The laptop constantly reboots: reasons and 10 ways to fix the problem

You're working on your laptop, and suddenly the screen goes blank, the manufacturer's logo appears, and the system starts loading again. A few minutes later, history repeats itself. A cyclic reboot not only interferes with work, but can also signal serious problems. In 80% of cases, the problem can be solved independently, without resorting to the services of a service center. In this article we will analyze all possible reasons - from banal overheating to failures in the BIOS firmware, and we will also give step by step instructions for Windows, macOS and Linux.

The peculiarity of the problem is that it can manifest itself in different ways: for some, the laptop reboots at regular intervals (for example, every 10 minutes), for others - when launching specific programs (games, video editors), and for others - immediately after turning on. We have structured the materials so that you can quickly find a solution for your case. Let's start with the most common reason - overheating.

1. Overheating: why the laptop turns off and then turns on immediately

If laptop ASUS, Lenovo, HP or any other brand reboots without warning, the first thought is to check the temperature. Modern processors automatically turn off when critical values are reached (usually 95–105°C) to prevent damage. In this case, after cooling down, the system starts again, creating the effect of an “endless reboot”.

How to check temperature before the laptop goes into reboot?

• 🔥 Use monitoring utilities: HWMonitor (Windows), iStat Menus (macOS), Psensor (Linux). They show CPU/GPU temperatures in real time.
• 🖥️ Listen to the cooler: if it operates at maximum speed or periodically “howls”, this is a sure sign of overheating.
• 📉 Check the case near the ventilation grilles by touch - if it is hot, the problem is obvious.

What to do:

1. Clean the cooling system from dust (you can use a vacuum cleaner at minimum power or a can of compressed air).
2. Replace the thermal paste on the processor and chipset (if you haven't done this in the last 2-3 years). Pastes are suitable for laptops Arctic MX-6 or Noctua NT-H2.
3. Use a cooling pad with active airflow (such as Cooler Master NotePal X3).
4. Disable overclocking (if you used undervolting or increased the frequencies through the BIOS).

⚠️ Attention: If after cleaning the CPU temperature under load exceeds 90°C, this may indicate a faulty cooler or radiator. In this case, diagnostics in the service are required - it may be necessary to replace the thermopipes or the entire cooling module.

2. Power problems: power supply, battery, socket

Unstable nutrition is the second most common cause of spontaneous reboots. The laptop may restart due to:

• ⚡ Power surges in the network (especially relevant for old houses with poor wiring).
• 🔋 Faulty power supply (for example, if the plug is loose in the connector or the wires are melted).
• 📉 Discharged or swollen battery (even if the laptop is running on mains power).
• 🔌 Poor contact in the outlet or extension cord.

How to diagnose:

1. Connect the laptop to a different outlet (preferably with a ground connection).
2. Try a different power supply (borrow from a friend or take it from a service center for a test).
3. Remove the battery (if it is removable) and operate only on mains power.
4. Check the power supply for physical damage: melted insulation, burning smell, crackling noise during operation.

Symptom	Probable Cause	Solution
Laptop restarts when charging is connected	Short circuit in power supply or connector	Replace the power supply or repair the connector
Reboot occurs when charging is turned off	Defective battery or high current consumption	Replace battery, check power management drivers
Laptop shuts down under load (games, rendering)	The power supply does not provide enough power	Use an original power supply with a watt reserve

If the problem is in the power supply, do not skimp on replacement - cheap non-original adapters can not only cause reboots, but also damage the motherboard. For laptops Dell XPS, MacBook Pro or MSI Gaming Use only certified chargers.

3. Failures in the operating system: drivers, updates, viruses

Software errors often cause Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in Windows or sudden reboots in macOS/Linux. Let's look at typical scenarios:

• 🖥️ Driver conflict: For example, after updating the video card driver NVIDIA or AMD The laptop starts to reboot when starting games.
• 🔄 Windows update failed: Especially relevant for assemblies 22H2 And 23H2, where KB503xxx updates often cause crashes.
• 🦠 Virus software: Some miners or rootkits overload the processor, causing overheating protection.
• 📁 Damaged system files: For example, after an incorrect shutdown or disk failure.

Diagnostics and solutions:

Launch sfc /scannow on the command line (Windows)

Check the event log in eventvwr.msc

Update drivers via Device Manager

Scan system Malwarebytes or Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool

Roll back the system to a restore point (if any)

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For Windows 10/11:

1. Click Win + X → Terminal (administrator).
2. Run the commands one by one:

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   sfc /scannow
   chkdsk /f /r

3. Reboot your laptop and check stability.

For macOS:

1. Run Disk Utility (via Spotlight or Programs → Utilities).
2. Select your system drive and click First aid.
3. If the errors are not corrected, boot into Safe Mode (hold Shift when turned on).

