Windows PC shuts down while installing or uninstalling a program

If your Windows computer shuts down while installing or uninstalling a program, it be due to hardware and software issues. In this post, we will see what you can do if your Windows 11/10 shuts down when you try to install or uninstall a program.

Fix Windows computer shuts down while installing or uninstalling a program

If your Windows 11/10 computer shuts down while installing or uninstalling a program, follow the solutions mentioned below.

1. Check if your system overheats
2. Use the System Restore Point
3. Check for viruses and malware
4. Scan and repair system files
5. Check Event Viewer
6. Carry out the installation in Clean Boot or Safe Mode
7. Check PSU

Let us talk about them in detail.

1] Check if your system overheats

When you try to install or uninstall a program, you need to check if your computer heats up. If your computer heats up a lot, Windows tends to recognize it, and if the fan can’t control the heat, the system shuts down to protect your processor from heating up. If it does that, open the Task Manager and check if processes are running in the background that consume a lot of resources. You should also check if there is no dust and debris stuck to the fan, preventing it from moving freely. Additionally, you should try reapplying the thermal paste to make your CPU a bit cooler.

2] Use the System Restore Point

If you have created a system restore point, this is the right time to deploy it. It will revert your computer back to a point when this issue was absent. However, this only works if you have already created a restore point. Also, one thing to keep in mind is that if you deploy a restore point, any changes made henceforth will not be registered. To restore your system using the restore point, follow the steps below.

1. Search for “System Restore Point” from the Start Menu.
2. Click on System Restore.
3. Then, click on Next, select a restore point, and then click on Next.
4. Finally, apply the restore point.

Once done, you need to check if the issue is resolved.

3] Check for virus and malware

You may also encounter this issue if your computer has malicious programs or files that can prevent your computer from installing or uninstalling any program. If you have a third-party security tool, go ahead and use it to scan; if not, run Windows Defender Offline scan.

Once it has completely scanned your system, it will ask you to remove the malicious program or do it voluntarily. Then, you can check if the issue is resolved.

4] Scan and repair system files

If your system files are corrupted, it’s important to scan and repair them. Corrupted system files can cause your system to shut down unexpectedly while trying to access them. This issue often arises when you attempt to install or uninstall an application. To do so, you can use one of the following methods.

• Run DISM Offline to repair Windows System Image.
• Use System File Checker sfc /scannow to scan and repair system files
• Repair the computer using Windows Update

Once you have done this, you will hopefully be able to install and uninstall programs without worrying about abrupt shutdowns.

5] Check Event Viewer

You should also check the Event Viewer, as when your system has an expected shutdown, it gets registered as a log. If you are able to find what the issue is, you can resolve it and get rid of the issue.

6] Carry out the installation in Clean Boot or Safe Mode

Sometimes, the problem may stem from a faulty driver or hardware. To identify the cause, perform a Clean Boot, which is simple and doesn’t require third-party software. This process helps determine if a conflicting application or service is the issue, although it does not directly resolve it. You could also perform the installation or uninstallation in Clean Boot State and see if that works.

This post will show you how to install or uninstall programs in Safe Mode.

7] Check PSU

A failing power supply unit (PSU) might not provide enough power during resource-intensive tasks like installations. So, get a PSU from your friend and attach it to your computer and see if that helps. If it works, you need to replace your PSU, which would resolve the issue.

We hope that you can resolve the issue using the solutions mentioned in this post.

Read: Windows computer restarts after selecting Shutdown

What happens if my PC turns off while installing Windows?

If your PC turns off while installing Windows, the installation process might stop midway, leaving your system incomplete or corrupted. When you restart, the computer might either try to resume the installation or fail to boot properly. This can result in errors like missing files or an endless reboot loop. To fix this, you may need to create a bootable Windows installation USB or DVD and then start the installation again. It’s important to ensure the PC has a steady power supply and doesn’t overheat during the process. Therefore, one should always back up their data before installing to avoid losing important files.

Read: Prevent users from shutting down or restarting Windows computer

Why does my Windows computer keep shutting down?

Your Windows computer might keep shutting down due to overheating, power supply issues, or hardware failure. It could also happen because of malware, outdated drivers, or corrupted system files. Overloading the computer with too many tasks can trigger shutdowns too. Check the fans and vents for dust, scan for malware, and update drivers. We recommend you check our post to know what to do if the PC turns off randomly.

Also Read: Computer shuts down when playing or streaming videos.