Discover the common triggers behind "Windows ran into a problem and needs to restart" and a complete repair guide. From startup repair to memory checks, you'll learn to eliminate "Windows ran into a problem and needs to restart" permanently and recover system stability.
How can I fix "Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. We're just collecting some error info, and then we'll restart for you."?
Recently, whenever I start up/ power my pc on, I'm prompted with this message. Sometimes it lets me log in and works for a little while, then prompts that message, and usually, after the first message, it works fine again. But it does it every time I turn my PC on (at least once each time).
How can I fix it?
What I've tried:
Updating BIOS
Running a test through Windows to see if there are any errors (nothing)
Checking CPU and GPU temp (both normal)
(The PC is just over a year old and isn't in a really dusty environment)
- Question from reddit.com
Encounter the same situation as the above user? The computer shows the error message:
Or something like that, and show the stop code like BAD SYSTEM CONFIG INFO, HAL INITIALIZATION FAILED, PAGE FAULT IN NONPAGED AREA, ANY_ERROR_OR_FAILURE, DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE, SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION, etc.
It's frustrating, but it also leaves you wondering if your files are safe, if your hardware is failing, or if you'll ever get back to what you were doing.
And if your device keeps running into a problem and restarting, you could be stuck in a loop that makes your computer practically useless. But don't worry—there's a way out. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from why it happens to how to fix it, and even how to recover your precious files along the way.
When Windows runs into a problem and needs to restart, it's usually because of a critical system failure(also called the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)). Windows shuts down or restarts to prevent further damage to your hardware or data.
The error message can be caused by driver issues, corrupt system files, overheating, memory errors, or recently installed software.
After that, it's time to save your files from the computer just in case.
Now, you can't access your important files on your computer. It's an emergency to recover them before it's too late. Fortunately, MyRecover is a powerful data recovery tool designed for exactly this nightmare scenario—when Windows is crashing, and you can't access your files normally.
Here is how to recover files from your Windows 11/10 computer via MyRecover:
1. Please create a bootable USB drive on a working Windows PC. Download and install MyRecover on the working PC, then connect a USB drive with at least 32 GB of free space. Tap PC Crashed Recovery, choose the connected USB drive, and hit Create. Wait for the process to complete.
2. Boot your crashing PC from the bootable USB you just created. MyRecover will run automatically. Then connect an external hard drive to that computer.
3. Tap Disk Data Recovery, select the hard drive where your files are stored (usually C:), and hit Scan.
4. Choose the external hard drive, and hit Select Folder to keep them.
Once recovering files, you can troubleshoot the error message now.
1. First, let the system restart on its own—do not force a power-off unless it's truly stuck for more than five minutes. When Windows boots again, you might see options like "Startup Repair" or "Advanced Options".
Tip: If not, you'll need to interrupt the boot process three times in a row (by holding the power button during startup) to trigger the recovery environment.
2. Once in the Advanced Startup Options menu, select Advanced Options.
3. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
4. After the restart, press 4 or F4 to start in Safe Mode.
If you are in Safe mode, it means that you can fix the problem, and it caused by the third-party programs. Once inside Safe Mode, you can uninstall recently added software, roll back drivers, or run system scans.
1. If you can boot into your Windows computer, right-click Start, and choose Device Manager. Or boot into Safe mode to uninstall.
2. Look for any yellow warning triangles, especially under Display Adapters, Network Adapters, or System Devices.
3. Right-click a problematic driver and choose "Uninstall driver" or "Roll back driver".
If you just installed third-party software recently, especially system utilities, VPNs, or a second antivirus program, you can try to uninstall it to fix it.
To uninstall programs on Windows 11/10:
1. Right-click the Start menu in Safe mode.
2. Choose Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
3. Locate the application, click the three-dot menu, and select Uninstall.
When your computer keeps running into a problem and restarting, corrupted system files are a prime suspect. Thankfully, Windows includes a built-in scanner called System File Checker (SFC)and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM).
1. Force a shutdown three times during startup, or boot from a Windows installation USB.
2. Once in the menu, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
3. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, and hit Enter.
4. Then input sfc /scannow and hit Enter.
The tool will check every protected system file and replace corrupted versions with a cached copy. It takes about 10–15 minutes. If SFC finds and fixes issues, reboot and see if the crashes stop. I've seen this single command save countless PCs from the recycle bin.
If you've already cleaned up drivers and repaired system files, yet my PC keeps running into a problem and restarting, hardware becomes the focus. Windows has a built-in tool called Windows Memory Diagnostic. Here is how to troubleshoot this:
1. In Safe mode, type "Windows Memory Diagnostic" in the Start menu, select it to run.
2. Select "Restart now and check for problems".
3. The PC will reboot and test your RAM for errors. If it finds any, you'll need to replace the faulty module—no software fix can repair bad RAM.
