Troubleshooting Windows 10 Freezing and Restarting Automatically

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Experiencing frequent freezes and automatic restarts on Windows 10 can be frustrating and disruptive. These issues can be caused by various factors, including software conflicts, hardware problems, or system settings. Below is a comprehensive guide to diagnosing and fixing these problems.

Windows 10 Freezing and Restarting Automatically

1. Check for Recent Changes

Before diving into complex troubleshooting, consider if any recent changes might be causing the issue.

  • Action:
    • Uninstall Recent Updates: If the problem started after a Windows update, uninstalling the update might help. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history > Uninstall updates.
    • Remove Recently Installed Software: Uninstall any recently added software or drivers to see if they are causing the issue.

2. Update Windows and Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers and system files can cause instability. Ensure that Windows and all drivers are up-to-date.

  • Update Windows:

    1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
    2. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

  • Update Drivers:

    1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
    2. Expand categories such as Display adapters, Network adapters, and Sound, video and game controllers.
    3. Right-click on each device and select Update driver.
    4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

3. Check for Hardware Issues

Faulty hardware components can lead to system freezes and unexpected restarts. Focus on RAM, hard drives, and other critical components.

  • Run Memory Diagnostic:

    1. Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
    2. Choose Restart now and check for problems. Your computer will restart and check the RAM for errors.

  • Check Hard Drive Health:

    1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
    2. Type chkdsk /f /r and press Enter.
    3. Follow the prompts to schedule a disk check on the next restart.

  • Test Hardware Components:

    • Check temperatures using tools like HWMonitor or Core Temp. Overheating can cause instability.
    • Inspect physical components for any signs of damage or loose connections.

4. Check Event Viewer for Errors

The Event Viewer logs detailed error messages and warnings that can help identify the root cause of freezes and restarts.

  • Action:
    1. Press Windows + X and select Event Viewer.
    2. Expand Windows Logs and select System.
    3. Look for error messages or critical events around the time of the freezes or restarts. These logs can provide clues about the underlying issues.

5. Adjust Power Settings

Incorrect power settings can sometimes cause system instability. Ensure that your power settings are configured correctly.

  • Action:
    1. Go to Settings > System > Power & sleep.
    2. Click Additional power settings under Related settings.
    3. Choose High performance or Balanced power plan.
    4. Click Change plan settings next to your selected plan.
    5. Click Restore default settings for this plan.

6. Perform a System Scan

System file corruption can lead to crashes and unexpected behavior. Running the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) can help repair corrupted files.

  • Action:
    1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
    2. Run the System File Checker:
      sfc /scannow
    3. Once the scan completes, run the DISM tool:
      DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
    4. Restart your computer after both scans are complete.

7. Check for Malware

Malware infections can cause system instability and crashes. Perform a full system scan to rule out malware.

  • Action:
    1. Open Windows Security by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security.
    2. Click Virus & threat protection and select Quick scan or Full scan.
    3. Alternatively, use a reputable third-party antivirus program for a more thorough scan.

8. Disable Automatic Restart

To gather more information about the issue, you can disable the automatic restart feature so you can see any error messages on the BSOD.

  • Action:
    1. Press Windows + X and select System.
    2. Click Advanced system settings on the left.
    3. In the System Properties window, go to the Advanced tab and click Settings under Startup and Recovery.
    4. Uncheck Automatically restart under System failure.
    5. Click OK to apply the changes.

9. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot helps identify if background programs or services are causing the problem.

  • Action:
    1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
    2. Go to the Services tab and check Hide all Microsoft services.
    3. Click Disable all to disable non-Microsoft services.
    4. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
    5. Disable all startup items.
    6. Restart your computer and check if the issue persists.

10. Restore or Reset Your PC

If none of the previous steps resolve the issue, consider performing a system restore or reset.

  • System Restore:

    1. Press Windows + S, type System Restore, and select Create a restore point.
    2. Click System Restore and follow the prompts to restore your system to a previous state.

  • Reset This PC:

    1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
    2. Under Reset this PC, click Get started.
    3. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything, then follow the instructions to reset your PC.


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