Laptops known for their excellent performance and dependability, like other electronic devices, might encounter problems. And one of the most common and critical issues is that the laptop shutdown unexpectedly. Laptop unexpected shutdown issues can be caused by software, hardware, or sometimes both.
In this article, we have discussed some possible ways to fix the laptop unexpected shutdown at home.
Identifying the cause of a laptop shutdown unexpectedly
Power Supply Problems
A faulty battery, broken charger, charging port, or a problem with the power supply can cause your laptop unexpected shutdown.
Check the laptop for Overheating
Overheating is one of the most common reasons for laptop shutdown unexpectedly. It occurs when the laptop’s cooling system fails to cool down the temperature of the internal components
Outdated Drivers
The missing or outdated internal core component drivers, such as graphics cards, can cause laptop unexpected shutdown randomly. So keep updating the drivers; its very important.
Malware and Viruses
Sometimes malware and viruses attacks can cause laptop to unexpectedly shutdown.
Overclocking
Sometimes overclocking can cause the laptop shutdown Unexpectedly because it causes the laptop components to overheat, which can cause an unexpected shutdown.
Hardware Failure
Failing or malfunctioning hardware components such as hard drive, RAM, or others can cause unexpected shutdown.
Major signs of Laptop unexpected shutdown
Just before an unexpected shutdown, you might notice:
- The laptop became so hot within short time
- Laptops experience slower performance and laggy applications.
- Random errors and blue screens.
- The battery is emptying faster than usual.
- Faulty battery or power adapter
If you encounter any of the above symptoms, you may be experiencing an unexpected shutdown issue.
Lets fix the Laptop Shutdown Unexpectedly Issue at Home
Step 1 : Power and battery issues
Before starting deep troubleshooting, our first step is to ensure all power components are working well, such as battery, charger, charging port, and power supply of the laptop, If any one of them is found loose, broken, or dead, it must be changed to avoid an unexpected shutdown.
- Check your laptop’s battery health and usage through the PowerShell window. If you don’t know how to do this, make sure to read our article on how to Check Battery Health & Usage on windows laptop.
Additionally, replace the laptop’s battery if it is very old or not holding a charge properly.
Follow step 2 if step 1 does not fix the issue.
Step 2 : Overheating can cause laptop shutdown unexpectedly
Unplug or switch off the laptop, let it cool down for 5 minutes, and do the following:
- Check the laptop’s air vents, which are generally located on the side and back of the laptop. If you see any dirt, clean it using a laptop vacuum cleaner.
- Using the laptop on a flat, hard surface allows for proper ventilation. Additionally, using a cooling pad can be beneficial for the laptop.
- One of the most important things is to ensure that the laptop cooling fan is working properly. To check the cooling fan of the laptop, turn on the laptop and feel the air coming out from the air vents area.
In addition, if you’re confident with your laptop’s assembly and disassembly skills, you can open and clean the laptop fan, as well as check if the fan functions properly or not.
Follow step 3 if steps 1 and 2 do not fix the issue.
Step 3 : Update or reinstall the GPU Driver
Outdated or malfunctioning drivers can be the cause of laptop shutdown Unexpectedly. Specially the graphics driver is important to keep updated to avoid a rendom shutdown.
Here is how you can update the drivers :
- Go to Windows Settings, then search for Device Manager
- Then click on Display Adapter
- You will find your laptop’s Graphics Driver
- Right click on that and click Update Driver
If you don’t know how to do this, make sure to read our article on how to update your laptop graphics driver easily.
Note: You can also download and install the updated driver from the laptop manufacturer’s website.
Follow step 4 if steps 1, 2, and 3 do not fix the issue.
Step 4 : Scan your Computer for Viruses to avoid laptop shutdown unexpectedly
Sometimes malware and virus attacks can cause your laptop shutdown unexpectedly. Running the Windows default virus scan on your laptop can identify and delete malware or viruses.
Following below is how you can scan a full system with Windows Security:
- In the Windows search bar, type Windows Security
- Then click on Virus & threat protection in the left sidebar.
- Then click on Scan options.
- Select “Full scan” and then click on Scan now.
- Windows Security will scan the entire system for viruses, malware, and other threats.
Additionally, you can perform a clean install of your operating system to fix any conflicts or software-related issues, which can prevent an unexpected shutdown.
Follow step 5 if steps 1, 2, 3, and 4 do not fix the issue.
Step 5 : Reset the BIOS and remove overclocking app settings.
Overclocking increases the laptop’s clock speed to boost performance. But unfortunately, overclocking can cause laptop overheating and unexpected shutdown.
Finding specific software to create overclocking settings and resetting it can be challenging. Instead, it’s much easier to reset the complete BIOS setting to default.
You might also be interested in reading this related topic: Laptop Shutdown but CPU still running issue, Solved!
If you don’t know how to reset the BIOS  setting, make sure to read our article on how to reset a BIOS to Default.
Follow step 6 if steps 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 do not fix the issue.
Step 6 : Fix the Hardware Failure to Prevent laptop shutdown unexpectedly
The most critical cause of laptop shutdown Unexpectedly, hardware malfunctions in the laptop. A failing hard drive, RAM, graphics card, or other hardware components can be common reasons for the issue.
- Power off and unplug the laptop from the electric outlet, and remove all external components such as hard drives, printers, scanners, webcams or all types of USB devices.
- Turn on the laptop and ensure that the unexpected shutdown issue is not related to external devices.
- If possible, open the laptop case remove RAM and clean the RAM contacts by rubbing eraser.
Check the internal hardware components by opening the Device Manager application to gather information on internal hardware failures, such as the Network Adapter, Hard Drive, RAM, Graphics Driver, or other internal components.
Here’s how to do it:
- Right-click on the Start button to open the Power User menu. Locate the Device Manager option and click on it to launch the utility.
- Scroll down to locate the device in the list and right-click on it. Select the Properties option from the context menu.
- Switch to the Details tab.
- You will find device status
If you have followed all the above steps properly and the problem still persists, then it’s likely you have a hardware problem related to your laptop’s motherboard.
In this case, it’s best to visit your nearest laptop repair store and seek expert assistance.
Additionally, you can claim the warranty if it is available.
