Computer keeps freezing and restarting [Full Guide]

• Random PC freezes and BSoD errors are the worst nightmares of a Windows user.
• We created this detailed guide to show you exactly what to do during such situations.
• Whether it happens after sleep, boot, or even while playing games or downloading content, this issue can and must be addressed properly.

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If you’ve ever assumed there’s nothing worse than BSoD in any Windows platform, we can assure you that there is. Unexpected freezing and rebooting are much worse, especially since they’re, most of the time, the clear sign of hardware malfunctioning.

Is it a RAM, HDD, CPU, or motherboard? No one but an equipped technician can say with certainty.

Nonetheless, to rush to a repair store is always an option and we advise you to make it the last resort. Before that, take a look at the solutions we provided on this list. Maybe you can fix it on your own, with a little effort.

Even if you don’t, you’ll learn what caused the issue and how to prevent it from happening in the future. So let’s see when are these issues most likely to occur.

My computer keeps freezing and I have to force shut down (when and why?)

• No reason at all (Computer randomly freezes and restarts or freezes every few seconds in Windows 10 or freezes for a few seconds then goes back to normal)
• When performing specific actions (Computer keeps freezing and restarting after shutdown/update/RAM upgrade/BIOS update/sleep/installing new graphics card)
• Also, PC freezes after power outage are very common
• Computer freezes when switching applications (Windows 10 is either slow when switching between applications or it freezes when opening programs)
• Windows 10 freezes when downloading
• Windows 10 keeps freezing on startup (This particular issue manifests as a PC that is stuck on restart)
• Screen freezes but the PC keeps running
• Computer freezes and restarts when playing games

How do I fix a PC that keeps rebooting and freezing

1. Inspect RAM

Select the MemTest86 bootable drive or disk and press any key to run it.

Critical system errors are present for ages and the troubleshooting hasn’t changed a lot. If there’s no Blue Screen of Death and your PC is freezing or it’s plagued by constant reboots, hardware inspection is the first thing you should do.

Basically, every single component might affect this, but our main concerns are RAM and HDD.

First, let’s start with the easier one, which in this case is RAM. What you can do is shut down your PC, unplug the power cable, and open the casing. Once you’re there, remove the RAM card from its slot (if you have multiple units, do it for every).

From there, you can switch RAM cards in sequence, or plug them into different unoccupied empty slots.

Moreover, you can unplug one by one RAM card and try running the PC that way. Furthermore, you can scan for RAM issues with a third-party tool called MemTest86.

If your RAM is fully functional but the problem persists, move to additional steps.

2. Check HDD

Select Device Tests Menu.

Now, HDD is a serious problem. Even if we neglect the fact that HDD is quite an expensive component, your data is obviously more important. However, too often, the HDD malfunction is the sole reason for freezing and unforeseen reboots.

The same that goes for RAM, is applicable to the hard drive in regards to physical or software troubleshooting.

You can remove it and try it out on another PC or you can use a third-party tool to scan for errors. However, before that, make sure that SATA cable is properly connected.

The physical troubleshooting should be simple: shut down your PC, cut the power, open the casing, unplug the cables, and remove the HDD. Insert it into any other PC and try booting from it. If everything works fine, you can loosen up.

3. Check for overheating

• Clean the PC case. Use something like canned compressed air.
  • Don’t use a vacuum cleaner.
• Remove and clean thoroughly the CPU cooling fan.
• Replace a thermal paste.
  • Do it carefully.
• Add extra cooling fans.
• In case you have a liquid cooling system, double-check the pump.
• If you’re using a laptop, get a cooling pad or use something to elevate the laptop above the surface.
  • That way the air can circulate freely and the overheating should be subdued.

In addition, we can’t overlook overheating as a possible cause of the issue at hand. Normally, the PC will shut down in order to prevent the damage to CPU after extensive exposure to heat.

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However, sometimes overheating can cause the PC to slow down, or, as in this case, to fall into a boot loop, freeze, or inflict unexpected crashes.

Overheating, besides the sudden PSU failure, is the easiest way to completely ruin your PC, so it’s highly advised to track temperature changes closely.

You should be able to get a sense of the current state by touch, however, for better insight, we advise you to use a third-party program like SpeedFan or HWMonitor.

If CPU temperature is above 75-80 degrees Celcius or higher when idle, or above 90 when under stress, you should address it immediately to avoid fatal damage to your motherboard or CPU.

4. Double-check drivers

In case that falls short, return to Advanced startup options and select Safe Mode with Networking.

We have accounted for most of the physical hardware issues that might’ve been the reason for freezing and crashes. However, if you’ve moved past those, then it’s a valid point that the software is the reason why PC is gradually underperforming.

Or, to make a precise point, some drivers are either not installed or incompatible with the current system version.

The first troubleshooting step, in regards to software, is to access the Advanced startup options and try to start the System with the last known good configuration.

In order to access the Advanced startup options menu, you’ll need to press F8 upon booting. However, sometimes this won’t work due to the fast boot sequence.

In that case, just physically restart your PC multiple times and it should access the aforementioned menu on its own.  Nonetheless, if you’re still stuck with the same freezing/boot loop routine, move on to the last two steps.

5. Update BIOS

Besides drivers, there’s also BIOS or rather a motherboard firmware that can cause issues. This is somewhat a cross-road between software and hardware.

If issues emerged after you recently installed a new component supported by your motherboard (make sure to check that indeed it is supported) or after you upgraded OS, there’s a chance that you’ll need to update BIOS to make it compatible for hardware and/or software changes.

Now, flashing BIOS is not a child’s game. But, on the other hand, you don’t have to be an extremely knowledgeable user to perform it. It’s mostly done from the Windows interface but certain novel configurations offer BIOS updates through BIOS utility.

Either way, make sure to check out this article for a detailed insight. In addition, since the procedure can vary, the best advice is to google your motherboard and look for a detailed explanation.

6. Perform a clean system reinstallation

Finally, if you’re 100% positive that hardware is fully-functional and that software is the one that created the problem, reinstallation is an obvious choice. If you’re a Windows XP user, that can take some time and effort.

Yet, if Windows 7, 8, or 10 are your cup of tea, the procedure is manageable and not a nerve-wracking experience. The detailed instructions on how to do it in a few easy steps are found in this article so make sure to check it out.

With that, we can finally conclude this exhaustive but hopefully helpful article. In case you have something to add to our list of solutions, or an urging question to ask, feel free to tell us in the comments section below.

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