpected shutdowns, this article aims to address your concerns. We've outlined 6 solutions for "How to fix a Windows computer shutting down randomly." By diligently following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue of random PC shutdowns. In addition to these remedies, you can also attempt methods such as updating an outdated BIOS and addressing software issues.

If the issue persists, please contact customer service to address the problem.

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