Windows 10 Restarts Instead of Shutting Down

If your Windows 10 computer restarts when you attempt to shut it down, this issue can be both unexpected and frustrating. In this guide, we’ll explore the common reasons for this problem and provide effective solutions to help you restore normal shutdown behavior.

Why Does Windows 10 Restart Instead of Shutting Down?

Here are the main reasons why your Windows 10 might restart instead of powering off:

  • Fast Startup Enabled — This feature speeds up boot time but can sometimes interfere with proper shutdown.
  • Incorrect BIOS/UEFI Settings — Certain power management options in the BIOS can trigger a restart instead of a shutdown.
  • Pending Windows Updates — Incomplete or pending updates might force a restart to finalize the installation.
  • Conflicting Software or Drivers — Some third-party applications or outdated drivers may prevent the system from shutting down properly.

How to Fix the Issue: Windows 10 Restarts When Shutting Down

1. Disable Fast Startup

The Fast Startup feature can be the culprit behind restart issues. To disable it:

  1. Open Control Panel and go to Power Options.
  2. Select Choose what the power buttons do.
  3. Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.
  4. Uncheck the box for Turn on fast startup (recommended).
  5. Save changes and restart your computer.

2. Check BIOS/UEFI Settings

Misconfigured BIOS/UEFI settings might be causing the problem:

  1. Restart your computer and enter BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing Del or F2 during boot).
  2. Look for power management options, such as Power Management or Wake on LAN.
  3. Disable any settings related to automatic system startup.
  4. Save changes and restart your computer.

3. Update Your Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can interfere with proper shutdown:

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Check for any devices with a yellow warning icon.
  3. Right-click on the device and select Update driver.

4. Run System File Checker

Corrupted system files can also cause shutdown issues. Use the following command to scan and fix errors:

sfc /scannow

Run this command as an administrator and wait for the process to complete. The system will attempt to repair any detected issues automatically.

5. Check for Windows Updates

Make sure your system is up to date:

  1. Go to Settings → Update & Security.
  2. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.