[Fixed] Error – Computer Suddenly Restarts While Playing Games (not Overheating)

If you are an avid gamer facing an issue with your PC unexpectedly restarting when playing games, you have come to the right place. This guide lists all the efficient steps you need to use while troubleshooting your computer for any surprise restarts. This issue could arise mainly due to malware infection, outdated drivers, overclocking, faulty RAM, and misconfigured Windows settings. So, let us put on the troubleshooting hats and fix the error – Computer reboot while playing games. 

6 Ways to Fix Computer Randomly Restarts While Playing Games

Method 1: Run An Antivirus Scan

Virus/Malware can cause certain issues on your computer that may cause a Blue Screen, malfunction, or restart without reason. To fix the error “Computer restart while playing games,” run an antivirus scan to ensure there is no malware. Here are the steps to run the Windows Security tool.

Read Also: How to Troubleshoot Windows Security Not Opening

Step 1: Type “Windows Security” in the Windows Search Box (Win + S) and click on the relevant result under Best Match.

Step 2: Click on the Virus & Threat Protection option in the Windows Security interface.
Step 3: On the next screen, click on Scan Options.
Step 4: Click the Full Scan option > Scan Now button.

Step 5: Wait for the scan to complete. Windows Security will automatically delete or quarantine malware based on its severity.
Step 6: Reboot your PC and check if the issue has been resolved.

Read Also: Solution – Restore Deleted Quarantined File From Windows Defender

Editor’s Tip: Use T9 Antivirus to ensure real-time malware protection 24/7. This malware protector includes exploit protection with an additional firewall to make sure that the virus does not enter your PC and is detected with immediate effect.

Method 2: Alter Power Settings

You might encounter this issue if your power supply unit (PSU) is inadequate for your computer components. Ensure that your PSU provides sufficient power for your graphics card. Here is how to change the settings:

Step 1: Press Win + R to open the RUN box and type Control followed by Enter.
Step 2: The Control Panel will now open.

Step 3: Click the View by option on the top right corner and choose Large Icons.

Step 4: Next, click on Power Options.

Step 5: In the new box, click on Change Plan Settings.

Step 6: Finally, click on Change Advanced Power Settings.

Step 7: A new Power Management box will open. In it, you click on Processor Power Management followed by Minimum processor state, set the number to a low state, such as 5% or 0%, and click OK.
Step 8: Reboot Your PC.

Method 3: Stop OverHeating

If your PC is overheating, you may experience reboot issues during gaming. When the CPU becomes overloaded, it generates excessive heat, causing your PC to shut down automatically to protect itself. To avoid this, clean your PC regularly by removing dust and verifying that all fans function correctly.

If your PC is clean and all the fans are operating correctly, but the CPU continues to overheat, undo any overclocking process you might have carried out.

Method 4: Check Your RAM For Errors

Step 1: Press Win + R to launch the RUN box.
Step 2: Type “mdsched.exe” and hit the Enter key.

Step 3: A new box will appear where you must click the “Restart now and check for problems (recommended)” option.

Windows will automatically run a diagnostic, which may take a few minutes. Once completed, your PC will restart, displaying the results on your desktop.

Method 5: Turn Off Windows Automatic Restart Feature

Step 1: Press Win + S to open the Windows Search box.
Step 2: Type “View Advanced System Settings” and click on the exact result.
Step 3: A new box will open where you click the Advanced tab.
Step 4: Next, click on the Settings button under Startup and Recovery

Step 5: Finally, uncheck the Automatically Restart option and click on Apply > Ok.

Method 6: Update Graphics Drivers

Updating your graphics card drivers improves gaming performance and prevents display issues. Drivers act as a bridge between your PC’s software and hardware, and problems can occur if they are outdated or missing.

You can update drivers in three ways. Two of these methods are manual and require technical knowledge, time, and patience. The third method is automatic: it uses a driver update tool to scan your PC for outdated drivers, suggest compatible updates, and let you decide whether to install them.

Use OEM Websites

Each hardware manufacturer offers a website where you can download the latest drivers for their products. To update your graphics card, you must identify its make and model, locate the correct driver, and then download and install it on your PC. Below are links to the websites of the most popular graphics card manufacturers.

NVIDIA

AMD

INTEL 

Use Device Manager

The Device Manager is a built-in Windows tool for updating drivers. It searches Microsoft servers for available updates and installs them. Follow these steps:

Press Win + R to open the RUN Box>Type “Devmgmt.msc > click on Display Adapters to reveal the graphics card > Right-click on graphics card & choose Update Drivers option > Select the “Search Automatically for drivers” option.

Use Third-party Driver Updater App

Advanced Driver Updater is a fantastic application that scans your PC for missing, corrupted, or outdated drivers and updates them with the latest compatible versions. Here’s how to use the application:

Step 1: Download/Install the app using the Download button below.

Step 2: Open the app and click the Start Scan Now button to scan your system for outdated drivers.

Step 3: Once the list of driver issues is displayed, look for your graphics card and click the Update link.
Step 4: The app will now install the best compatible driver for your graphics card.
Step 5: Restart your PC after the process completes.

Have You Fixed The “Computer restarts while playing games” error on your Windows PC?

We hope you find the above methods useful and can fix the issue of PC restarting while playing games. Do let us know in the comments section which method helped you to fix the issue.