How do I fix Windows 10 randomly shutting down?

Answered by John Hunt

One of the most frustrating issues with Windows 10 is when it randomly shuts down without any warning. This can be particularly annoying if you are in the middle of an important task or if you haven’t saved your work. However, there are a few steps you can take to try and fix this problem.

The first thing you should do is check for any pending Windows updates. Sometimes, these updates can address bugs or issues that may be causing your computer to shut down unexpectedly. To check for updates, simply go to the Windows Start menu and type “Windows Update” in the search bar. Click on the “Windows Update settings” option and then click on “Check for updates.” If there are any updates available, go ahead and install them.

If updating your Windows doesn’t resolve the issue, the next step is to check for any hardware or driver-related problems. Outdated or incompatible drivers can sometimes cause your computer to shut down unexpectedly. To update your drivers, you can go to the manufacturer’s website for your computer or individual components (such as the graphics card or network adapter) and download the latest drivers from there.

In addition to updating drivers, it’s also a good idea to run a thorough scan for malware or viruses. Malicious software can sometimes cause your computer to behave erratically, including random shutdowns. Use a trusted antivirus program to scan your system and remove any threats it detects.

Another possible cause of random shutdowns is overheating. If your computer’s components get too hot, it can trigger a shutdown to prevent damage. Make sure that your computer is properly ventilated and that the fans are working correctly. You can also use software tools to monitor the temperature of your CPU and other components to see if overheating is indeed the issue.

If none of the above solutions work, you can try disabling Sleep Mode. Sleep Mode is designed to conserve power by putting your computer into a low-power state, but sometimes it can cause issues like random shutdowns. To disable Sleep Mode, go to the Power and sleep settings. Under the Sleep section, change the dropdown options for “On battery power, PC goes to sleep after” and “When plugged in, PC goes to sleep after” to “Never.”

It’s worth noting that if none of these solutions work, it may be a more serious hardware issue or a fault with your operating system. In such cases, it’s advisable to seek professional help or contact your computer manufacturer’s support for further assistance.

Fixing Windows 10 randomly shutting down can be a bit of a trial-and-error process. Start by checking for updates, updating drivers, scanning for malware, and ensuring proper ventilation. Disabling Sleep Mode can also help prevent unexpected shutdowns. If the problem persists, consider seeking professional assistance.