Windows Shuts Down Instead of Restarting: 4 Ways to Fix it

Updating your drivers and repairing system files can help with this error

Windows 11 » Repair

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by Milan Stanojevic 

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Many PC users reported that Windows shuts down instead of restarting, and this can cause some minor problems with your PC, so in today’s guide, we’re going to show you how to fix that.

What can I do if Windows shuts down instead of restarting?

1. Update all your drivers

  1. Let your motherboard model. If you’re using a laptop, get your laptop model instead.
  2. Next, visit the motherboard manufacturer’s website and locate your model.
  3. Go to the Drivers section and download the latest drivers for your device.
  4. Once the drivers have been updated, check if the problem is gone.

Many users also suggested that updating Intel Management Engine Drivers worked for them, so try that as well. For more information, we have a great guide on how to update drivers on Windows 11, so don’t miss it.

2. Use DISM

  1. Press the Windows key + S and type cmd. Choose Run as administrator.
    CMD elevated ERROR_CORRUPT_LOG_CORRUPTED
  2. Next, run the following: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
    dism restorehealth
  3. Wait for the scan to finish.
  4. Once finished, check if the problem is gone.

3. Reset BIOS

  1. While your PC boots, keep pressing F2 or Del to access BIOS.
  2. Next, choose Load Optimized Defaults or Reset to Default.
  3. Once reset, save changes and exit BIOS.

Alternatively, you can remove your motherboard battery for a few hours to reset the BIOS.

4. Update BIOS

  1. Download the latest BIOS for your motherboard.
  2. Next, check your motherboard manual for instructions on how to update BIOS.
  3. Once the BIOS is updated, check if the problem is gone.

A few users suggested installing the same version of BIOS that you already have, so try this as well.

5. Check your cables

  1. Inspect the cable that connects the power button to the motherboard.
  2. Check if the cable is properly seated.
  3. Consider replacing the cable with a new one.

If Windows shuts down instead of restarting, in most cases the issue is related to your drivers or corrupted system files, but that can easily be fixed.

This isn’t the only problem, and many reported that Windows is restarting instead of shutting down, so don’t miss our guide on that problem.

Many also reported that the shutdown button isn’t working, but we covered that in our previous guides.

More about the topics: restart, Shutdown issues, Windows 11 Fix

Milan Stanojevic

Milan Stanojevic Shield

Windows Toubleshooting Expert

Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He's a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology. Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he's one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.

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