If your Windows PC restarts after you select “Shutdown,” it can be incredibly frustrating. This issue can occur on both Windows 10 and 11 systems, and may even happen when you try to put your computer to sleep. Let’s explore several methods to resolve this problem.
Step 1: Run the Power Troubleshooter. Windows has a built-in tool to diagnose and fix power-related issues. To access it, open the Settings app, go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters, and run the Power troubleshooter. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Step 2: Perform a clean boot. This step helps identify if a third-party program or driver is causing the restart issue. To do this, press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter. In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services,” then click “Disable all.” Next, go to the Startup tab and click “Open Task Manager.” Disable all startup items, then restart your PC. If the issue is resolved, re-enable services and startup items one by one to identify the culprit.
Step 3: Check for Windows updates. Ensure your system is up to date, as Microsoft often releases fixes for such issues in their regular updates. Go to Settings > Windows Update and click “Check for updates.” Install any available updates and restart your computer.
Step 4: Disable automatic restart on system failure. This setting can sometimes cause unexpected restarts. To change it, right-click on the Start button and select System. Click on “Advanced system settings,” then under the “Startup and Recovery” section, click “Settings.” Uncheck the box next to “Automatically restart” under the System failure section. Click OK to save the changes.
Step 5: Turn off Fast Startup. While this feature can speed up boot times, it can also cause shutdown issues. To disable it, go to Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do. Click “Change settings that are currently unavailable,” then uncheck “Turn on fast startup” under Shutdown settings. Save your changes.
Step 6: Update your BIOS. An outdated BIOS can sometimes cause shutdown problems. However, updating BIOS can be risky if not done correctly. Visit your computer manufacturer’s website to download the latest BIOS version and follow their instructions carefully. If you’re not comfortable with this process, consider seeking help from a professional technician.
Step 7: Run the Power Efficiency Diagnostics Report. This report can provide insights into power-related issues. To generate it, open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following command:
powercfg /energy
This will create a detailed HTML report in your Windows directory, typically at C:\Windows\system32\energy-report.html. Open this file and look for any power-related errors or warnings that might be causing the restart issue.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, it’s possible that you’re dealing with a hardware problem. In this case, it’s best to consult with a professional technician who can diagnose and fix any potential hardware faults.
Remember, shutting down your PC shouldn’t be a battle. With these steps, you should be able to resolve the restart issue and enjoy a properly functioning shutdown process.