1. Check if the power supply unit is functioning correctly
The first thing you should do if your computer is shutting down unexpectedly is to check if the power supply unit (PSU) is functioning correctly. The PSU is responsible for delivering power from the wall outlet to the various components of a computer. It is possible that the PSU is not able to provide enough power to support the components, and as a result, the device will shut down unexpectedly or experience other issues.
To check if the PSU is working correctly, you will need to measure its output. This can be done using a multimeter, which is an electronic device used to test voltage, resistance, current, and continuity in electronic circuits. Start by setting the multimeter to DC volts and plug the black lead into the common socket, and then plug the red lead into each of the remaining sockets one at a time. The multimeter should display the correct voltage reading (e.g., 11.8 V, 14.6 V, etc.) for each socket. If the reading is incorrect, it could indicate that the PSU is not providing enough power to sustain the system and may need to be replaced.
2. Check the temperature of the processor
If the issue persists after checking the power supply, then you should also check the temperature of the processor. Overheating is one of the most common causes of unexpected shut downs. To check the temperature of the processor, you will need to use a thermal imaging camera or a software monitoring program such as Core Temp.
When using a thermal imaging camera, point the lens at the processor, and the image will show the current temperature. If the temperature is higher than the recommended level, then you may need to apply some additional cooling solutions such as replacing the thermal paste or adding additional fans.
Using a monitoring program also allows you to track the processor’s temperature over time and identify any changes or spikes that could be causing the computer to shut down unexpectedly. Once you have identified the cause of the overheating, you can take measures to cool down the processor accordingly.
3. Check for viruses
Another potential cause of unexpected shutdowns is a virus or other malicious software. Viruses are programs that can damage system files or cause the computer to crash. It is important to scan your system regularly with anti-virus software and update it regularly to ensure it is protected from any new viruses.
If you suspect that your computer is infected by a virus, you should run a full scan with a reliable anti-virus program. This will search through all the files on your device and quarantine any suspicious ones. You may also need to use additional tools such as a malware scanner to detect and remove any malicious software.
4. Update drivers and firmware
Outdated drivers and firmware can also cause unexpected shutdowns. Drivers are pieces of software that allow hardware components to communicate with the operating system. Outdated drivers may be incompatible with the current version of the operating system and lead to instability or unexpected shutdowns.
You should regularly check for updates for the drivers and firmware for all of the hardware components in your computer. Most device manufacturers have websites where you can download the latest versions of their drivers and firmware. If you cannot find the updates on the manufacturer’s website, then you can often find them on third-party websites such as Driver Booster.
5. Reset your computer
If none of the above steps resolves your issue, then you should try resetting your computer. This will restore the device to its factory settings, which may help resolve any underlying problems. To reset your computer, you will need to access the Advanced Startup Options menu. This can be done by pressing the F8 key before Windows starts.
Once in the Advanced Startup Options menu, select the option to Reset your PC. This will reset all of the settings to their defaults, including the registry, and may help to resolve any underlying issues.
Conclusion
Unexpected shutdowns can be caused by various factors such as a failing power supply unit, overheating, viruses, outdated drivers or firmware, or underlying software issues. If your computer is shutting down unexpectedly, then it is important to diagnose the problem and take the necessary steps to resolve it. Start by checking the power supply, processor temperature, and any potential viruses, then update the drivers and firmware, and finally reset the computer if the issue persists. Taking these steps should help to resolve the issue and prevent future unexpected shutdowns.