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HP PCs - The Computer Restarts Unexpectedly (Windows 10, 8)

This document is for HP and Compaq computers and tablets with Windows 10 or Windows 8.

If Windows restarts without warning or when you try to shut it down, use this document to resolve the issue.

If the computer restarts unexpectedly but does not start to Windows, go to:

Desktop computers: Computer Does Not Start (Windows 10, 8)
Notebook computers: Computer Does Not Start (Windows 10, 8)

note:
In addition to the steps in this article, updating video card drivers is known to resolve many of the problems that can cause the computer to restart. Go to Downloading or Updating Software and Drivers for HP Computers for more information.

Windows restarts for no apparent reason

To resolve the problem, follow the steps in this section.

Step 1: Disable the automatic restart option to view error messages

Errors might occur but not display with Automatic restart enabled. Disable this option to allow the computer to display error messages instead of restarting.

In Windows, search for and open View advanced system settings.
Click Settings in the Startup and Recovery section.
Remove the check mark next to Automatically restart, and then click OK.
Restart the computer.

The computer no longer restarts automatically when a problem occurs. Instead, a blue screen displays with useful information. You can search for a resolution using the information in the error.

Step 2: Check for failed hardware

Hardware problems can cause unexpected results. Go to Testing for Hardware Failures for more information.

note:
Increased heat inside the computer can cause hardware failures. Go to HP Notebook PCs - Reducing Heat Inside the Laptop to Prevent Overheating (notebook computers) or HP Desktop PCs - Reducing Heat Inside the Computer to Prevent Overheating (desktop computers) for more information.

Step 3: Update the BIOS

A BIOS update might resolve unexpected restarts. Choose one of the methods below to check for and download a BIOS update.

Use HP Support Assistant to check for updated BIOS

You can use HP Support Assistant to search for a BIOS update. If HP Support Assistant finds a BIOS update, download and install it.

In Windows, search for and open HP Support Assistant.

If the app is not installed on your computer, download the latest version from the HP Support Assistant website.
On the HP Support Assistant main page, click the Updates button in the My PC box.
Click Check for updates and messages.

HP Support Assistant connects to the HP servers, collects your system information, downloads updates, and displays the results.
If HP Support Assistant finds a BIOS update, click the Install now icon to update your BIOS.

If HP Support Assistant does not find an update, your computer has the latest BIOS available.

Download and install the latest version of the BIOS from HP

Download a BIOS update from the HP website.

Go to the HP Customer Support - Software and Driver Downloads page.
If a Let's identify your product to get started page displays, click Laptop or Desktop.
Type the model name for your HP or Compaq computer in the search field, and then click Submit. For example, type Pavilion HPE h8-1360t Desktop, and then click Submit.
If a Matching products web page opens, select your model number from the list.
In the operating system section, click Change.
Use the drop-down menus to select the original operating system that came with your computer, and then click Change again.
From the list, find the BIOS category, and then click the plus sign + to expand the category.

caution:
Read the Details section to confirm that the BIOS update is more recent than the one installed and that it applies to your computer. Installing the wrong BIOS could cause your computer to stop working.
- At this time, HP does not have a BIOS update for your computer if you do not see one posted.
- Several BIOS updates might be available for different motherboard or system board names. If this is the case, identify the board installed on your computer. Open HP Support Assistant, and then click the Specifications tab. The General Specifications section lists the system board information.
- Once you have found a BIOS update, click Download, and then choose whether to Use HP Download and Install Assistant or to Download only. Click Next, and then follow the on-screen instructions.

Once you have installed the updates or if no updates were available, continue to the next step.

Use HP SoftPaq Download Manager (Business computers only)

For business computers, use the HP SoftPaq Download Manager utility to keep the BIOS up-to-date.

Download and install the HP SoftPaq Download Manager utility.
After the installation finishes, open the utility, and then click Show This Computer. A list of available updates displays.
Click Select SoftPaqs, and then click All from the drop-down list.
Under the Downloaded SoftPaqs section, click Download, and then follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the updates.

For more information, go to Using HP SoftPaq Download Manager.

Step 4: Perform a System Restore

If the restart issue is recent, restore the computer to a point before the problem began, to resolve the issue. Go to Using Microsoft System Restore (Windows 10, 8) for more information.

Step 5: Recover the computer

If the issue persists, recover the computer back to its original configuration. Go to Resetting Your Computer (Windows 10) or Performing an HP System Recovery (Windows 8) for more information.

Windows restarts after a Windows Update

If restarts occur after a Windows Update or an Automatic Update, perform the following steps.

Step 1: Uninstall the latest Windows Update

Choose your operating system to uninstall the latest Windows Update.

Windows 10

Uninstall the latest Windows Update from Windows 10.

In Windows, search for and open Troubleshoot settings.
Click Windows Update, and then click Run the troubleshooter. The utility scans your computer.
Follow the on-screen instructions and make any suggested changes. When done, close the troubleshooter.

If the issue persists, continue with these steps.
In Windows, search for and open View your update history.
Click Uninstall updates.
Select the latest update, and then click Uninstall.

If the problem continues, repeat these steps with older updates until the problem resolves.

Windows 8

Uninstall the latest Windows Update from Windows 8.

In Windows, search for and open View installed updates.

caution:
Make sure you have the installation discs and keys for software programs you want to keep.
Check the Installed On column to find the most recent update.

Write down the exact name of the update.
Click the name of the update to uninstall, and then click Uninstall at the top of the updates list.
Read and respond to any messages that might open during the removal of the update.
If the problem is resolved, proceed to the next step to prevent the update from reinstalling on the computer.

If the problem continues, repeat these steps with older updates until the problem resolves.

Step 2: Prevent Windows updates from reinstalling the update in Windows 8

In Windows 8, Windows Update might try to reinstall updates that you uninstall. Prevent Windows Update from reinstalling the update on your computer:

note:
The following steps do not apply to computers with Windows 10. In Windows 10, all Windows updates automatically download and install. You cannot choose which updates to install.

In Windows, search for and open Windows Update. Windows Update opens on the Windows desktop.
On the Windows Update window, click Change settings in the left-hand column.
In the Important updates box, select Check for updates, but let me decide whether to download and install them.
Click the check box next to Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates, and then click OK.
Click one of the links under You're set to automatically install updates. Example: 1 important update is available.
On the Select updates you want to install window, if the update you uninstalled displays, right-click the update and select Hide update.

The update is now hidden and will not be installed. To install hidden updates in the future, click Restore hidden updates in Windows Update.

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