You click shutdown, walk away, and minutes later hear your computer running again. This frustrating problem happens when Windows restarts after you told it to shut down. Don’t worry – this is a common issue that affects all Windows versions, and most cases can be fixed in under 5 minutes.
The main causes are usually Fast Startup settings, wake timers, or system configurations that need adjusting. This guide will walk you through every solution, from basic fixes to advanced troubleshooting, so you can finally shut down your PC and have it stay off.
Why Does Windows Restart After Shutdown?
When your computer restarts after shutdown, it’s usually because Windows is trying to be helpful but getting it wrong. Research shows about 50% of Windows users experience this issue at some point. The problem affects all Windows versions, from Windows 7 to Windows 11.
The main reasons your PC restarts after shutting down include:
- Fast Startup: This feature saves system info to help your PC start faster, but it can cause restart issues
- Wake timers: Scheduled tasks that wake your computer automatically
- Network adapter settings: Wake-on-LAN features that turn on your PC
- System failure settings: Windows trying to recover from errors
- Driver issues: Outdated or corrupted device drivers
- Hardware problems: Rare, but possible with power supplies or motherboards
Most cases (about 80%) are software-related and can be fixed with settings changes. Only about 20% require hardware solutions.
How to Fix When Windows Restarts After Shutdown: Basic Solutions?
Solution 1: Disable Fast Startup (Most Common Fix)
Fast Startup is the number one cause of restarts after shutdown. This feature helps your PC start faster but can cause it to restart instead of shutting down completely.
For Windows 10 and 11:
- Click the Start button and type “control panel”
- Open Control Panel and select “Power Options”
- On the left side, click “Choose what the power buttons do”
- Click “Change settings that are currently unavailable” (you might need admin rights)
- Look for “Turn on fast startup (recommended)” and uncheck the box
- Click “Save changes”
For Windows 7:
- Click Start and type “power options” in the search box
- Select “Choose what the power buttons do”
- Click “Change unavailable settings”
- Uncheck “Turn on fast startup”
- Save your changes
This fix works for about 50% of users. If your PC still restarts after shutdown, try the next solution.
Solution 2: Turn Off Automatic Restart on System Failure
Windows has a feature that automatically restarts your computer when it encounters a system error. Sometimes this triggers even during normal shutdown.
- Press Windows key + Pause/Break (or right-click This PC and select Properties)
- Click “Advanced system settings” on the left
- Under the Advanced tab, click “Settings” in the Startup and Recovery section
- Uncheck “Automatically restart” under System failure
- Click OK to save changes
This stops Windows from trying to restart when it thinks there’s a problem, which can fix the shutdown restart issue.
Solution 3: Disable Wake on LAN
Your network adapter might be set to wake up your computer, causing it to restart after shutdown.
- Right-click the Start button and select “Device Manager”
- Expand “Network adapters”
- Find your main network adapter (usually has “Ethernet” or “Wi-Fi” in the name)
- Right-click it and select “Properties”
- Go to the “Power Management” tab
- Uncheck “Allow this device to wake the computer”
- Click OK
This prevents your network from waking up your PC after shutdown. For more help with power management settings, check our detailed guide.
How to Fix When Windows Restarts After Shutdown: Advanced Solutions?
Solution 4: Check and Disable Wake Timers
Wake timers are scheduled tasks that can turn on your computer automatically. They’re often used for updates or maintenance but can cause unwanted restarts.
- Click Start and type “cmd”
- Right-click “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator”
- Type this command and press Enter: powercfg -waketimers
- If it shows any wake timers, you need to disable them
To disable wake timers:
- Go to Control Panel > Power Options
- Click “Change plan settings” next to your active plan
- Click “Change advanced power settings”
- Expand “Sleep” and then “Allow wake timers”
- Set both “On battery” and “Plugged in” to “Disable”
- Click OK
This stops scheduled tasks from waking your computer after shutdown.
Solution 5: Change Registry Settings
WARNING: Editing the registry can be dangerous if done wrong. Follow these steps exactly and consider backing up your registry first.
