When a Windows system restarts automatically, it may also cause a Blue screen of death (BSOD) error, making your system and its data inaccessible. Fixing this error requires an understanding of the underlying causes. Let’s learn more!<\/p>
Why Windows PC Restarts Automatically?<\/strong><\/h2>Windows is a complex environment run by an intricate combination of several files. Sometimes, due to a conflict between system files (including registry) or corrupt system files[PD1] , the system shuts down abruptly, leading to automatic system restart and several other issues.<\/p>
Hardware issues with RAM, hard disk, or some new hardware configuration can also lead to automatic and random system shutdowns or restarts.<\/p>
Other factors that cause a computer to restart automatically are:<\/p>
\n- Malware or virus infection making changes in Registry values<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Installing Untrusted programs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Change in Power option\/plan settings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Buggy or damaged system files<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Corrupted peripheral or external devices<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Outdated or buggy drivers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Outdated Windows<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- An obsolete antivirus program<\/li>\n<\/ul>
How to Solve Computer Restarts When Locked Issue?<\/strong><\/h2>Below are some quick methods to help you overcome the problem. We’ve added some advanced methods that may require technical expertise. Let’s begin with the basic methods first.<\/p>
1. Unplug Peripheral Devices<\/strong><\/h3>A problematic peripheral device\/hardware, such as a printer, scanner, USB device, card reader, etc., connected to your system may cause it to restart after being locked. Remove or disconnect these devices from your system.<\/p>
Then, remove the battery or unplug the computer from the wall and hold the power button for approximately 15 seconds. Reconnect the power to your system and try to restart it. If you still face issues, try the following method.<\/p>
2. Boot your PC in Safe Mode<\/strong><\/h3>If you have tried restarting your system multiple times and are still facing the same issue, try booting your PC in safe mode and see if it bypasses the error. Safe Mode helps the system start with a minimum set of drivers and software, assisting users to bypass the error state and access the system’s functionalities. Follow the steps given below:<\/p>
\n- Turn off your system using the Power button (if it is ON).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reboot the system and forcefully turn it off when you see your PC\/Laptop’s brand logo or Windows logo on the screen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Repeat this thrice, and you should be able to boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (RE).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- There, click Advanced Options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Click F4<\/strong> to select the ‘Enable Safe Mode<\/strong>‘ option and then click Restart<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
![\"enable](\"https:\/\/www.stellarinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/press-f4-to-enable-safe-mode-image2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n- Once your system restarts, it will be in Safe Mode. If the error doesn’t occur, try the following relevant methods.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
3. Disable Sleep or Hibernate mode<\/strong><\/h3>Adjusting your power settings and disabling sleep or hibernate mode may also help you resolve the system restarting on the screen lock issue. To do so, follow the given steps:<\/p>
\n- Press Windows + Q<\/strong> or Windows + S<\/strong>, and you will see a search window.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Type Control Panel<\/strong> and click Open<\/strong> when you see the result.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
![\"open](\"https:\/\/www.stellarinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/open-control-panel-from-search.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n- Next, locate View by<\/strong>, and select Large Icons<\/strong> from the drop-down.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
![\"select](\"https:\/\/www.stellarinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/select-large-icons-from-View-by-category-in-control-panel.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n- Go to Power Options<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
![\"go](\"https:\/\/www.stellarinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/go-to-Power-options.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n- Now, click Change plan settings<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
![\"Change](\"https:\/\/www.stellarinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Change-plan-settings.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n- On the following prompt, set the ‘Turn off the display’<\/strong> and ‘Put the computer to sleep’<\/strong> options to Never<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Click Save Changes<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
![\"set](\"https:\/\/www.stellarinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/set-Turn-off-the-display-and-put-the-computer-to-sleep-mode-to-NEVER.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n- Now, close the Control Panel and reboot your system. Check if the problem persists.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
4. Update GPU drivers<\/strong><\/h3>Windows restarts when locked. The issue may pop up when your graphic drivers are outdated or buggy. You can download the latest graphic drivers either from your system manufacturer’s official site or do it by accessing the Device Manager, following the given steps:<\/p>
\n- Press Windows + X<\/strong> to open the Start menu, locate it, and open Device Manager.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
