Laptop Keeps Shutting Off? Here’s How to Fix It

Are you experiencing the frustrating problem of your laptop suddenly shutting off? Don’t worry, there are several common reasons why this may be happening and easy fixes to try.

Read on for helpful solutions.

Ways to Fix

If your laptop frequently shuts down unexpectedly, it could be due to issues such as full storage, overheating, a malfunctioning CMOS battery, or a faulty battery.

While some fixes are simple, others may require professional assistance.

Check For Overheating

If your laptop keeps shutting off during intense use, it could be due to overheating. Laptops have a self-protection mechanism that causes them to shut down if the temperature gets too high.

If your laptop feels hot and the fans are running at full speed, try cleaning the vents and fans with a can of compressed air. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, consider taking your laptop in for routine maintenance.

But if you can’t hear or feel the fans at all, it’s best to seek professional help to repair or replace them.

Battery Health

A possible cause of your laptop randomly shutting off could be a faulty battery. It’s recommended to keep an eye on your battery’s performance, such as sudden drops in percentage or short battery life. If you suspect your battery is the issue, you can try replacing it.

Another potential culprit could be a faulty power cable. A loose or improper connection may prevent the battery from charging correctly. Be sure to check for any loose connections or other issues with the power cable.

Update Windows and Drivers

Have you ever asked yourself why Windows updates are so frequent? The answer is to enhance the smooth running of our laptops. If you haven’t installed the latest updates, your operating system might freeze or crash unexpectedly.

To avoid this, you can follow the steps below to check and install the latest updates for Windows, which also includes the necessary system drivers for your laptop’s hardware.

Go to Search, type in Windows Update Settings, and hit Enter.
Click on the Check for updates button.
Windows will automatically look for, download, and install the latest updates on your OS and drivers.
Restart your PC.

Likewise, you can also manually update drivers for your devices using Device Manager.

1. Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.
2. Expand each of the hardware sections such as Display adapters, batteries, monitors, etc.
3. Right-click on the component and choose update driver.
4. Select Check automatically for drivers in the popup window that follows.

It is important to note that manually updating drivers can be a time-consuming process. However, if you want to update specific hardware components, you can do so by going to Device Manager and selecting the hardware device you want to update.

Components that can be updated individually include Display Adapters, Cameras, Bluetooth, Sound, Video and Game Controllers, and USB Controllers.

Turn Off Fast Startup

Disabling fast startup has been a solution for some users who have experienced random laptop shutdowns.

To turn off the feature, you can follow the steps outlined below.

Open the Control Panel using the Search function.
Find the Power Options and open it. If you cannot locate it, click the arrow button beside Control Panel in the address bar and select All Control Panel Items.
Choose what the power buttons do.
Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable to change the shutdown settings as an admin.
Deselect the box next to Turn on Fast startup.
Press the Save changes button.

Check for Virus or Malware

Malware or virus attacks can cause your laptop to randomly shut down, so it is best to keep your system protected. You can use reliable antivirus software like Avast, AVG, or Kaspersky.

Alternatively, Windows Security, the built-in security software on your Windows, can also provide adequate protection.

Make sure to do some research and choose the option that works best for you.

Open the Windows Security app by searching for it in the search bar.
Click on Virus & threat protection.
Under the Quick scan button, click on Scan options.
Select Full scan and press the Scan now button to scan all your files for viruses.
After the scan is complete, go back to step 3.
Click on Microsoft Defender Offline scan to scan your laptop for hard-to-remove malicious software.
Press the scan now button, and your system will restart and be unusable until the process is complete.

Replace CMOS Battery

The CMOS battery is an essential component of your laptop that stores your BIOS settings. If it is dead or not working, your laptop might revert to default BIOS settings, causing it to shut off randomly.

To check if your CMOS battery is working, verify the date and time settings on your laptop when you turn it on. If they are incorrect, your BIOS is resetting to factory settings.

Follow the steps below to change your CMOS battery:

Turn off your laptop and unplug everything, including the power cable.
Remove the battery, if possible.
Open the bottom panel of your laptop.
Look for the CMOS battery, which is usually located next to the hard disk.
Carefully remove the battery and replace it with a new one.
If necessary, reconnect the battery and replace the bottom panel.
Turn on your laptop and enter the BIOS settings.
Set the system date and time.
Save the changes and restart your laptop.

Remember to handle the battery carefully to avoid damaging it or the motherboard.

Reset Your Laptop

If the issue is not with the CMOS battery, it’s possible that the operating system is crashing or some system files are missing. In such cases, the best solution is to perform a hard reset of your laptop using a bootable USB or a boot disk if you have a CD-Drive.

Simply insert the bootable USB or disk, wait for your laptop to detect it, and follow the instructions that appear on the screen.

perform a hard reset - Laptop keeps shutting down

Check For Hardware Malfunction

Similar to the heating issue caused by the fans not working, other hardware components may fail to operate properly, resulting in random laptop power off. The common hardware parts that cause the issue, apart from the cooling fans, are:

Storage Device
RAM
Lack of or too much thermal compound (only if you recently removed the processor fan)
Peripheral short circuit (such as USB port or power port)
Graphics Card

If you think any of these hardware components are faulty, it’s advisable to seek assistance from professionals or your manufacturer. If the issue is confirmed, you may need to consider replacing the defective parts if they are replaceable.

FAQs

Q1: How can I prevent my laptop from overheating?

A1: To prevent your laptop from overheating, make sure you use it on a flat, hard surface to allow proper airflow. Additionally, clean the vents and fans regularly using a can of compressed air, and consider investing in a laptop cooling pad. Keep your laptop away from direct sunlight and make sure it is used in a well-ventilated area.

Q2: What are the signs of a faulty laptop battery?

A2: Signs of a faulty laptop battery include sudden drops in battery percentage, inability to hold a charge, short battery life, and the battery appearing swollen or deformed. If you notice any of these issues, it’s recommended to replace the battery or seek professional assistance.

Q3: How can I make sure my laptop is protected against malware and viruses?

A3: To protect your laptop from malware and viruses, use a reliable antivirus software, and keep it updated. Regularly scan your laptop for threats and ensure your operating system and software are updated with the latest security patches. Additionally, practice safe browsing habits and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading files from untrusted sources.

Q4: How often should I update my laptop’s drivers?

A4: It’s essential to keep your laptop’s drivers up to date for optimal performance and security. While Windows updates usually include the necessary drivers, it’s a good idea to check for updates manually every few months or whenever you encounter performance issues or hardware malfunctions.

Q5: What should I do if my laptop keeps shutting off due to a hardware malfunction?

A5: If you suspect a hardware malfunction is causing your laptop to shut off randomly, it’s best to seek assistance from professionals or your manufacturer. They can diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action, such as repairing or replacing the faulty component.

Q6: Can I fix a faulty power cable myself?

A6: If you have experience with electronics and soldering, you may be able to repair a damaged power cable. However, it’s usually more cost-effective and safer to replace the cable with a new one, as repairing it may not guarantee a long-lasting solution.

Q7: How do I know if my laptop needs more RAM?

A7: Signs that your laptop may need more RAM include slow performance, frequent crashes or freezing, and long loading times when opening applications or switching between tasks. If you experience these issues, consider upgrading your RAM or seeking professional advice to determine the best solution for your specific laptop model.