The registry contains settings that control how your computer shuts down. Two key settings can cause restart issues:
PowerdownAfterShutdown:
- Press Windows key + R and type “regedit”
- Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
- Look for “PowerdownAfterShutdown” on the right
- If it exists, double-click it and make sure the value is “1”
- If it doesn’t exist, right-click in empty space, select New > String Value
- Name it “PowerdownAfterShutdown” and set value to “1”
HiberbootEnabled:
- Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Power
- Look for “HiberbootEnabled”
- Double-click it and set the value to “0”
- Click OK
These registry changes tell Windows to completely shut down instead of using hybrid shutdown.
Solution 6: Run System File Checker
Corrupted system files can cause shutdown problems. The System File Checker (SFC) can find and fix these issues.
- Click Start and type “cmd”
- Right-click “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator”
- Type sfc /scannow and press Enter
- Wait for the scan to complete (this might take 15-30 minutes)
- If it finds and fixes issues, restart your computer
If SFC finds problems but can’t fix them, you might need to run Windows Update from command line to repair system files.
How to Fix When Windows Restarts After Shutdown: Hardware Solutions?
Solution 7: Reset BIOS/CMOS Settings
Sometimes the issue is in your computer’s BIOS settings, not Windows. Resetting the CMOS can fix this.
How to access BIOS:
- Restart your computer
- Press the BIOS key repeatedly during startup (usually F2, F10, F12, or Delete)
- If you’re not sure which key, check our access BIOS Windows 11 guide
How to reset CMOS:
- In BIOS, look for “Load Optimized Defaults” or “Reset to Default Settings”
- Select this option and confirm
- Save changes and exit BIOS
- Try shutting down Windows normally
If your motherboard has a CMOS reset button (usually on the back), you can use that instead. One user in our research found this fixed their issue after trying everything else.
Solution 8: Check Hardware Connections
If software solutions don’t work, you might have a hardware problem. The most common hardware issues are:
Power Supply Problems:
- Faulty power supply unit (PSU)
- Loose power connections
- Power button issues
Motherboard Problems:
- Faulty front panel connections
- BIOS corruption
- Motherboard failure
To test for hardware issues:
- Try a different power outlet
- Check all power cables are secure
- Listen for unusual sounds from the power supply
- If you have a spare power supply, try swapping it
Hardware issues cause about 20% of restart-after-shutdown problems. If you suspect hardware, consider taking your PC to a professional technician.
How to Fix When Windows Restarts After Shutdown by Windows Version?
For Windows 11 Users
Windows 11 has slightly different settings locations, but the solutions are mostly the same.
Windows 11-Specific Tips:
- Use the new Settings app instead of Control Panel when possible
- Fast Startup is in: Settings > System > Power & battery > Screen and sleep
- Advanced power settings are still in Control Panel
- Windows 11 has more aggressive power management, so check power key settings
Best Solutions for Windows 11:
- Disable Fast Startup first (works for most users)
- Check for Windows updates (Windows 11 has frequent updates that fix power issues)
- Reset power plans to default
For Windows 10 Users
Windows 10 is the most common version affected by this issue.
Windows 10-Specific Tips:
- Most solutions work through Control Panel
- Check for driver updates regularly
- Windows 10 has a known issue with some NVMe drives causing restarts
Best Solutions for Windows 10:
- Disable Fast Startup (fixes 50% of cases)
- Update graphics drivers
- Run the Windows troubleshooter for power issues
For Windows 7 Users
Windows 7 is older but still used by many people. The solutions are similar but settings are in different locations.
Windows 7-Specific Tips:
- Use the Start menu search to find settings
- Windows 7 doesn’t have as many power management features
- Support is limited, so hardware issues are harder to fix
Best Solutions for Windows 7:
- Disable Fast Startup in Power Options
- Update all drivers manually
- Consider upgrading to Windows 10 if hardware supports it
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PC turn back on after I shut it down?
Your PC turns back on after shutdown because Windows settings or hardware features are telling it to wake up. The most common causes are Fast Startup (which saves system state instead of fully shutting down), wake timers (scheduled tasks), or network adapter settings that allow your PC to be woken remotely. About 80% of these cases are software-related and can be fixed by changing settings in Windows. Start by disabling Fast Startup in Power Options, as this fixes the problem for about half of all users.
