A computer restarting on shutdown is most certainly frustrating as this is not what’s supposed to happen. This issue can arise from various hardware or software factors. In this guide, we’ll explore the common causes behind this problem and provide you with step-by-step solutions to resolve it, ensuring your system shuts down properly.

1. Power Settings Configuration: Disable Automatic Restart

The “Automatic Restart” feature in Windows is designed to reboot the system after a critical error to prevent data loss. However, it can cause the computer to restart during shutdown instead of turning off.

  1. Right-click on the Start button and select System.
  2. Click on Advanced system settings.
  3. Under the Advanced tab, select Settings under Startup and Recovery.
  4. Uncheck Automatically restart under System failure.
  5. Click OK and restart your computer to see if the issue is resolved.

2. Faulty Drivers: Update or Reinstall Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers, especially for critical components like the graphics card or network adapters, can prevent proper shutdown, leading to an automatic restart.

  1. Right-click the Start button and open Device Manager.
  2. Identify devices with a yellow triangle indicating a driver issue.
  3. Right-click the problematic device, select Update driver, and follow the prompts.
  4. If updating doesn’t resolve the issue, uninstall the driver and restart your computer. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

3. Windows Updates: Install Pending Updates

Sometimes, pending or problematic Windows updates can interfere with the shutdown process, causing the computer to restart instead of shutting down to complete the updates.

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
  2. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
  3. Restart your computer and attempt to shut it down again.

4. BIOS Settings: Adjust Power Management Settings

Incorrect BIOS settings, such as enabled features like Wake on LAN, can cause the computer to restart instead of shutting down.

  1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing F2, Del, or Esc).
  2. Navigate to the Power or Advanced settings menu.
  3. Disable settings related to Wake on LAN or Power on by PCI devices.
  4. Save changes and exit the BIOS, then try shutting down your computer.

5. Fast Startup Feature: Disable Fast Startup

The Fast Startup feature in Windows 10 and later versions helps your system boot faster but can sometimes cause the system to restart instead of shutting down properly.

  1. Open Control Panel and navigate to Power Options.
  2. Click Choose what the power buttons do on the left.
  3. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
  4. Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended).
  5. Save changes and restart your computer.

6. Modify Registry Settings for Shutdown

  1. Open Registry Editor: Type regedit in the Start Menu and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon.
  2. Adjust Powerdown Settings: Double-click on PowerdownAfterShutdown. Set its value to 1 to enable proper shutdown.

7. Malware or Viruses: Perform a Full System Scan

Malware or viruses can interfere with the shutdown process, causing unexpected restarts by affecting system files or the registry.

  • Use a reliable antivirus program to perform a full system scan.
  • Remove any detected threats following the antivirus software’s recommendations.
  • Restart your computer and check if the shutdown issue is resolved.

8. Checking Hardware Issues

If software solutions don’t resolve the issue, check for hardware problems:

Determine if It’s a Hardware Issue First

Use the following technique to determine if the problem stems from your hardware to rule out the Windows operating system as the cause:

  • Use a Live Operating System: Boot your computer from a USB flash drive with a live operating system like Ubuntu. If the computer shuts down correctly using Ubuntu but not with Windows, the issue likely lies within your Windows settings. If the problem persists, it could be BIOS or hardware-related.

Hardware to Look at First

  1. Power Supply: Consider replacing the power supply if your computer is more than five years old or shows signs of failure.
  2. Motherboard and RAM: Inspect the motherboard for bulging capacitors, a sign of aging. It will need replacing if you have tested everything else and still have a problem. You can test RAM modules one at a time to isolate a faulty module.

Conclusion

A computer restarting on shutdown can be a complex issue, but by understanding the common causes and applying the corresponding solutions outlined in this guide, you should be able to resolve the problem. If the issue persists, it may require more in-depth troubleshooting or professional assistance.

Avatar for Marlo Strydom

Marlo, the founder of Computer Info Bits, has over 20 years of IT expertise. He's passionate about technology and aims to demystify it. Since 2019, he's been writing articles covering essential computer tips to complex hardware discussions, helping readers better understand and use their technology. Marlo stays up-to-date with the latest tech developments through extensive research and interaction.