PC Randomly Restarts or Shuts Down

Random shutdowns should not be ignored, especially if they occur while gaming or under heavy system load.

Check temperatures

Monitor your CPU and GPU temperatures.

If temperatures become excessively high, check:

  • CPU cooler mounting

  • Case airflow

  • Fans

  • Dust buildup

  • Thermal paste

Check Windows Event Viewer

Search Windows for Event Viewer.

Navigate to:

Windows Logs > System

Look for critical errors around the time the PC restarted.

A Kernel-Power 41 event indicates Windows detected an unexpected shutdown, although it does not identify the exact cause.

Remove overclocks

Temporarily disable:

  • CPU overclocks

  • GPU overclocks

  • RAM tuning

  • Undervolts

Return the system to stock settings and test again.

Check your power supply

Unexpected shutdowns under load can also indicate power supply problems.

If the issue continues, hardware testing may be required.