![\"select](\"https:\/\/www.stellarinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/open-Device-Manager-from-Start-Menu.jpg\")
<\/figure>Next, go to the Display adapters category in the Device Manager<\/strong> window.<\/p>Expand the Display adapters<\/strong> category, right-click on the driver, and choose the Update driver<\/strong> option.<\/p>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.stellarinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/select-display-adapters.jpg\")
<\/figure>On the following prompt, select “Search automatically for drivers.”<\/strong><\/p>![\"Search](\"https:\/\/www.stellarinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Search-automatically-for-drivers-option.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n- Let Windows find the latest drivers for your device. If available, download them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Close the Device Manager and reboot your system to see if the issue is resolved.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
5. Update BIOS<\/strong><\/h3>To update your system BIOS, refer to your device’s user manual or Intel’s guide on updating the BIOS<\/a>.<\/p>Note:<\/strong> Remember that any mistake while accessing or making changes in BIOS can cause more damage to your system and result in data loss. To prevent such unprecedented data loss, keep professional data recovery software<\/a><\/strong> handy.<\/p>6. Run SFC Scan<\/strong><\/h3>Sometimes, corrupted or damaged system files can also cause Windows 10 to lock itself and shut down. You can try running the SFC (System File Checker) utility. This utility scans the integrity of the system files and replace their damaged versions with the correct ones, thus fixing the system errors. Follow the given steps to run the SFC scan.<\/p>
\n- Go to Windows Search (Windows + S)<\/strong>, type cmd<\/strong>, and select Run as administrator<\/strong> when you see the results.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
![\"run](\"https:\/\/www.stellarinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/run-cmd-as-administrator.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n- Press Yes<\/strong> if it asks for your permission.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- In the elevated window, type sfc\/scannow<\/strong> and hit Enter<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
How to Solve Computer Restarts When Locked Issue?<\/strong><\/h2>Below are some quick methods to help you overcome the problem. We’ve added some advanced methods that may require technical expertise. Let’s begin with the basic methods first.<\/p>
1. Unplug Peripheral Devices<\/strong><\/h3>A problematic peripheral device\/hardware, such as a printer, scanner, USB device, card reader, etc., connected to your system may cause it to restart after being locked. Remove or disconnect these devices from your system.<\/p>
Then, remove the battery or unplug the computer from the wall and hold the power button for approximately 15 seconds. Reconnect the power to your system and try to restart it. If you still face issues, try the following method.<\/p>
2. Boot your PC in Safe Mode<\/strong><\/h3>If you have tried restarting your system multiple times and are still facing the same issue, try booting your PC in safe mode and see if it bypasses the error. Safe Mode helps the system start with a minimum set of drivers and software, assisting users to bypass the error state and access the system’s functionalities. Follow the steps given below:<\/p>
\n- Turn off your system using the Power button (if it is ON).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reboot the system and forcefully turn it off when you see your PC\/Laptop’s brand logo or Windows logo on the screen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Repeat this thrice, and you should be able to boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (RE).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- There, click Advanced Options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Click F4<\/strong> to select the ‘Enable Safe Mode<\/strong>‘ option and then click Restart<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/figure>
\n- Once your system restarts, it will be in Safe Mode. If the error doesn’t occur, try the following relevant methods.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
3. Disable Sleep or Hibernate mode<\/strong><\/h3>Adjusting your power settings and disabling sleep or hibernate mode may also help you resolve the system restarting on the screen lock issue. To do so, follow the given steps:<\/p>
\n- Press Windows + Q<\/strong> or Windows + S<\/strong>, and you will see a search window.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Type Control Panel<\/strong> and click Open<\/strong> when you see the result.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/figure>
\n- Next, locate View by<\/strong>, and select Large Icons<\/strong> from the drop-down.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/figure>
\n- Go to Power Options<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/figure>
\n- Now, click Change plan settings<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/figure>
\n- On the following prompt, set the ‘Turn off the display’<\/strong> and ‘Put the computer to sleep’<\/strong> options to Never<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Click Save Changes<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/figure>
\n- Now, close the Control Panel and reboot your system. Check if the problem persists.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
4. Update GPU drivers<\/strong><\/h3>Windows restarts when locked. The issue may pop up when your graphic drivers are outdated or buggy. You can download the latest graphic drivers either from your system manufacturer’s official site or do it by accessing the Device Manager, following the given steps:<\/p>
\n- Press Windows + X<\/strong> to open the Start menu, locate it, and open Device Manager.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/figure>
