A lot of people don’t realize that their computers can overheat and that they may need to be cleared of dust periodically. Most computers today are designed to turn off automatically if any of its inner components overheat.
Start by verifying the fan on the power supply is working by examining the back of the computer. The fan should be moving quickly and smoothly. All other fans in the computer require you to open the case to inspect them. Once you have access to the inside of your machine, examine the processor, video card, and case fans. If you hear any abnormal noises coming from your computer, such as a high squealing sound, it could be an indication of a fan malfunction. Shut down and replace the fan or have your machine serviced by a professional.
If you find that the fan in the power supply is not working correctly or at all, and the power supply is very hot to the touch, you may need to replace the power supply. An overheating power supply, due to a malfunctioning fan, can cause a computer to shut off unexpectedly. Continuing to use the faulty power supply can result in damage to the computer and should be replaced immediately.
Working on the interior of your machine provides the perfect time to clean the inside. Dust, dirt, hair, and other trapped debris can prevent proper air flow, which may lead to overheating.
*** If your issues are on a laptop, we do not suggest opening the computer. Instead, verify the fan on the side of the computer is working and blowing out hot air. Also, with a laptop, you may want to invest in a cooler pad to help lower its running temperature.
Hardware related issues
Any failing hardware component in your computer could cause your computer to unexpectedly turn off without warning. If you have recently added any new hardware, remove it from the computer to make sure it is not the cause of the problem.
If you have not recently installed any new hardware into the computer, the next best solution is to systematically remove non-essential hardware. For example, remove your modem, network card, sound card, and any other expansion cards that are not needed for your computer to operate. Running the computer without these cards may help diagnose your issue.
Problem with UPS or surge protector
Make sure any surge protector or UPS (uninterruptible power supply) is not the cause of your problem by connecting the computer directly to the power outlet on the wall. If this resolves your problem, you may have a defective surge protector or UPS. Make sure there are not too many devices connected to your UPS and that it has the latest software updates.
Computer Virus
Your computer may be infected with a virus or other malware that is designed to shut down your computer upon certain conditions. If your computer seems to be turning off when executing a certain program at specific times of the day, it could be infected. Use your antivirus software to scan your computer.
If after following each of the above recommendations your computer still continues to shut off, it is possible you are experiencing a problem at the operating system level. At this point you may want to enlist the help of a professional as further testing can be quite advanced.
We're happy to help diagnose what might be causing the issues.