How to Fix The Computer Restarted Unexpectedly Loop in Windows 10

Did the computer restart unexpectedly or encounter an unexpected error on Windows 11? You may encounter this error during or after a Windows update, installation of new software, or hardware change, preventing you from accessing normal desktop or causing frequent restart loop. This error indicates that Windows encountered a critical error that forced a restart, but the underlying issue persists, causing the loop. Corrupted system files, driver problems, or hardware conflicts are some of the common reasons behind this. Here are several solutions you can try to fix the computer restarted unexpectedly error on Windows 10/11.

The error is something like this:

The computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected error. Windows installation cannot proceed. To install Windows, click “OK” to restart the computer, and then restart the installation.

Why computer restart unexpectedly

Mostly you may encounter “The Computer Restarted Unexpectedly” error during the installation or upgrade of the Windows operating system. It indicates that the installation process was interrupted due to an unexpected restart of the computer. Several factors can cause this error:

• Corrupted Installation Media: If the installation media (USB drive or DVD) is corrupted or damaged, it can lead to this error.
• Faulty Hardware: Issues with hardware components such as the hard drive, RAM, or motherboard can cause unexpected restarts during the installation process.
• Loose or Faulty Cables: Loose or faulty cables connecting the hard drive or other components can interrupt the installation process.
• Software Conflicts: Conflicts with existing software or drivers can cause the installation to fail and result in this error.

Disconnect All USB Devices

Sometimes, external devices connected to your computer can interfere with the installation process and result such error. Unplug all USB devices, including printers, flash drives, and external hard drives. Restart your computer and check if the error persists.

In addition, Faulty or loose hard drive cables can also cause this error. Power off your computer and unplug it from the power source. Open your computer case and ensure that all hard drive cables are securely connected. Plug your computer back in and restart it.

Users reported that switching the cables that connect hard drive to the motherboard fixed the issue, so you might want to try that.

Edit the Windows Registry

Wrong setup.exe entry value data in the registry editor is the main culprit for error The Computer Restarted Unexpectedly Loop in Windows 10. So you need to correct it first.

When you get this Error screen, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt. Type the command regedit and hit Enter key To open the Windows registry editor.

Now in the Registry Editor navigate to the following key:

Computer/HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SYSTEM/Setup/Status/ChildCompletion

Next, click on ChildCompletion key and then on the right-hand side window look for setup.exe. Double-click on setup.exe and change its value from 1 to 3.

Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer. The installation process should now continue without any issues.

Run Automatic Repair tool

If due to this error, you’re stuck in a restart loop, you’ll need to access the Advanced Startup Options to perform startup repair.

• Force shut down your PC 3 times in a row while it’s booting. This will trigger the Windows Recovery Environment.
• Go to “Troubleshoot” -> “Advanced options ” -> “Startup Repair” or “Automatic Repair.”
• Windows will try to diagnose and fix the issues causing the restarts.

If the above doesn’t work, you’ll need a bootable Windows 11 USB drive or DVD. Boot from the media, and on the initial setup screen, click “Repair your computer.” This will take you to the Advanced Startup Options.

Choose Troubleshoot –> Advanced option. Here On the Advanced options screen, click automatic Repair.

Windows will attempt to automatically diagnose and fix startup problems.

Repair this error in safe mode

If Automatic Repair fails, you need to  Boot into Safe Mode and perform the next solutions. Again Advanced options > Startup Settings >Restart. After the PC restarts, there is a list of options. Select 4 or F4 to start the PC in Safe Mode.

If the problem started after a recent Windows update, try Uninstall Recent Updates from Settings -> Windows Update -> Update history -> Uninstall updates. Consider anything installed right before the problem started.

Corrupt system files are one of the common reasons behind this error. Run sfc and DISM restore health utility to scan and fix such errors that probably fix the problem for you.

• Open command prompt as administrator,
• Type the command sfc /scannow and press Enter.
• Wait for the scanning process to complete 100%, then run dism restore health command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Once the DISM scan is complete 100% close the command prompt and reboot your PC. Now check if this helps fix the error.

Check for Overheating

Overheating can cause unexpected restarts. Ensure your computer is not overheating:

1. Clean Dust: Open your computer case and clean any dust from fans, heat sinks, and other components.
2. Check Cooling System: Ensure all fans are working properly and that the cooling system is adequate for your hardware.
3. Monitor Temperatures: Use software like HWMonitor or Core Temp to monitor your computer’s temperatures.

Format Disk Drive

If All the Above methods fails to fix this error, Then the simple last way to format the drive with NTFS file system using command prompt, And perform a Clean installation.

Note: This method will remove all your files, folders and settings from your PC. Ensure backup before performing these steps.

Again open the Command Prompt by pressing the Shift + F10 key on the error screen. Now type the following command in cmd and hit Enter after each one:

Diskpart
list volume
select volume 1 (select the disk containing your Windows OS)
format fs=ntfs quick label=test

Type exit and press Enter to exit the Command Prompt. After you restart your computer problem with “The computer restarted unexpectedly” loop should be fixed. But you have to install Windows again.