Next, go to the Display adapters category in the Device Manager<\/strong> window.<\/p>Expand the Display adapters<\/strong> category, right-click on the driver, and choose the Update driver<\/strong> option.<\/p><\/figure>On the following prompt, select “Search automatically for drivers.”<\/strong><\/p><\/figure>\n- Let Windows find the latest drivers for your device. If available, download them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Close the Device Manager and reboot your system to see if the issue is resolved.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
5. Update BIOS<\/strong><\/h3>To update your system BIOS, refer to your device’s user manual or Intel’s guide on updating the BIOS<\/a>.<\/p>Note:<\/strong> Remember that any mistake while accessing or making changes in BIOS can cause more damage to your system and result in data loss. To prevent such unprecedented data loss, keep professional data recovery software<\/a><\/strong> handy.<\/p>6. Run SFC Scan<\/strong><\/h3>Sometimes, corrupted or damaged system files can also cause Windows 10 to lock itself and shut down. You can try running the SFC (System File Checker) utility. This utility scans the integrity of the system files and replace their damaged versions with the correct ones, thus fixing the system errors. Follow the given steps to run the SFC scan.<\/p>
\n- Go to Windows Search (Windows + S)<\/strong>, type cmd<\/strong>, and select Run as administrator<\/strong> when you see the results.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/figure>
\n- Press Yes<\/strong> if it asks for your permission.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- In the elevated window, type sfc\/scannow<\/strong> and hit Enter<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
A problematic peripheral device\/hardware, such as a printer, scanner, USB device, card reader, etc., connected to your system may cause it to restart after being locked. Remove or disconnect these devices from your system.<\/p>
Then, remove the battery or unplug the computer from the wall and hold the power button for approximately 15 seconds. Reconnect the power to your system and try to restart it. If you still face issues, try the following method.<\/p>
2. Boot your PC in Safe Mode<\/strong><\/h3>If you have tried restarting your system multiple times and are still facing the same issue, try booting your PC in safe mode and see if it bypasses the error. Safe Mode helps the system start with a minimum set of drivers and software, assisting users to bypass the error state and access the system’s functionalities. Follow the steps given below:<\/p>
\n- Turn off your system using the Power button (if it is ON).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reboot the system and forcefully turn it off when you see your PC\/Laptop’s brand logo or Windows logo on the screen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Repeat this thrice, and you should be able to boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (RE).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- There, click Advanced Options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Click F4<\/strong> to select the ‘Enable Safe Mode<\/strong>‘ option and then click Restart<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/figure>
\n- Once your system restarts, it will be in Safe Mode. If the error doesn’t occur, try the following relevant methods.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
3. Disable Sleep or Hibernate mode<\/strong><\/h3>Adjusting your power settings and disabling sleep or hibernate mode may also help you resolve the system restarting on the screen lock issue. To do so, follow the given steps:<\/p>
\n- Press Windows + Q<\/strong> or Windows + S<\/strong>, and you will see a search window.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Type Control Panel<\/strong> and click Open<\/strong> when you see the result.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/figure>
\n- Next, locate View by<\/strong>, and select Large Icons<\/strong> from the drop-down.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/figure>
\n- Go to Power Options<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/figure>
\n- Now, click Change plan settings<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/figure>
\n- On the following prompt, set the ‘Turn off the display’<\/strong> and ‘Put the computer to sleep’<\/strong> options to Never<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Click Save Changes<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/figure>
\n- Now, close the Control Panel and reboot your system. Check if the problem persists.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
4. Update GPU drivers<\/strong><\/h3>Windows restarts when locked. The issue may pop up when your graphic drivers are outdated or buggy. You can download the latest graphic drivers either from your system manufacturer’s official site or do it by accessing the Device Manager, following the given steps:<\/p>
\n- Press Windows + X<\/strong> to open the Start menu, locate it, and open Device Manager.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/figure>
Next, go to the Display adapters category in the Device Manager<\/strong> window.<\/p>Expand the Display adapters<\/strong> category, right-click on the driver, and choose the Update driver<\/strong> option.<\/p><\/figure>On the following prompt, select “Search automatically for drivers.”<\/strong><\/p><\/figure>\n- Let Windows find the latest drivers for your device. If available, download them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Close the Device Manager and reboot your system to see if the issue is resolved.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
5. Update BIOS<\/strong><\/h3>To update your system BIOS, refer to your device’s user manual or Intel’s guide on updating the BIOS<\/a>.<\/p>Note:<\/strong> Remember that any mistake while accessing or making changes in BIOS can cause more damage to your system and result in data loss. To prevent such unprecedented data loss, keep professional data recovery software<\/a><\/strong> handy.<\/p>6. Run SFC Scan<\/strong><\/h3>Sometimes, corrupted or damaged system files can also cause Windows 10 to lock itself and shut down. You can try running the SFC (System File Checker) utility. This utility scans the integrity of the system files and replace their damaged versions with the correct ones, thus fixing the system errors. Follow the given steps to run the SFC scan.<\/p>
