Gaming on a PC is as exciting as it can ever get! So long as your PC has got the needed horsepower, you can get the most out of any action-packed or high-octane game. But what if your trusted PC is behaving unexpectedly, restarting time and time again while gaming? Fret not! This is where I have a role to play. So, whether you’re playing graphically demanding AAA titles or lighter esports games, these 10 best tips will help you fix your PC that reboots repeatedly during gaming. Read on…
Fix Windows 11 PC Restarts While Gaming
It’s worth pointing out that the random reboots often happen due to hardware overheating, faulty power delivery, bad memory modules, driver issues, or even malware. To me, the challenge lies in spotting the right cause among several possibilities.
1. Check CPU and GPU temperatures while gaming
Note that the high temperatures can force your PC to shut down or restart to prevent damage. Therefore, make sure to check the CPU and the GPU temperatures while playing games.
- To do so, I’d suggest you download hardware monitoring tools like HWMonitor, MSI Afterburner, or Core Temp.
- After that, monitor CPU and GPU temperatures while gaming.
- If temperatures exceed 85°C (CPU) or 80°C (GPU), be sure to take the following actions:
- Ensure all internal fans are working properly.
- Clean out dust from heatsinks and case fans.
- Reapply thermal paste if necessary.
- Add more case fans or upgrade your cooling system.
2. Clean the dust buildup inside your PC
Be warned that the dust can choke airflow and lead to overheating, triggering restarts. Hence, try cleaning the dust buildup inside your PC.
- To do so, power off your PC and unplug it from the power outlet.
- After that, open the side panel of your case using a screwdriver.
- Use a can of compressed air to blow dust off:
- CPU and GPU fans
- Case fans and power supply
- Air vents and heatsinks
- Use a soft brush for stubborn dust, but avoid touching components directly.
- Close the case securely and test your system again.
3. Update your graphics drivers
Beware of the fact that outdated or buggy GPU drivers often cause crashes and system instability during gaming. So, it would be helpful to update your graphics drivers.
- Identify your GPU brand (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).
- Visit the official website:
- NVIDIA: www.nvidia.com
- AMD: www.amd.com
- Intel: www.intel.com
- Download and install the latest stable drivers.
- Restart your PC after installation.
- Optionally use tools like DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) to clean up older drivers before reinstalling.
4. Check your power supply unit (PSU)
A weak or failing PSU may not deliver enough power during gaming sessions.
- Check the wattage of your PSU and compare it with your GPU and CPU requirements.
- Open your case and inspect the PSU for:
- Dust buildup
- Strange smells or noises
- Loose or frayed cables
- If possible, test with another PSU or have yours checked at a repair center.
- Replace the PSU with a certified unit from brands like Corsair, EVGA, or Seasonic if it’s underpowered or failing.
5. Run a memory diagnostic test
Faulty RAM can cause sudden restarts or crashes when under load.
- Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, and hit Enter.
- Choose “Restart now and check for problems”.
- Allow Windows to scan your memory and report errors.
- If errors are found:
- Reseat the RAM sticks and test each one individually.
- Replace faulty modules if needed.
- For a more in-depth scan, use MemTest86 (bootable USB tool).
6. Scan for malware and remove background apps
Malware and unnecessary background processes can destabilize your system.
- Run a full antivirus scan using:
- Windows Security (built-in)
- Malwarebytes or similar trusted tools
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and check the Processes tab.
- Look for high CPU or RAM usage from unknown apps.
- Disable or uninstall apps you don’t recognize or need.
- Consider doing a clean boot to rule out software conflicts.
7. Disable CPU or GPU overclocking
Overclocking can push components beyond their safe limits, causing restarts.
- Enter BIOS/UEFI by pressing Del or F2 during boot.
- Locate the CPU and GPU overclock settings.
- Set all frequencies and voltages back to Auto or Default.
- Save and exit BIOS.
- If using software overclocking tools like MSI Afterburner, reset the profiles to stock settings.
8. Install the latest Windows updates
Missing system patches or OS bugs can lead to hardware and driver issues.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install all available patches.
- Restart your system and test performance.
- If the problem began after an update, roll back by going to:
- Settings > Update History > Uninstall updates.
9. Lower in-game graphics settings
Heavy visual settings can push your system too hard, especially if your hardware is aging.
- Launch the game and go to Settings > Graphics or Video.
- Lower the following options:
- Texture Quality
- Anti-Aliasing
- Shadow Quality
- Ray Tracing (if available)
- Turn on V-Sync or Frame Rate Cap to reduce GPU stress.
- Save and test performance after making changes.
10. Check crash logs in Windows Event Viewer
System logs can give clues about what caused the restart.
- Press Win + X and choose Event Viewer.
- Navigate to Windows Logs > System.
- Look for Critical or Error messages around the time your PC restarted.
- Common error sources:
- Kernel-Power (often PSU or overheating)
- Driver failure
- Application crashes
- Use the error codes and details to further diagnose the issue.
Wrapping up…
And that’s pretty much it! If your PC keeps restarting while gaming, it’s a sign of deeper instability that shouldn’t be ignored. Whether it’s high temps, a failing PSU, bad RAM, or outdated drivers, identifying the cause is crucial for long-term stability.
By methodically applying the solutions outlined above, you can troubleshoot and fix the underlying issue and get back to smooth, uninterrupted gameplay. Always keep your system clean, drivers updated, and settings optimized to ensure the best performance and reliability. Happy gaming!
