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Windows PC keeps restarting even at the login screen—how can I find the cause?

September 27, 2026 4 answers
Asked by MellowCedar42
My Windows PC restarts repeatedly even when nobody is logged in. It has rebooted several times while sitting at the Windows sign-in screen, and Windows sometimes says the sign-in method is temporarily disabled because of too many failed attempts or repeated shutdowns, despite no incorrect passwords being entered. I also saw a recovery message saying the device ran into a problem and could not be repaired, with the log file located at C:WindowsSystem32LogfilesSrtSrtTrail.txt. Startup Repair, System Restore, Startup Settings, and Safe Mode have not stopped the restarts. The keyboard lights switch off and on during each reboot as well. What could be causing this, and what hardware, driver, storage, Windows, or malware checks should I perform?
driver issues hardware failure random reboot SrtTrail.txt startup repair System Operations Windows restarts

Answers

GoldenWillow5
If the system remains stable long enough, disable automatic restart after a system failure so a blue-screen error can remain visible. You can also test with one RAM module at a time and disconnect unnecessary USB devices. If it still resets before Windows fully loads, focus on hardware, power, storage, and firmware rather than malware or ordinary startup drivers.
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VioletPine_36
Back up important files as soon as possible. Repeated restarts combined with failed recovery attempts can be caused by a failing SSD or damaged Windows files. Run the manufacturer’s drive diagnostic and memory test, then consider checking the drive’s health before attempting a repair install or clean Windows installation.
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QuietMarble88
This may be hardware rather than a normal login problem. Check CPU temperatures, make sure the cooler is firmly mounted, remove dust, and verify that all power and motherboard cables are seated. An overheating CPU, failing power supply, bad RAM, or another unstable component can reboot the computer even in Safe Mode.
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BrightOtter7
Check Event Viewer, especially Windows Logs > System, for errors immediately before each restart. Kernel-Power events can confirm that the machine lost power or reset unexpectedly, while nearby disk, WHEA, driver, or bugcheck errors may point to the underlying cause. Also check the contents of SrtTrail.txt from the recovery environment if you can access it.
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