My Windows 11 PC randomly freezes and restarts. It can happen at the login screen, on the desktop, while gaming, or even when nothing is open. Sometimes it runs for a few minutes first, but the crashes feel completely random. I have already disabled third-party startup apps such as Steam, Discord, and Epic Games.
My built-in Wi-Fi card does not work, so I currently use a Netgear USB Wi-Fi adapter. I suspected the RAM because memory usage gets very high during games, but the crashes also happen when I am barely doing anything. The computer is stable when I start Windows in Safe Mode, and Windows should be fully up to date.
I do not know much about computers, so please explain any troubleshooting steps very simply. What should I check first to figure out whether this is a driver, startup program, hardware, or Windows problem?
4 Answers
Check Event Viewer for clues. Open the Start menu, type “Event Viewer,” then go to Windows Logs and look under System and Application for errors recorded at the exact time of a restart. The most useful entries usually name a driver, service, or hardware problem. Also check Reliability Monitor by searching for “View reliability history”; it presents crashes in a simpler timeline and may be easier to understand.
High RAM usage while gaming does not automatically mean the RAM is faulty. A faulty memory module, overheating, power-supply problem, or graphics driver can also cause freezing and restarting. Once the software checks are done, run Windows Memory Diagnostic, monitor CPU and GPU temperatures, and test with one RAM stick at a time if the computer has more than one. Avoid changing BIOS settings until important files are backed up.
Yes, a startup app or driver can still cause a crash after several minutes. Safe Mode is useful because it loads only basic drivers and services, so the difference between Safe Mode and normal Windows is an important clue. The USB Wi-Fi adapter is also worth testing: shut the PC down, unplug it, and see whether the computer remains stable offline. You can also try a different USB port and install the adapter's latest driver.
Because the PC is stable in Safe Mode, a driver or program that only loads during a normal Windows startup is a strong possibility. Try disabling all nonessential startup items and updating or reinstalling important drivers, especially the graphics, chipset, and USB Wi-Fi adapter drivers. If the crashes stop, re-enable items one at a time to find the cause.
Could a startup program still be responsible if I can launch a game and play for about five minutes before it crashes?