\n- Go to Windows Search (Windows + S)<\/strong>, type cmd<\/strong>, and select Run as administrator<\/strong> when you see the results.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/figure>
\n- Press Yes<\/strong> if it asks for your permission.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- In the elevated window, type sfc\/scannow<\/strong> and hit Enter<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
<\/figure>- \n
- Once your system restarts, it will be in Safe Mode. If the error doesn’t occur, try the following relevant methods.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
3. Disable Sleep or Hibernate mode<\/strong><\/h3>
Adjusting your power settings and disabling sleep or hibernate mode may also help you resolve the system restarting on the screen lock issue. To do so, follow the given steps:<\/p>
- \n
- Press Windows + Q<\/strong> or Windows + S<\/strong>, and you will see a search window.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Type Control Panel<\/strong> and click Open<\/strong> when you see the result.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
<\/figure>- \n
- Next, locate View by<\/strong>, and select Large Icons<\/strong> from the drop-down.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/figure>
- \n
- Go to Power Options<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/figure>
- \n
- Now, click Change plan settings<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/figure>
- \n
- On the following prompt, set the ‘Turn off the display’<\/strong> and ‘Put the computer to sleep’<\/strong> options to Never<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Click Save Changes<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
<\/figure>- \n
- Now, close the Control Panel and reboot your system. Check if the problem persists.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
4. Update GPU drivers<\/strong><\/h3>
Windows restarts when locked. The issue may pop up when your graphic drivers are outdated or buggy. You can download the latest graphic drivers either from your system manufacturer’s official site or do it by accessing the Device Manager, following the given steps:<\/p>
- \n
- Press Windows + X<\/strong> to open the Start menu, locate it, and open Device Manager.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/figure>
Next, go to the Display adapters category in the Device Manager<\/strong> window.<\/p>
Expand the Display adapters<\/strong> category, right-click on the driver, and choose the Update driver<\/strong> option.<\/p>
<\/figure>On the following prompt, select “Search automatically for drivers.”<\/strong><\/p>
<\/figure>- \n
- Let Windows find the latest drivers for your device. If available, download them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Close the Device Manager and reboot your system to see if the issue is resolved.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
5. Update BIOS<\/strong><\/h3>
To update your system BIOS, refer to your device’s user manual or Intel’s guide on updating the BIOS<\/a>.<\/p>
Note:<\/strong> Remember that any mistake while accessing or making changes in BIOS can cause more damage to your system and result in data loss. To prevent such unprecedented data loss, keep professional data recovery software<\/a><\/strong> handy.<\/p>
6. Run SFC Scan<\/strong><\/h3>
Sometimes, corrupted or damaged system files can also cause Windows 10 to lock itself and shut down. You can try running the SFC (System File Checker) utility. This utility scans the integrity of the system files and replace their damaged versions with the correct ones, thus fixing the system errors. Follow the given steps to run the SFC scan.<\/p>
- \n
- Go to Windows Search (Windows + S)<\/strong>, type cmd<\/strong>, and select Run as administrator<\/strong> when you see the results.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/figure>
- \n
- Press Yes<\/strong> if it asks for your permission.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- In the elevated window, type sfc\/scannow<\/strong> and hit Enter<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
- Press Yes<\/strong> if it asks for your permission.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Go to Windows Search (Windows + S)<\/strong>, type cmd<\/strong>, and select Run as administrator<\/strong> when you see the results.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
- Press Windows + X<\/strong> to open the Start menu, locate it, and open Device Manager.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
- Click Save Changes<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
- On the following prompt, set the ‘Turn off the display’<\/strong> and ‘Put the computer to sleep’<\/strong> options to Never<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Now, click Change plan settings<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
- Go to Power Options<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
- Type Control Panel<\/strong> and click Open<\/strong> when you see the result.<\/li>\n<\/ul>
- Press Windows + Q<\/strong> or Windows + S<\/strong>, and you will see a search window.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"run](\"https:\/\/www.stellarinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/run-sfc-scannow-command.jpg\")
<\/figure>![\"mark](\"https:\/\/www.stellarinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/mark-apps.jpg\")
<\/figure>![\"uninstall](\"https:\/\/www.stellarinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/uninstall-buggy-application.jpg\")
<\/figure>![\"select](\"https:\/\/www.stellarinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/select-Install-now-to-update-Windows.jpg\")
<\/figure>![\"select](\"https:\/\/www.stellarinfo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/select-virus-and-threat-protection-in-Windows-security-settings.jpg\")
<\/figure>