Wondershare Recoverit

Hard Drive Recovery

  • Recovers deleted or lost files from hard drive effectively, safely and completely.
  • Supports data recovery from 500+ data loss scenarios, including computer crash, partition loss, accidental human error, etc.
  • Supports 1000+ file formats recovery with a high success rate and without any quality loss.
Free Download Free Download Free Download Learn More >
hard drive recovery

8 Methods to Fix the Computer Restarted Unexpectedly Windows 10/11 Error

Wondershare Recoverit Authors

Nov 16, 2024 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions

computer started unexpectedly Windows 10/11 error 1

Virtually every user wants the latest most improved version of Windows OS available and Windows 10/11 is it. No matter how great this version of Windows is, it still faces challenges just like other versions, even if little. The computer restarted unexpectedly error is an error that users like you have faced. That is why you are here.

You have come to the right place where solutions will be given to you to fix this error, as many as eight of them! These have been tested and proven to be right so you know your steps are not misplaced.

8 Methods to Fix the Error of Computer Restarting Unexpectedly in Windows 10/11

The "computer restarted unexpectedly" error in Windows 10/11 can be quite challenging but if you know what you are doing, you can tackle it. So, follow each method carefully and you will be on your way to tackling your problem:

Method 1: Edit Windows Registry to Change Value of Setup.exe

Change the value of setup.exe using Windows Registry Editor. The following steps will guide you:

change setup value 1

change setup value 2

Move to the right section or pane and click "setup.exe" twice

change setup value 3

Method 2: Disconnect All Your USB Devices

If you have connected several different USB cables to your computer, then this could be your problem. This is because the cables may be interfering with your computer's functions, therefore causing the computer to restart unexpectedly. So, check to see if you have connected several USB cables to your computer such as printers, flash drives, etc. Disconnect all these connections, including your mouse and keyboard USB.

Restart your computer and see if this error has gone.

Method 3: Check Your Hard Drive Cables

There is a chance this error of computer restarting unexpectedly is because your computer's hard drive cables are having problems. Therefore, you can try checking your hard drive cables to see if there is anything physically wrong with them. If there is, then switch the cables.

Also, if you cannot see any physical problems but aren't sure all the same, then you can still switch or change the cables connecting your motherboard with your hard drives just to be sure. This might be the solution you have been looking for. Moreover, some users have tried this and it worked and you just might fall in this category.

Again, note that once you open your computer case, you have rendered void its warranty. Thus, if your PC is still under the warranty window period, then please endeavor to visit the official repair center to open it.

Method 4: Reset Windows 10/11

This method will reset your Windows 10/11 OS to resolve the errors within the system. During the reset process, you can choose to either keep your files or delete them all. Both options will be shown to you in the guidelines below:

reset Windows 10/11 1

reset Windows 10/11 2

reset Windows 10/11 3

reset Windows 10/11 4

reset Windows 10/11 5

reset Windows 10/11 6

reset Windows 10/11 7

Choose to return to the previous window; then move on to the next action

reset Windows 10/11 8

Method 5: Run Automatic/Startup Repair

Set up Windows to automatically repair and fix the problem during installation and startup by following these steps:

run automatic startup repair 1

run automatic startup repair 2

run automatic startup repair 3

run automatic startup repair 4

Method 6: Update Your BIOS

BIOS (Basic Input Output System) is important in the process of your computer booting. Now, if it is out of date, you may experience the error of computer restarting unexpectedly even while you are still using it. Thus, you need to update your BIOS if this is the problem in your case

However, you should know that the process of updating your PC's BIOS is advanced therefore you have to be careful about how you go about it. This is because while updating, you may cause more problems to your PC or even permanent damage to your motherboard. This should not scare you but guide you to be extra careful.

To download a new version of BIOS, you need a different computer that is working fine since yours is inaccessible for now. Once you have downloaded it on the working PC, copy or move it to your flash drive. Launch "Command Prompt" and do the BIOS update from there. Your motherboard manual contains detailed instructions on how to update your BIOS; go through it and follow the instructions to do the update.

Now that the update is done, check if the issue has been resolved.

Method 7: Use Windows 10/11 Recovery Drive

With Windows 10/11 recovery drive, you can restore your PC's original state without having to install it again. This goes to say that Recovery Drive is a feature you will find useful in this situation as you get to restore your PC to factory settings while at the same time maintaining it.

Although some computers have recovery drive on their hard drives, others don't. If you do not have on your computer, you can create one on another PC with a working Windows 10/11. To do this, follow the steps below:

use Windows 10/11 recovery drive 1

use Windows 10/11 recovery drive 2

use Windows 10/11 recovery drive 3

use Windows 10/11 recovery drive 4

use Windows 10/11 recovery drive 5

Now that you have created a recovery drive, it's time to use it, don't you think? Now to use it in fixing this error, follow the following steps:

use Windows 10/11 recovery drive 6

use Windows 10/11 recovery drive 7

It is important to note that the recovery drive created on another PC might not work for your PC, even with the same Windows 10/11 version. This is why you are advised to always have a recovery drive when your computer is in perfect working condition before any issues come up where you might need them. And with computers, they are likely to come up. You can download from the manufacturer's website of your PC or using a third-party tool.

Method 8: Perform a Clean Windows Installation

Finally, you can opt to perform a clean Windows 10/11 installation to begin afresh. If you haven't figured out by now, this will wipe clean all your folders, computer settings, and files; it will be as a clean slate to begin from. Thus, if you have any data you cannot afford to lose, it is time to back them all up before performing this clean installation.

perform clean windows installation 1

perform clean windows installation 2


How to Recover Unsaved Files Due to the Computer Restarted Unexpectedly

If your computer restarted while you were still working on some documents, there is every chance that you did not get to save those files to the updated version before you got the shocker. If this is your case, don't think your files are gone for good. This is because there is a recovery tool you can install on your system after fixing the error. With this tool, you can recover files in whatever format they are: documents, zipped, audio, video, images, etc.

Recoverit Data Recovery is the third-party software that can recover your unsaved files all intact. It recovers data lost from system errors such as the one under discourse, system crash, memory card errors, virus infection, hard drive errors, and so on. The app is both expert and easy-to-use at the same time so you can navigate through its interface without cracking your head so much. If you are still unsure of how to use it, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Select a Location

The home page or window is the first place you will encounter. Here, you are to click on the location where you had been working on your file before your PC suddenly restarted i.e., where it should have been saved. Now click "Start"

recoverit interface

Step 2: Scan the Location

After you have done the above, Recoverit will scan that location you selected to get back all the lost files from there.

operations during scanning

Step 3: Preview and Save Recovered Files

All the recovered files will be displayed in detail so that you can preview them. This is merely a formality because Recoverit is effective and secure enough to retrieve all your missing files intact. To save the files, click "Recover"

preview recovered photos


The Bottom Line

Windows 10/11 encounters system errors and with the right guide, they can be resolved. This article has been a guide to the computer restarted unexpectedly error in Windows 10/11. Having gone through the methods stated here, fixing this error should not be a challenge to you anymore.

Recoverit author

David Darlington

staff Editor

Home > Resources > Windows Computer Solutions > 8 Methods to Fix the Computer Restarted Unexpectedly Windows 10/11 Error