Computer shuts down when installing Windows 11

If your PC shuts down when installing Windows 11, this article will help you. This issue usually occurs due to hardware issues, such as overheating, power supply issues, motherboard issues, etc., but it can also be due to BIOS issues.

Computer shuts down when installing Windows 11

Use the following fixes if your PC shuts down when installing Windows 11:

Clear CMOS
Delete all partitions and create them again
Check the fans
Reset the CPU and check the thermal paste
Reseat RAM sticks and GPU (if applicable)
Disconnect the dedicated graphics card (if applicable)
Hardware fault

All these fixes are explained below in detail.

1] Clear CMOS

Clearing CMOS resets BIOS to the default and helps fix boot issues on a computer. Clear the CMOS and try installing Windows 11 again. The following steps will guide you on this:

Turn off your PC and unplug the power cord from the wall socket.
Wait for a few minutes and open the computer case.
Locate the CMOS battery. Remove it gently from the socket.
Wait for a few minutes and reinsert the battery with the correct polarity.
Turn on your PC.

2] Delete all partitions and create them again

Delete all the partitions from your C drive and try again. You can delete partitions on the Windows installation screen before starting Windows installation. If you have a separate SSD for Windows installation, this will be easier for you. However, if you have only one hard drive with multiple partitions, you need to back up your data before proceeding. After deleting all the partitions, you can create partitions again and install Windows on the C partition.

3] Check the fans

Overheating can be one possible cause of an unexpected shutdown of a computer. Overheating issues occur if the fans are not working properly. Open your computer case and see if the fans are working. If fans are not rotating, check cable connections. The cables might be loose.

4] Reset the CPU and check the thermal paste

If you have built your PC, there could be a chance of incorrect CPU installation. Open your computer case and check your CPU for bent pins. If the pins are bent, fix them and install the CPU carefully.

Worn out thermal paste is another cause of overheating issues. Check this and reapply the thermal paste (if applicable).

Read: Computer shuts down when playing or streaming videos.

5] Reseat RAM sticks and GPU (if applicable)

The next step is to reseat RAM sticks. Turn off your PC, open the computer case, and remove all RAM statics. Clean all the RAM slots and RAM sticks. Now, insert the RAM sticks back into the slots carefully. Turn on your PC and see if the issue persists.

If your system has multiple RAM sticks, the problem may also be with one RAM stick. The minimum RAM required for Windows 11 is 4 GB. If a single RAM stick is 4 GB, boot your computer with one RAM stick at a time and install Windows. This will let you know whether the RAM is faulty.

If you have connected a dedicated GPU, disconnect it and try installing Windows again. Sometimes, peripherals connected to a computer cause issues while installing Windows.

7] Hardware fault

If nothing helps, there may be a hardware fault. The problem may be with your RAM or motherboard. Take your computer to a professional computer repair shop for further assistance.

I hope this helps.

Why does Windows 11 keep shutting down my computer?

Both hardware and software issues are responsible for an unexpected shutdown of a Windows computer. Sometimes, it can be due to power issues or a faulty power supply unit. A faulty RAM or motherboard can also cause an unexpected shutdown. You should also monitor your computer’s temperature.

How long does Windows 11 take to install?

The time it takes to install Windows 11 depends on your system’s hardware. An HDD is generally slower than an SSD, so installing Windows 11 on a hard disk drive takes more time than installing it on a solid-state drive.