Now, you can also check your hard drive health if your Windows keeps running into a problem and restarting.
1. Boot your computer from a Windows installation drive.
2. Once in the menu, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
3. Then run wmic diskdrive get status and hit Enter.
4. If it says "Pred Fail" or anything other than "OK". Back up immediately!
5. For a deeper check, use chkdsk C: /f /r (replace C: with your drive letter). This scans for bad sectors and recovers readable data. You might encounter the Windows FOUND.000 folder.
Overheating can cause sudden restarts without a clear error log. Download a free tool to check your CPU and GPU temperatures while idle and under load.
Idle should be below 50°C (for most desktops) or 60°C for laptops. Under load, anything above 90°C is dangerous. If temps are high, clean your fans, improve airflow, or reapply thermal paste.
If you find that RtUsbA64.sys causes the error message, you can disable Realtek USB Audio to fix the problem if you don't want to use it anymore.
1. Press Windows + X on your keyboard.
2. Select Device Manager from the menu.
3. Expand Sound, video, and game controllers by clicking the > icon.
4. Locate Realtek USB Audio, right-click on it, and choose Disable Device.
System Restore is your option if you have turned on system protection or restore points. It rolls your system files and settings back to an earlier date without touching your personal documents, photos, or videos.
1. If you can't get to your desktop normally, power your PC on and off three times in a row using the physical power button. On the third attempt, Windows will automatically launch into recovery mode.
2. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore.
3. Select a restore point before the error message.
4. Click "Scan for affected programs" to see which apps and drivers will be removed or reinstalled during the rollback, and click Next > Finish.
Your PC will reboot and restore the selected system state.
1. Force your PC into recovery mode (power on/off three times).
2. Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Keep my files.
3. Select your reinstall method:
4. Click Next, then Reset.
Wait while Windows reinstalls – this can take anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour.
A clean installation erases everything - files, apps, settings, the whole drive - and installs Windows from scratch. Use this when the error persists through all other fixes or when you want a completely fresh start.
1. On a working computer, go to Microsoft's official Windows download page to download the Media Creation Tool.
2. Run the tool and accept the license terms, select "Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC".
3. Choose language, edition, and architecture (64-bit or 32-bit).
4. Select the USB flash drive and choose your USB drive from the list to download Windows and create the installer.
5. Insert the USB drive into the problematic PC.
6. Restart the computer and boot from the USB drive.
7. The Windows Setup screen appears. Choose your language, time format, and keyboard layout, and click "Install now".
8. Then follow the guide to reinstall Windows.
If the error message persists, you can turn to a professional repair shop for help.
Q: How do I fix "Windows ran into a problem and needs to restart" without losing data?
A: Boot into Safe Mode, run sfc /scannow and DISM, then uninstall recent drivers. Use MyRecover to back up files before resetting or reinstalling Windows.
Q: Why does my computer keep restarting in a loop?
A: A faulty driver, corrupted system file, bad hard drive, or failed Windows update causes the loop. Interrupt boot three times to reach Advanced Startup Options, then enter Safe Mode.
Q: Can overheating cause "your device ran into a problem and needs to restart"?
A: Yes. Overheating triggers thermal shutdown. Check temperatures with HWMonitor, clean dust from fans, and improve ventilation.
Q: What's the difference between this error and a normal crash?
A: A normal crash kills only one program. This blue screen error means the entire operating system failed to prevent data corruption—a system-wide failure, not just an app freeze.
Q: How do I recover files when the error appears every time I log in?
A: Create a bootable USB with MyRecover or Hiren's Boot CD on another PC. Boot from it and copy files to an external drive. Never run disk repairs before extracting your data.
Q: Will resetting my PC fix "my PC keeps running into a problem and restarting"?
A: Usually yes for software issues, but hardware problems (bad RAM, failing drive) won't be fixed by a reset. Recover your files first.
Q: Can a virus cause this error?
A: Yes, rootkits and boot-sector viruses can. Run an offline scan with Windows Defender Offline or Kaspersky Rescue Disk.
Q: How do I stop automatic restarts after the error?
A: Go to Control Panel > System > Advanced system settings > Startup and Recovery > Settings. Uncheck "Automatically restart" to keep the blue screen visible for troubleshooting.
Q: Is my RAM faulty if I see random restarts with different stop codes?
A: Very likely. Run Windows Memory Diagnostic or MemTest86. Replace the RAM stick if errors appear.
Q: What's the fastest fix if I can't boot at all?
A: Boot from a Windows USB, go to Troubleshoot > Command Prompt, then run bootrec /fixmbr, bootrec /fixboot, and bootrec /rebuildbcd. If that fails, recover files with MyRecover and clean install Windows.