Windows 11 Keeps Restarting Automatically? Here’s How to Stop Random Reboots (2025 Edition)

Last updated: November 12, 2025

Have you ever been in the middle of an important document, only to see your screen go black and your PC restart without warning?
You’re not alone. Many Windows 11 and 10 users have reported unexpected automatic restarts—often right after an update, a crash, or even while the computer is idle.

This guide explains why it happens and how to stop it safely—step-by-step, with plain explanations suitable for both beginners and experienced users.

🔍 Why Windows Keeps Restarting by Itself

Windows isn’t being “possessed.” These restarts happen for logical reasons—but some are hidden deep in system settings.

You can’t remove every cause, but you can take back control of when your computer restarts.

⚙️ Fix 1: Disable Automatic Restart on System Failure

By default, Windows reboots instantly after a crash—before you can even read the error code.

Steps

1. Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Open the Advanced tab → Startup and Recovery → Settings.
3. Under System failure, uncheck “Automatically restart.”
4. Click OK to save.

Now, if a BSOD occurs, your PC will pause on the error screen so you can note the stop code (e.g., 0x000000C4).

🕒 Fix 2: Control Windows Update Reboots (Active Hours & Notifications)

Windows installs updates automatically, but you can control when the restart happens.

Steps

1. Open Settings → Windows Update.
2. Click Change active hours → set your typical work period (e.g., 8 AM – 10 PM).
3. Under Advanced options, enable “Notify me when a restart is required.”

When you see “Restart required”, schedule it manually for a convenient time.
No more midnight surprises or meeting interruptions.

💡 Pro Tip: Enterprise and Pro users can also configure this via Group Policy →
Computer Configuration > Admin Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Active Hours Max Range.

💻 Fix 3: Check Task Scheduler for Forced Reboot Jobs

Windows uses scheduled tasks called Update Orchestrator to manage updates.
If your PC keeps restarting even outside update cycles, check here.

Steps

1. Press Win + R, type taskschd.msc, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to
   Task Scheduler Library → Microsoft → Windows → UpdateOrchestrator.
3. Look for tasks like Reboot, Schedule Restart, or Maintenance Install.
4. Right-click → Properties → Conditions.
   Disable options like “Start the task only if the computer is idle.”

⚠️ Avoid deleting or disabling tasks unless you know what you’re doing—updates may fail.
Instead, adjust active hours and notifications (Fix 2) first.

🧰 Fix 4: Use Event Viewer to Find the Real Trigger

If you can’t tell why the restart occurred:

1. Press Win + X → Event Viewer.
2. Go to Windows Logs → System.
3. Click Filter Current Log, search for Event ID 41 (Kernel-Power) or 6008.

These entries reveal whether the restart was due to a crash, a power failure, or a scheduled task.
Once you identify the cause, you can target it precisely.

🧱 Fix 5: Scan for Corrupted Files or Malware

Corrupted system files or malicious scripts can force reboots.

Run System File Checker

sfc /scannow

Then run DISM

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Also perform a Windows Defender Offline Scan or use trusted tools like Malwarebytes.
A clean system reboots only when it should.

🔋 Fix 6: Review Power & Maintenance Settings

Windows performs automatic maintenance—cleanup, optimization, and updates—often at night.
If your PC wakes up and reboots while you’re asleep, this is the culprit.

Steps

1. Open Control Panel → Security and Maintenance → Maintenance.
2. Click Change maintenance settings.
3. Disable “Allow scheduled maintenance to wake up my computer” or change the time.

🧠 Fix 7: Update BIOS and Drivers

After major updates (like Windows 11 24H2), some older BIOS versions and drivers misbehave, causing reboots or power-state errors.

• Visit your PC manufacturer’s site (e.g., Dell, HP, ASUS, Lenovo).
• Download the latest BIOS, chipset, and graphics drivers.
• Reboot manually after installation.

🧩 Tip: Keep a USB flash drive handy for BIOS updates or recovery media.

❗ Fix 8: Watch for Recent Bugs (2025 24H2 Updates)

After the October 2025 Patch Tuesday (KB5060842 / KB5060533),
some users experienced restarts right after waking from sleep.
Microsoft acknowledged the issue and released hotfixes via Known Issue Rollback (KIR).

If you notice this behavior, install the latest cumulative update or wait for the next Patch Tuesday—it usually resolves itself.

☁️ Fix 9: Use AutoSave and Cloud Backups to Avoid Data Loss

Even the best prevention can’t guarantee zero restarts. Protect your work instead.

• Turn on AutoSave in Office apps.
• Store your Documents and Desktop in OneDrive.
• Sync files across devices automatically.

🧯 Fix 10: Prevent Heat or Power-Related Restarts

Thermal or electrical issues can also trigger safety reboots.

Checklist

• Ensure fans and vents are dust-free.
• Use compressed air to clean them regularly.
• Check your power cable and surge protector.

🧩 Fix 11: Perform a Clean Boot to Rule Out Apps

Third-party background apps sometimes trigger “Restart Required” loops.

1. Press Win + R → msconfig.
2. Go to Services → check Hide all Microsoft services → click Disable all.
3. Restart your PC → see if random reboots stop.
4. Re-enable services gradually to find the culprit.

🧾 Fix 12: If All Else Fails — Reset Windows Safely

If nothing works, your system may be too corrupted.

1. Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC.
2. Choose Keep my files.
3. Follow the on-screen steps.

This reinstalls Windows while keeping your documents intact.

🧠 Understanding Windows Restart Logic

Windows is designed to protect system integrity—even if that means forcing a reboot.
But with the right settings, you can decide when it happens.

🧩 Summary Checklist

🪄 Final Thoughts

Automatic restarts can be annoying—but they’re also part of what keeps Windows secure and stable.
By taking five minutes to tune your update schedule, disable unnecessary reboot triggers, and back up your work, you’ll never lose progress again.

Let Windows update itself on your terms, not in the middle of your project.

✅ Recommended Reads

• How to Fix Blue Screen of Death on Windows 11 (24H2)
• Windows Update Error 0x80070003 – Fix Guide
• File Explorer Slow After 24H2 Update – Full Fixes

タグ: Windows update, Windows 11, BSOD, Fix, restart loop, Active hours