Like most people, you rely on your computer to complete essential tasks, manage your schedule, and stay connected with loved ones.
But what happens when your computer loses power suddenly?
If you’re looking for quick solutions to troubleshoot computer power troubles to save time and money on repairs, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ll explore five quick solutions to help you get your computer up and running again in no time. Not only will we provide step-by-step instructions, but we will also explain the reasons why these solutions work so that you can prevent future power loss.
By the end of this post, you will have the knowledge and tools you need to keep your computer running smoothly and efficiently.
How Do You Fix a Computer That Randomly Shuts Down?
Whether you’re in the middle of an important work project or a gaming session, a sudden shut-down can cause you to lose unsaved data and disrupt your workflow. Let’s review potential solutions for when your computer loses power suddenly.
Solution 1: Check For Power Issues
Sometimes, the problem is a power issue. Ensure the PC is plugged into a stable power source and the power cord is not damaged.
Solution 2: Disable Fast Startup
Another common cause of random shut-offs is a feature in Windows called fast startup. This feature allows the PC to shut down and start up quickly, but it can cause random shut-offs, especially on systems with older hardware.
Follow these steps to disable fast startup.
Step 1: To disable fast startup, go to the Control Panel.
Step 2: Click on “Power Options.”
Step 3: Choose what the power buttons do.
Step 4: Locate “Change settings that are currently unavailable.”
Step 5: Uncheck the box next to “Turn on fast startup (recommended).”
Solution 3: Prevent Overheating
One of the most common causes of a random shut-off is overheating. When a PC overheats, it can cause the processor to shut down to prevent damage.
Follow these steps to prevent overheating.
Step 1: To fix this issue, make sure that the PC’s air vents are not blocked and that the fans are working properly.
Step 2: Clean the dust from the air vents and the case to ensure proper airflow.
Solution 4: Update Drivers
Outdated drivers can cause conflicts and lead to the PC turning off. To fix this issue, ensure that all your drivers are up-to-date. PCs that randomly shut down often need an update to old drivers, like the GPU driver.
Bug Fixes
Outdated drivers may contain bugs that can cause issues such as random shutdowns. Updating to the latest version can fix these bugs.
Compatibility Issues
Updating drivers can also ensure new software and hardware compatibility. If your current drivers are incompatible with new system updates or other hardware, it can cause random shutdowns.
Performance Improvements
Updating drivers can also improve the performance of your PC. For example, newer GPU drivers may include performance enhancements that can increase the stability and responsiveness of your system.
Security
Outdated drivers can also pose a security risk, as they may contain vulnerabilities that malware can exploit. Updating drivers can help protect your system from these threats.
It’s important to note that, to update the drivers, you should go to the manufacturer’s website of your specific device (GPU, sound card, etc.) and look for the latest driver version available, do not download from a third-party website.
Follow these steps to update your drivers.
Step 1: Use the Device Manager to update drivers on your PC. Right-click on your Start button and select “Device Manager.”
Step 2: Click to expand your display adapters.
Step 3: Go to your display adapter’s properties by right-clicking it.
Step 4: Choose “Device description” in the drop-down menu and “Hardware Ids” from the Details tab.
Step 5: Copy the ID and paste it into your preferred web browser. The brand and model of your GPU will be among the first search results.
Step 6: Update the GPU driver by visiting the manufacturer’s website.
Step 7: Follow the prompts to install the driver. Then reboot your computer.
Solution 5: Scan for Viruses
Another cause of random shut-offs can be malware or viruses. Run a full system scan with Windows Defender or other reputable anti-virus software to ensure your PC is not infected with malware or viruses.
To scan for viruses, follow these steps.
Step 1: Hit the keyboard’s Windows (WIN) key and type “windows security” into the search bar.
Step 2: Windows Security should come up as the top result when you search for it. To access it, use the ENTER key.
Step 3: Click the Virus and Threat Protection button on the left.
Step 4: Select the “scan options.”
Step 5: Click the “Full Scan” option, then the “Scan Now” button. Have patience, as this might take a while.
FAQs
Still unsure about what to do when your computer loses power suddenly? Let’s look at some frequently asked questions.
Can a faulty motherboard cause a random shutdown?
A faulty motherboard can cause a computer to shut down randomly. Motherboard failure can happen for several reasons, such as the computer getting too hot, the power going out, or hardware conflicts. Before trying to replace the motherboard, it’s important to figure out what’s wrong and if it’s the cause.
Why did my PC suddenly shut down and won’t turn on?
There are many reasons why a computer might suddenly shut down, and knowing the reason is key to fixing the problem. PCs can shut down suddenly and not turn on for several reasons, including power supply issues, overheating, software issues, hardware problems, and power surges.
How can you tell if your PC has a failing power supply?
The power supply unit (PSU) provides power to the components of the computer. The computer will shut down unexpectedly if the PSU is faulty or there is insufficient power. There are a few things that might indicate a failing power supply in a PC:
- Random shutdowns or reboots: If the power supply is not providing enough power to the components, the computer may shut down or reboot unexpectedly.
- BSOD (Blue Screen of Death): A power supply that can’t provide stable power can cause a BSOD.
- Strange noises: A failing power supply may make a buzzing or humming noises, indicating that it is having trouble providing power.
- Overheating: A failing power supply may be unable to keep the components cool, causing overheating and thermal throttling.
- Error messages: Some motherboards have a feature that will display an error message or warning if the power supply fails.
- No Power or PC not turning on: A failing power supply will not be able to provide power to the PC, which will not turn on.