⚠️ Attention: If the laptop restarts when trying to install a Windows update, this may indicate component damage Windows Update. In this case, resetting components using the command will help:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

4. Malfunctions of random access memory (RAM)

Problems with RAM manifest themselves in different ways: from spontaneous reboots to artifacts on the screen or type errors MEMORY_MANAGEMENT in BSOD. Even if the laptop has one memory module installed, it may fail or have poor contact with the slot.

How to check:

1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) → tab Performance → Memory. If less is available than installed (for example, 8 GB instead of 16 GB), one of the modules is not recognized.
2. Run a memory test:
   • On Windows: enter in search Windows Memory Checker and select Reboot and check.
   • On Linux: use the utility memtest86+ (runs from LiveUSB).
3. Physically check the modules:
   • Turn off the laptop, remove the battery (if possible).
   • Carefully remove the RAM sticks and clean the contacts with an eraser (to remove oxidation).
   • Try running the laptop with one bracket (test each one in different slots one by one).

Typical RAM related errors:

Error code (BSOD)	Description	Solution
IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL	The driver or memory module accessed a non-existent address	Update drivers, test RAM
PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA	Memory corruption or driver failure	Replace the RAM module or roll back the driver
CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED	System process terminated due to memory error	Checking RAM and hard drive

If the tests show errors and cleaning the contacts did not help - replace the faulty module. For laptops with soldered memory (for example, MacBook Air M1 or Dell XPS 13) a service call will be required.

How to choose a replacement for RAM?

When purchasing a new module, pay attention to:

1. **Memory type** (DDR3, DDR4, DDR5, LPDDR4X, etc. - must match the supported laptop).

2. **Frequency** (for example, 2400 MHz, 3200 MHz - take it with a reserve if the motherboard supports it).

3. **Timings** (the lower the better, but only critical for gaming laptops).

4. **Volume** (if you have 8 GB, it is better to buy another 8 GB for dual-channel mode than to install one 16 GB stick).

To check compatibility, use utilities Crucial System Scanner or CPU-Z (tab SPD).

5. Problems with your hard drive or SSD

If the laptop restarts when accessing disk (for example, when copying files or launching programs), the drive may be to blame. Typical for HDD bad sectors, and for SSD - record resource exhaustion (especially for cheap models without DRAM cache).

Signs of a disk failure:

• 🐢 The laptop freezes before rebooting.
• 🔊 Clicking or grinding noises appear (for HDD).
• 📉 The system shows messages like "The disk is not formatted" or "The file is damaged".
• 🔄 Reboot occurs when an external drive is connected.

Diagnostics:

1. For Windows:
   • Run chkdsk C: /f /r (replace C: to your drive letter).
   • Use CrystalDiskInfo to check the status of the SSD/HDD (see parameters Reallocated Sectors Count And Pending Sectors).
2. For Linux:

   sudo smartctl -a /dev/sda

   (where /dev/sda - your disk; for NVMe use /dev/nvme0n1).

3. For macOS:
   • Open Disk Utility and check the SMART status.
   • Run the test via Terminal:

     diskutil verifyVolume /

If the disk is faulty:

• 💾 Urgently copy important data to another medium.
• 🔧 Replace the disk. For laptops we recommend SSD with DRAM cache (For example, Samsung 980 Pro, WD Black SN850X).
• 🔄 Reinstall the system on a new disk (or clone the old one using Macrium Reflect or Clonezilla).

⚠️ Attention: If CrystalDiskInfo shows a Pre-Fail status for the Reallocated Sectors Count parameter, the disk may fail at any time. Do not delay replacement - this may result in data loss!

6. BIOS/UEFI or firmware failures

Rare, but apt: errors in the motherboard firmware can cause cyclic reboots immediately after switching on. This is relevant after:

• ⚡ Failed BIOS update.
• 🔧 Resetting BIOS settings (for example, after removing the CMOS battery).
• 🛠️ Overclocking or changing power settings in the BIOS.

How to diagnose:

• Laptop reboots before loading OS (not even a Windows/macOS logo).
• Messages like "BIOS checksum error" or "CMOS settings wrong".
• The date and time in the system are reset.

Solutions:

1. Reset BIOS to factory settings:
   • Turn off the laptop, unplug the charger and remove the battery (if possible).
   • Press and hold the power button 30–60 seconds (discharges the capacitors).
   • If there is a CMOS battery (on older laptops), remove it for 5 minutes.
   • Turn on the laptop and immediately hold down the key to enter the BIOS (usually F2, Del or Esc).
   • Find the option Load Default Settings (or Restore Defaults) and save changes (F10).
2. Update BIOS (if resetting didn't help):
   • Download the latest firmware from the manufacturer's website (for example, for Lenovo ThinkPad — with Lenovo Support).
   • Follow the manufacturer's instructions (usually the firmware is installed via a USB stick).
   • Don't interrupt the process! Losing power while updating the BIOS may render the laptop inoperable.

