How to Fix the ‘Your PC Will Automatically Restart in One Minute’ Error

Step 1: Boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode

Safe Mode serves as a diagnostic environment, loading only the essential system files necessary for Windows to operate, thereby disabling any third-party applications. Follow these steps to boot into Safe Mode:

• Open the Run dialog by pressing Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
• Navigate to the Boot tab in the System Configuration window.
• Select the “ Safe Boot ” option and check the Minimal radio button.
• Click on Apply and OK, then restart your PC.

Pro Tip: If the error does not occur in Safe Mode, a third-party application is likely the culprit.

Step 2: Execute an Automatic Repair

This feature helps rectify various system issues automatically:

• Open the Settings app using Win + I.
• Select Update & Security and then Recovery.
• Under Advanced Startup, click Restart Now.
• After your PC restarts, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Automatic Repair.

Follow the on-screen instructions, and let Windows handle the problem-solving.

Step 3: Update Device Drivers

Outdated drivers can lead to system instability. To update your drivers:

• Right-click the Windows icon and select Device Manager.
• Expand the categories and look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark.
• Right-click on any problem drivers and select Update Driver.
• Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software.”

This will ensure the installation of the latest drivers, potentially resolving the restart issue.

Step 4: Conduct a Malware Scan

Malware can often masquerade as legitimate applications. To scan for malware:

• Open Windows Security and run a full scan of your system.
• If you use third-party antivirus, ensure that it is reputable and regularly updated.

Step 5: Roll Back Recent Windows Updates

Sometimes, a faulty update may cause system instability:

• Open the Settings app with Win + I.
• Navigate to Update & Security, then click View Update History.
• Select Uninstall Updates and roll back the most recent updates.

Step 6: Perform a RAM Check

Faulty RAM can create errors and inflict a restart loop. Use the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool:

• Press Win + I to open Settings, search for memory, and select Diagnose your computer’s memory problems.
• Follow the prompts to restart and check for issues during the boot process.

Step 7: Inspect HDD for Corruption

Your hard drive may be malfunctioning, leading to repeated restarts. To check for errors:

• Open Task Manager, go to the File menu, and select Run new task.
• Type cmd and press Enter.
• In the command prompt, type chkdsk C: /f /r /x and press Enter.

Allow the system to diagnose and provide a report on HDD health. If issues are detected, consider replacing your hard drive.

What causes the “Your PC will automatically restart in one minute” error?

How do I know if a driver needs to be updated?