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



This document pertains to HP and Compaq computers and tablets with Windows 10 and Windows 8.



If Windows suddenly restarts without warning, or restarts when you try to shut it down, it might be caused by one of several issues. Windows could be set to restart automatically when certain system errors occur. A BIOS update can also resolve the issue. Use the information in this document to resolve issues with the computer restarting unexpectedly.

If the computer restarts unexpectedly and then does not start to Windows, see one of the following documents for steps to resolve this issue:

  1. Computer Does Not Start (Windows 10) for notebook computers.

  2. Computer Does Not Start (Windows 8) for notebook computers.

  3. Computer Does Not Start (Windows 10, 8) for desktop computers.
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.

1.Computer Does Not Start (Windows 10)

HP Notebook PCs - Computer Does Not Start (Windows 10)
This document is for HP and Compaq notebook computers running Windows 10.
This document provides possible solutions to many common computer startup issues. Follow the instructions in the Perform a hard reset section first, then follow the instructions for the Run the System Extensive Test section (if your computer turns on). If using these two sections does not solve your problem, find the symptom specific to your computer and follow the instructions listed.


Perform a hard reset

Perform a hard reset of your notebook computer before you try any other troubleshooting steps.

Reasons for a hard reset
A hard reset has the following effects

• Clears the memory.
• Reestablishes the connection between the BIOS and the hardware

The following conditions can be helped by the hard reset:

• Windows stops responding.
• The display suddenly goes blank.
• The computer does not wake from sleep or hibernate modes.
• Software applications freeze or fail to respond.

Run the System Diagnostics tests

The diagnostic tests are run from the Startup menu. These tests check the main components of your computer to make sure they are working properly. Use the following steps to run the diagnostics tests to check for problems.

1. Press and hold the Power button until the computer turns off completely.

2. Turn on the computer. Immediately press the Esc key repeatedly, about once every second, until the Startup Menu is displayed

3. Press the F2 key. The System Diagnostics screen is displayed and the following menu is shown.

• System Information
• Start-Up Test
• Run-In Test
• Hard Disk Test
• Memory Test
• Battery Test
• Error Log
• Exit

                                              Figure 1 : System Diagnostics

2.Computer Does Not Start (Windows 8)

HP Notebook PCs - Computer Does Not Start (Windows 8)

This document is for HP and Compaq notebook computers running Windows 8.


This document provides possible solutions to many common computer startup issues. Follow the instructions in the Perform a hard reset section first, then follow the instructions for the Run the System Extensive Test section (if your computer turns on). If using these two sections does not solve your problem, find the symptom specific to your computer and follow the instructions listed.

Perform a hard reset
Perform a hard reset of your notebook computer before you try any other troubleshooting steps.

Reasons for a hard reset

A hard reset has the following effects:

• Clears the memory.
• Reestablishes the connection between the BIOS and the hardware

The following conditions can be helped by the hard reset:

• Windows stops responding.
• The display suddenly goes blank.
• The computer does not wake from sleep or hibernate modes.
• Software application freeze or fail to respond.

Run the System Extensive Test

The System Test runs from the Startup menu. It checks the main components of your computer to make
sure they are working properly. Use the following steps to run the System Test to check for problems.

    1. Press and hold the Power button until the computer turns off completely.

    2. Turn on the computer. Immediately press the Esc key repeatedly, about once every second, until the Startup Menu is displayed.

    3. Press the F2 key. The System Diagnostics screen is displayed.

         Note:
        Your diagnostics screens might vary slightly in look and color, but the menu items and selections remain the same.



    Click System Tests.


                                          Figure 1 : System Tests
The System Extensive Test window opens.




The System Extensive Test window opens.

6. Click Run Once. The test could take several hours, depending on the configuration of your system.



3.Computer Does Not Start (Windows 10, 8) for desktop computers.

HP Desktop PCs - Computer Does Not Start (Windows 10,8)

This document is for HP and Compaq Desktop, All-in-One, and HP TouchSmart computers that came with Windows 10 and Windows 8.

This document provides possible solutions to many common computer startup issues. Follow the steps in this document step-by-step to help isolate the problem and find the most appropriate help.
Depending on your version of Windows, some of the instructions and images in this document, and others linked to from this document, might vary slightly.

This video shows what to do when your computer does not start

Click here to see this video in full screen on YouTube.


Step 1: Removing discs and devices before troubleshooting startup issues
 
Turn off the computer, then remove any discs and USB devices, then remove memory cards from the card reader slot. Disconnect all non-essential devices (printers, scanners, external hard drives, and similar). Remove or disconnect all discs and devices from the computer, except for the mouse, keyboard and monitor.
After you have removed all discs and devices, turn on the computer. What happens?

