Why is My Computer Suddenly Shutting Down and Rebooting Mid-Game?

Is your computer repeatedly shutting down and rebooting just a few minutes into a game? This frustrating issue can be caused by a variety of factors. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can determine the root cause and take appropriate action to resolve the problem.

Overview of Common Causes and Diagnostics

Most frequently, this issue is associated with a faulty power supply. To rule out this possibility, you should boot another operating system, such as a Linux live distribution, from a USB stick to ensure the computer is capable of starting up on its own. If the computer still fails to start, then it is indeed time to check the power supply. A faulty power supply is not uncommon, and replacing it may be necessary if you have the opportunity.

Overloading the System

Playing high-end games on a system that isn't capable of handling them can be overwhelming. If you stop playing and the problem persists, then we can explore other potential causes.

Game Bugginess and Compatibility

Some games are known to be buggy, causing serious issues and crashing your system. To troubleshoot, check if this problem occurs only with one specific game or every game. If it's game-specific, try a different game to rule out the software. If the issue persists with multiple games, then the problem might lie with your graphics card-drivers. Ensure that your graphics drivers are up-to-date, and if that doesn't help, consider downgrading to a previous version to see if that resolves the issue.

Weak Hardware and Overheating

If your laptop is not meant for high-end games, the graphics card may not be powerful enough to handle the game, leading to shutdowns. Review the game's system requirements to ensure your hardware matches or exceeds these specs. As games demand intense processing, your laptop may overheat. To monitor temperature, use software like MSI Afterburner or GPU-Z. If temperatures exceed 90°C when playing games, the system may be overheating. Consider purchasing a cooling pad to enhance ventilation.

Insufficient RAM and System Failure

If you are playing graphically demanding games on a system with limited RAM, the computer may run out of memory, causing it to shut down. Monitor your system's memory usage to ensure it has enough RAM, especially during graphically intensive tasks. Additionally, some computers have an automatic restart feature for unexpected reboots. This can happen even without power or heating issues and is controlled by Windows' system settings. You can check these settings in the Device Manager or by searching online for solutions to manage the automatic restart feature.

Logging and Troubleshooting

Without more specific details, no one can accurately pinpoint the cause. You need to examine the game's logs and the system's logs. Look for any error messages, warnings, or overheating warnings that could indicate the root cause.

Acknowledgements and Next Steps

If you are still experiencing issues after trying the above steps, it's a good idea to consult with a professional technician. They can provide a thorough analysis of your hardware and software to diagnose and fix the problem.

By thoroughly examining the possible causes and following the troubleshooting steps outlined, you can identify and resolve the issue with your computer shutting down and rebooting mid-game. Whether it's a hardware issue, software bug, or overheating, addressing the underlying problem will ensure a more stable and enjoyable gaming experience.