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ProblemReturns to boot or Windows without pressing power

PC restarts while gaming

The PC boots again on its own during a game. A Windows crash, instability or interrupted power can end in a restart; the symptom does not identify one component. If it stays off, use the gaming shutdown guide.

Try this first

1 quick checks · ~2 min

  1. Record what restartsDistinguish a full reboot from the game closing.

Diagnostic signals

ObservationA stop code appears
Record the exact code if visible. It is a troubleshooting lead, not proof that a particular part needs replacing.
ObservationThe log shows Kernel-Power 41
This records an unclean shutdown; by itself it does not prove a faulty power supply.

Step-by-step solutions

01

Record what restarts

  • Estimated time: 2 min
  • Easy

Distinguish a full reboot from the game closing.

  1. Note whether the boot logo or a stop code appears, or whether only the game closes. Do not force another failure to get a photo.

  2. When Windows is stable, open Event Viewer > Windows Logs > System and check the restart time. Record any logged code without automatically blaming the PSU for event 41.

Sources:
02

Review software changes

  • Estimated time: 10 min
  • Easy
  • Low risk
  • Administrator required
  • Restart required

Use the timing of changes as a lead.

  1. If this began after a game or graphics-driver update, check official release notes and fixes. Use the normal game update and a compatible official graphics driver.

  2. Change one thing at a time and note normal-use results. If it restarts again, stop testing; do not run benchmarks to provoke it.

Sources:
Advanced

Advanced checks

Continue if the earlier steps did not help. Read each procedure’s precautions first.

03

Undo your performance tuning

  • Estimated time: 5 min
  • Intermediate
  • Low risk
  • Administrator required
  • Restart required

Return to stock settings without experimenting with voltages.

  1. If you enabled overclocking or undervolting, undo those changes in the tool you used, following its documentation. Record the previous settings.

  2. If this requires unfamiliar BIOS changes, ask the manufacturer or a technician. Do not indiscriminately reset BIOS settings or flash firmware on an unstable PC.

Sources:
04

Prepare for hardware assessment

  • Estimated time: 5 min
  • Intermediate

Gather information before buying replacement parts.

  1. Record CPU, GPU, RAM, PSU model and recent upgrades from the PC documentation.

  2. Ask for cooling, memory and power capacity/condition checks using manufacturer procedures. Testing another PSU should be handled by someone qualified.

Sources:
Next step

Still not working?

Give support the failure time/code, recent changes and whether one or several games are affected. Review logs for personal data before sharing them. If the PC starts staying off, prioritize power and cooling assessment.

Sources

Documentation behind this guide. Editorial recommendations are identified separately.

Source review: . A documentation review, not a physical hardware test.

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