How do I stop Windows 11 from restarting after shutdown?
To stop Windows 11 from restarting after shutdown, start by disabling Fast Startup. Go to Settings > System > Power & battery > Screen and sleep, then click “Power and sleep settings” and look for Fast Startup options. If that doesn’t work, check your network adapter’s power management settings and disable “Allow this device to wake the computer.” You should also run the Power troubleshooter by going to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Power. Windows 11 users should also check for updates, as Microsoft frequently releases fixes for power management issues.
I tried disabling Fast Startup but it didn’t work, what else can I try?
If disabling Fast Startup didn’t work, try these next steps: First, disable automatic restart on system failure by going to Advanced System Settings > Startup and Recovery > uncheck “Automatically restart.” Second, check your network adapter’s power management settings and disable wake-on-LAN. Third, run the command powercfg -waketimers to see if any scheduled tasks are waking your PC. If these don’t work, try changing registry settings for PowerdownAfterShutdown and HiberbootEnabled, or run System File Checker to repair corrupted files. About 30% of users need to try multiple solutions before finding the right fix.
Is this a hardware or software problem?
This is usually a software problem – about 80% of cases are caused by Windows settings, drivers, or system configurations. Software issues include Fast Startup settings, wake timers, network adapter configurations, and registry settings. Hardware problems cause about 20% of cases and include faulty power supplies, motherboard issues, or front panel connection problems. You can tell it’s likely software if the problem started after a Windows update or if you recently changed power settings. It’s likely hardware if the problem happens immediately every time, or if you hear unusual noises from your power supply.
Why does this happen only sometimes and not every time?
This issue happens only sometimes because it’s often triggered by specific conditions that aren’t always present. Common causes for intermittent restarts include Windows updates that need to install (your PC restarts to complete updates), scheduled maintenance tasks that run at certain times, or specific driver conditions that only occur occasionally. For example, some users report the issue happens every couple of weeks, which often matches Windows update cycles. Other times, temperature changes or power fluctuations might trigger the problem only under certain conditions. If your issue is intermittent, focus on checking Windows Update settings, scheduled tasks, and power management configurations.
Could malware be causing my computer to restart after shutdown?
Yes, malware could potentially cause your computer to restart after shutdown, though it’s less common than other causes. Malware might restart your PC to install malicious software, send information, or participate in botnet activities. To check for malware, run a full system scan with Windows Defender or your preferred antivirus software. Also, check your Task Manager for unusual processes and look at your network activity for suspicious data transfers. If you suspect malware, also check your startup programs and browser extensions. While malware is possible, remember that it’s responsible for only a small percentage of restart-after-shutdown cases compared to Windows settings and driver issues.
Do I need to replace my motherboard or PSU?
You probably don’t need to replace your motherboard or PSU, as most cases (80%) are software-related. Only consider hardware replacement if you’ve tried all software solutions and the problem persists, or if you notice signs of hardware failure like unusual noises, burning smells, or the PC not turning on at all. Before replacing hardware, try resetting your BIOS/CMOS settings and check all power connections. If you do need to replace hardware, start with the power supply as it’s more commonly the culprit than motherboards. A professional technician can test your hardware to confirm if replacement is necessary. Hardware replacement should be your last resort after exhausting all software solutions.
Conclusion
Fixing Windows restarts after shutdown is usually straightforward once you know the right solutions. Start with the basics: disable Fast Startup, turn off automatic restart, and check your network adapter settings. These three solutions fix about 70% of all cases. If those don’t work, try the advanced solutions like checking wake timers, adjusting registry settings, or running System File Checker.
Remember that 80% of these issues are software-related, so don’t rush to replace hardware. Most fixes take under 5 minutes to implement and don’t require technical expertise.
If you’ve tried all the solutions in this guide and still have issues, consider checking for Windows driver updates or seeking help from a professional technician. Your PC should stay off when you tell it to shut down – and now you have all the tools to make that happen.