• If the computer starts, reconnect devices one at a time while restarting the computer to figure out which disc or device is causing the problem. You are done.
• If the computer still does not start and exhibits the same problem, press and hold the power button to turn off the computer, do not connect anything and continue troubleshooting.

Step 2: Perform a hard reset

Many startup errors and other problems can be resolved by decreasing the amount of power stored in hardware components. Decreasing stored power is sometimes referred to as a "Hard Reset". Use the following steps to perform a hard reset on a computer:

    1. Turn off the computer completely; disconnect the power cord from the back of the computer.

    2. With the power off and the power cord disconnected, press the power button on the computer for 5 seconds. The power light indicator on or near the power button might turn on briefly but then go out.

    3. Reconnect the power cord and turn on the power. 

• If the computer starts, you are done.
• If the computer still does not start and exhibits the same problem, continue the troubleshooting.

Step 3: Troubleshooting computer startup issues
 
Read from the following list of symptoms. If you find a symptom that matches your computers condition, follow those instructions. A link might take you to another support document that contains detailed troubleshooting steps. If you cannot find a symptom that matches your computers symptom, see Step 3: Run Hardware Diagnostics tests.


Step 4: Run Hardware Diagnostics tests

Select your type of computer from the options below, then follow the instructions for that type of computer.

Step 5: Checking if the hard drive is detected in BIOS
 
If the hard drive is not detected in the BIOS, the computer does not start up. Perform the following steps to check if the hard drive is detected in BIOS:

    1. Remove or disconnect all discs and devices from the computer, except for the mouse, keyboard and monitor.

    2. Turn on the computer and immediately press the F10 key repeatedly, about once every second, until the BIOS Setup tool opens.

    3. Use the left and right arrow keys to select Storage.
    Use the up and down arrow keys to select Device Configuration, then press Enter.

    4. Verify a hard drive is listed under Hard Disk.

                                         Figure 1 : Example of a hard drive listed in the BIOS

• If the hard drive name is listed, exit the BIOS without saving any changes, and skip to Step 5: Refreshing or resetting your PC in Windows .
• If the hard drive name is missing, or the text Auto or None is listed, exit the BIOS without saving any changes, then continue to the Hard drive is not detected in BIOS section.

 
If your computer is not opening to a blue "Choose an option" screen, see Step 6: Run Microsoft System Restore from recovery discs.
Use Microsofts "Refresh your PC" feature to reinstall Windows without affecting your personal files, apps, and many settings.

    1. On the Choose an option window, click Troubleshoot.

 

                                          Figure 2 : Choose an option screen

 

 2.Click Refresh your PC.

                                          Figure 3 : Troubleshoot screen 

3.Click Next.

                                         Figure 4 : Refresh your PC screen 

4.Wait until Windows completes. Read and respond to any screens that open.

• If the computer starts and opens Windows, you are done.
• If the computer does not start and opens to the Choose an option screen, continue troubleshooting.

5.On the Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot.

6.Click Reset your PC.

                                          Figure 5 : Troubleshoot screen 

7.Click Next.

                                          Figure 6 : Reset your PC screen

    8.Select the quick option to remove your personal files.

         Caution:
        Your personal files and settings will be destroyed by performing this step. Make sure you have backed up all your important files before continuing. Do not continue if you have important files on the hard drive that have not been backed up. You might want to seek a professional data recovery service to restore your files.

    9.Wait until Windows completes. Read and respond to any screens that open.

• If the computer starts and opens Windows, you are done.
• If the computer does not start and opens to the Choose an option screen, continue to the next step to run Microsoft System Restore.

Step 7: Running Microsoft System Restore from recovery discs
 
If you have recovery discs, either that you have created or obtained from HP Support, you can use System Restore to revert the computer to a time when it started. Follow these steps to run Microsoft System Restore from the recovery discs:

    1.Turn on the computer, then insert the first recovery disc into the drive.
    2.Press and hold the power button until the computer turns off completely.
    3.Disconnect all connected devices and cables such as Personal Media Drives, USB drives, printers, and faxes. Remove media from internal drives, and remove any recently added internal hardware. Do not disconnect the monitor, keyboard, mouse, or power cord.
    4.Turn on the computer.
    5.Immediately press the F9 key repeatedly, about once every second, until the Boot Device Options menu opens.
    6.Use the up or down arrow key to select the CD/DVD drive. Then press Enter.

         Note:
        More than one CD/DVD drive selection might be available from the list of bootable devices. If so, select one of the CD/DVD selections from the list to see if HP Recovery starts. If recovery does not start or a non-system disk error is displayed, press the power button to restart the computer, then repeat these steps to select another CD/DVD drive. When recovery starts, continue using the steps to complete recovery.