For laptops Apple (MacBook) firmware update occurs automatically via macOS Recovery. If your Mac reboots during the boot phase (apple logo and progress bar appears), try:

1. Clamp Command + R when turned on to start Recovery Mode.
2. Select Reinstall macOS (data will not be affected).
3. If it doesn’t help, contact the service for flashing. T2-chip (valid for 2018 and newer models).

7. Virus attacks and mining bots

If the laptop starts to reboot after visiting dubious sites or installation of pirated software, malware may be to blame. Particularly dangerous:

• 🦠 Miners: Uses CPU/GPU resources at 100%, causing overheating and rebooting.
• 🕵️ Rootkits: They modify system files, which leads to the crash of the OS.
• 📧 Spyware: May conflict with security drivers (e.g. Bitdefender or Kaspersky).

How to detect and remove:

Disconnect from the Internet (so that the virus does not block the download of the antivirus)

Boot into Safe Mode (hold F8 or Shift when turned on)

Run a scan Kaspersky Rescue Disk or Dr.Web LiveUSB (they work without installation)

Check startup (msconfig on Windows or Activity Monitor on macOS)

Remove suspicious programs via Control Panel → Programs and Features

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If the antivirus does not find anything, but suspicions remain:

1. Check network activity:
   • On Windows: open Resource Monitor (resmon.exe) → tab Network.
   • On Linux: do

     sudo netstat -tulnp

   If suspicious connections are visible (for example, to an IP in China or Russia in the absence of such services), this is a sign of a botnet.

2. Check CPU/GPU load:
   • Open Task Manager and sort processes by load.
   • If the unknown process (svchost.exe with high load, WMI Provider Host) consumes >50% of resources - this is a miner.

For complete cleaning:

• Reset Windows via Settings → Update & Security → Recovery (select Save my files).
• For macOS: Reinstall the system via Recovery Mode.
• For Linux: check package integrity (

  sudo apt-get install --reinstall ubuntu-desktop

  for Ubuntu).

8. Hardware faults: motherboard, video card, capacitors

If all the previous methods did not help, the problem may lie in physical component failure. Typical scenarios:

• 🔌 Problems with the motherboard:
  • Swollen or leaking capacitors (especially in laptops older than 5 years).
  • Microcracks on the tracks (due to falls or overheating).
  • Faulty south/north bridge (manifested as lack of response to the power button).
• 🎮 Discrete graphics card failures:
  • Laptops with NVIDIA or AMD Radeon may reboot due to GPU overheating or chip failure.
  • Typical for gaming models (MSI GT76, ASUS ROG Strix, Acer Predator).
• ⚡ Short circuit:
  • May cause liquid, dust or metal particles to enter the board.

Diagnostics:

1. Carefully inspect the motherboard for:
   • Darkened or swollen capacitors.
   • Burnt areas (especially near power connectors).
   • Oxidized contacts (greenish coating).
2. Check your video card:
   • Run the test FurMark or 3DMark - If the laptop reboots after 1-2 minutes, the GPU is faulty.
   • Listen to the video card cooler - if it does not spin or makes a grinding noise, it needs replacement.
3. Test the laptop without connected devices:
   • Disconnect all USB devices, card readers, external drives.
   • Remove the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module (if possible).

Solutions:

• 🔧 Repair in service:
  • Replacing capacitors or resoldering chips (for example, a video card) will cost 5 000–15 000 ₽.
  • For laptops with CPU/GPU soldering (for example, MacBook Pro 2015–2017) repairs may not be cost-effective.
• 🆕 Replacing Components:
  • It is almost impossible to replace a video card in a laptop (the exception is models with MXM slot, for example, Clevo).
  • The motherboard is replaced only if it is under warranty or if the laptop is expensive (for example, Dell Precision).

⚠️ Attention: If the laptop restarts when connected to a 220V network (but runs on battery power), this may indicate a breakdown in the motherboard power circuit. Continuing operation in this condition is dangerous - risk of short circuit and fire!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about laptop reboots

The laptop reboots when the game starts. What's the matter?

Most likely the problem is overheating of the video card or malnutrition. Check:

1. GPU temperature (should be <85°C under load).
2. Power supply power (for gaming laptops you need an adapter for 180W+).
3. Video card drivers (update via GeForce Experience or AMD Adrenalin).

If the temperature is normal and reboots continue, test the video card for artifacts (program MSI Afterburner).

The laptop turns on and immediately turns off (the cycle repeats). What to do?

This is a typical symptom:

• Faulty power supply (try another adapter).
• Short circuit on the motherboard (diagnostics required at the service center).
• BIOS failure (try resetting as described in section 6).

If the laptop does not turn on even for 1 second, check the power button (the cable may be stuck or loose).

Can a virus cause reboots?

Yes, some types of malware specifically provoke reboots in order to:

• Hide your activity (for example, cryptocurrency mining).
• Bypass antivirus scanners.
• Damage system files (encryption viruses).

Scan the system at least two antiviruses (For example, Kaspersky + Malwarebytes). If a virus is blocking your antivirus installation, use LiveUSB