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HP PCs - The computer restarts unexpectedly (Windows 10)

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 HP PCs - Computer does not boot or start.

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 HP PCs - Downloading or updating software and drivers for more information.

Windows restarts for no apparent reason

To resolve the problem of Windows restarting unexpectedly, follow the steps in this section.

Disabling the automatic restart option to view error messages

Errors might occur but not display if Automatic restart is enabled. Disable this option to allow the computer to display error messages instead of restarting. You might be able to use the infromation in the error message to resolve the issue.

  1. In Windows, search for and open View advanced system settings.

  2. In the Startup and Recovery section, click Settings.

  3. Remove the check mark next to Automatically restart, and then click OK.

    Location of the Automatically restart check box

  4. 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.

Checking for failed hardware

Hardware problems can cause unexpected results.

For more information, see HP PCs - Testing for hardware failures in Windows 10.

Note:

Increased heat inside the computer can cause hardware failures. Go to HP Notebook PCs - Reduce heat inside the laptop to prevent overheating in Windows or HP Desktop PCs - Reduce heat inside the computer to prevent overheating for more information.

Updating the BIOS to resolve unexpected restarts in Windows

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

Checking for a BIOS update using HP Support Assistant

Use HP Support Assistant to check for and install a BIOS update on your computer. When a new BIOS update becomes available, HP Support Assistant can update your computer automatically. HP computers with Windows come with HP Support Assistant (HPSA) installed.

  1. In Windows, search for and open HP Support Assistant.

    Note:

    If the app is not installed on your computer, go to HP Support Assistant to download the latest version.

  2. On the My devices or My notebook tab, select Updates available in the Software & drivers section.

    My notebook tab

  3. If a new BIOS update is available, check the box next the BIOS update and any other updates you want to install, and then click Download and install.

Downloading and installing the latest version of the BIOS from HP

Download a BIOS update from the HP website.

  1. Go to the HP Customer Support - Software and Driver Downloads page.

  2. If a Let's identify your product to get started page displays, click Laptop or Desktop.

  3. Type the model name for your HP or Compaq computer in the search field, and then click Submit.

    Type Pavilion HPE h8-1360t Desktop, and then click Submit.

  4. If a Matching products web page opens, select your model number from the list.

  5. In the operating system section, click Change.

    Change your computer operating system

  6. Use the drop-down menus to select the original operating system that came with your computer, and then click Change again.

    Select your computer operating system

  7. 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.

    Note:

    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.

    Note:

    At this time, HP does not have a BIOS update for your computer if you do not see one posted.

    Expand BIOS options

  8. Once you have found a BIOS update, click Download, and then choose whether to Use HP Download and Install Assistant or to Download only. ClickNext, and then follow the on-screen instructions.

Update the BIOS using HP Image Assistant (HP Business PCs only)

For business computers, use the HP Image Assistant utility to keep the BIOS up-to-date.

For more information, go to HP PCs - Using HP Image Assistant.

  1. Go to HP Image Assistant (HPIA) and download and install the most recent version from the SoftPaq column.

  2. In the File Explorer, navigate to and open HPImageAssistant.exe.

  3. Click the Download SoftPaqs tab.

  4. In Step 1 Create My Poducts List, click Create to open the Edit My Products List window.

  5. Click the drop-down menu for Select operating system, and select your operating system.

  6. Select your product from the HP Product Catalog list, or use the Search box and search by your product by name and number.

    You could search for EliteBook or 800.

  7. Click Apply.

  8. In Step 2 Select from My Poducts List, select your computer or computers.

  9. In Step 3 Get SoftPaqs, click Analyze, and then wait while HPIA retrieves and downloads the image configuration from HP.

    The Available SoftPaqs tab lists the SoftPaqs available for the selected computers.

  10. Click the drop-down menu for Select Components to Download/Apply, and then select the BIOS component.

    If no BIOS component is available, your BIOS is up to date.

  11. Click Download.

  12. Select Download and extract SoftPaqs, and then click Start.

Perform a System Restore to resolve an issue in Windows

If the issue is recent, restore the computer to a point before the problem began, to resolve the issue.

Go to HP PCs - Using Microsoft System Restore for more information.

Perform a Windows system reset

If the issue persists, recover the computer back to its original configuration.

Microsoft provides a reset feature that repairs your computer by reinstalling the operating system. Before using this option, make sure you back up all your important files.

Go to HP PCs - Reset the computer for more information.

Windows restarts after a Windows Update

If restarts occur after a Windows Update or an Automatic Update, uninstall the most recent update.

Uninstalling the latest Windows 10 update

Uninstall the latest Windows Update from Windows 10.

  1. In Windows, search for and open Troubleshoot settings.

  2. Click Windows Update > Run the troubleshooter.

    The utility scans your computer.

    Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

  3. Follow the on-screen instructions and make any suggested changes. When done, close the troubleshooter.

    If the issue persists, continue with these steps.

  4. In Windows, search for and open View your update history.

  5. Click Uninstall updates.

  6. Select the latest update, and then click Uninstall.

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

    Uninstall option at the top of the updates list

Additional support options

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