For over a month, my computer has been completely freezing and then restarting while I'm playing games or using more demanding programs. Sometimes it restarts on its own, and other times I have to hold the power button to shut it down. There's no warning, slowdown, or blue screen beforehand, and it happens with both newer and older games. Basic tasks like browsing and using Word usually work normally. What should I check first, and what hardware information would help diagnose the problem?
4 Answers
Start by monitoring the CPU and GPU temperatures with a tool such as HWiNFO while launching a game. Make sure all fans are spinning, the cooler is firmly mounted, airflow is clear, and the protective film was removed from the cooler. If temperatures are excessive, replacing the thermal paste may help, but the cooler should be remounted carefully afterward.
Because it only happens during heavier workloads, hardware instability is more likely than a normal Windows issue. Temporarily disable XMP or EXPO and any overclocking or undervolting, then test the memory with Windows Memory Diagnostic. You can also try one RAM stick at a time or different motherboard slots. Check Event Viewer for WHEA-Logger errors; Kernel-Power 41 alone usually just confirms that the system shut down unexpectedly.
If the computer is actually producing a blue-screen error and immediately restarting, disable automatic restart in the advanced system settings. That will leave the error message visible so you can record the stop code. A controlled CPU or GPU stress test can also help identify whether one component consistently triggers the crash.
The power supply could be failing when the system draws more power, especially if temperatures look normal. Check the exact PSU model and wattage, along with your CPU, graphics card, motherboard, and RAM specifications. An unstable SSD or outdated firmware is another possibility, so check for firmware updates after backing up important files.

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