    7. A window might display and prompt you to choose whether to run Recovery Manager from the hard disk or from the inserted disc. If this window is displayed, select the Run program from disc, then click Next.

    8.Select an option based on the type of recovery discs you have

• Recovery discs you created:

        Click Microsoft System Restore under I need help immediately. If the next screen prompts you to confirm your choice, select Yes, then click Next. If no confirmation screen is displayed, continue to the next step.

• Recovery discs received from HP Support:

        Select Restore your computer to a previous state, then click Next.

    9.Follow the on-screen instructions to restore the computer to a date and time when it started up correctly.

    10.Wait for the system restoration to complete.

    If the computer starts to Windows, you are done.
    If the computer does not start, proceed with the next step to perform a system recovery.

Step 8: Performing an HP System Recovery
 
If the steps in this document have not resolved the startup problem, perform a System Recovery to reset the computer to its original factory shipped state. For more information about System Recovery, see Performing an HP System Recovery.

     Note:
    HP recommends that all possible troubleshooting steps are done before performing a System Recovery.


Windows restarts for no apparent reason



Follow the steps in this section, in order, until the problem is resolved.

Step 1: Disabling the automatic restart option to view error messages
 
Many hardware driver or operating system errors will cause the computer to display a specific error message before stopping the operation or shutting down the computer. However, if the Automatically restart option is enabled, an error message might not be displayed despite an error taking place. Disable this option to allow the computer to display the error message.
Follow these steps to disable the Automatically restart option:

   1.  In Windows, search for and open View advanced system settings.
   2. Click Settings in the Startup and Recovery section.

                                                 Figure 1 : System Properties window

3. Remove the check mark next to Automatically restart under System Failure, then click OK.

                                                 Figure 2 : Automatically restart check box

4. Restart the computer.

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

Step 2: Checking for failed hardware

Hardware problems can cause the computer to restart unexpectedly. For more information about checking for hardware problems, see Testing for Hardware Failures (Windows 10, 8) for desktop computers, or Testing for Hardware Failures (Windows 10, 8) for notebook computers.

 Note:
Failed hardware is usually caused by increased heat inside the computer. Over time, cooling areas can become clogged with dust buildup causing temperatures inside the case to rise. For more information, see Reducing Heat Inside the PC to Prevent Overheating for notebook computers, or Reducing Heat Inside the PC to Prevent Overheating for desktop computers.


Step 3: Updating the BIOS

A BIOS update can resolve issues with the computer shutting down unexpectedly. Follow the steps in the following sections to use HP Support Assistant or to check for a BIOS update at the HP website.


Step 4: Performing a System Restore
 
If the issue has begun recently, restoring the computer to a point before the problem began can resolve the issue. For more information about using system restore, refer to Using Microsoft System Restore (Windows 10, 8).

Step 5: Recovering the computer
 
If the other steps in this document failed to resolve the issue, recover all software on the computer back to its original configuration using HP System Recovery. For more information, see Performing an HP System Recovery (Windows 10), or Performing an HP System Recovery (Windows 8).


Windows restarts after a Windows Update

 
Your computer might experience system restarts after running Microsoft Windows Update or performing an Automatic Update.
If your computer restarts automatically after a Windows Update, perform the following steps.

Step 1: Uninstall the latest Windows Update

Use the following steps to uninstall the latest Windows Update.

    1.In Windows, search for and open View installed updates.

         Caution:
        Make sure you have the installation discs and installation keys for software programs that you want to keep.

    2.Check the Installed On column to find the most recent update.
    Write down the exact name of the update.
    3.Click the name of the update to uninstall, then click Uninstall at the top of the updates list.

    Figure 3 : Uninstall option at the top of the updates list





    4.Read and respond to any messages that might open while the update is being removed from your computer.
    5.If the problem is resolved, proceed to the next step to prevent the update from reinstalling on the computer.
    If the problem is not resolved, repeat these steps with older updates until the problem is resolved.

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. Use the following steps to 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 are automatically downloaded and installed, and you cannot choose which updates to install.

   1.In Windows 8, search for and open Windows Update.

                                             Figure 4 : Selecting Windows Update

Windows Update opens on the Windows desktop.

2.On the Windows Update window, click Change settings in the left-hand column.

                                         Figure 5 : Clicking Change settings

3.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 , then click OK.

                                          Figure 6 : Changing update settings


4.On the Windows Update window, click one of the links under Youre set to automatically install updates. Example: 1 important update is available.

                             

Available link for download