Windows 10 is designed to intentionally crash the PC during a Windows update to ensure a clean installation.
Windows 10 is designed to intentionally crash the PC during a Windows update to ensure a clean installation.
For roughly a year or more, my computer has suddenly stopped working without warning. I've changed some parts here and there and even reinstalled Windows because of an SSD swap. Now, after not understanding why it would shut down so abruptly—though it would restart automatically if turned off—I’ve started observing a pattern. After turning it back on, I consistently see Windows updates being applied. Over the past few months, I’ve been testing this idea. I’ve deliberately blocked all update prompts to prevent them. Now, whenever I try to restart and wait about two to three weeks without an update, the crashes happen again. Once I reboot, the update requests disappear and the system gets updated. I’m curious if others have noticed this behavior and whether it’s normal. It seems out of place, especially since it used to occur during active tasks. My job demands mental focus, so I often stay away from my PC for hours during these periods, and the crashes usually happen then. I also frequently return home after errands and find my computer off. This only seems to happen recently. At first, it would crash completely while streaming or playing games. I can confirm now that my PC is fully stable—this only happens when Windows is running. It hasn’t failed on Linux or during other software tests like memtest.
I don't agree with that. Running my PC manually doesn't automatically start Windows updates. Also, if it's updating, it means Windows performed a reboot with the "install the update!" option. It looks very likely that Windows is handling the update process. But this shouldn't be normal, right?
Access the system logs in the control interface. Likely the computer is shutting down and applying patches. This has occurred multiple times before.
It records the "windows was not properly shut down" incident in every crash logged, with each case ending after a successful Windows update installation. Despite this, there were extended intervals without any crashes once the updates were applied.
In this scenario… it wouldn’t be labeled a crash, though skipping updates for a while could cause it. Running sfc/scannow probably isn’t the main problem here.
It seems you might have a new power supply issue. The Windows update is putting a strain, and your PSU isn’t delivering enough power, causing the system to crash. I assume all your components are at normal temperatures, there are no hot spots, and your motherboard’s power delivery circuits are working correctly.
- The issue might not be with Windows itself, since you haven't updated since May 21, 2019, and it doesn’t seem to crash unless you change settings or try risky actions.
- Your statement about updates seems confusing—Windows usually installs updates automatically after downloading them, even if you don’t explicitly allow them.
- You’re wondering why you think updates won’t happen at all, but the system still downloads and applies them eventually.
- You’re also curious about feature updates and whether they can be delayed without affecting the update process.
Just clarify what exactly you mean by “not making a lot of sense” and I’ll help you understand better.
It's not the PSU. And yes, I have thought of this, which is why I've swapped PSU's 3 times (a brand new one every time, with a warranty on the first on top of that). My mobo does have some type of faulty power issue, but I'm actually aware of this (and have been for years). This power issue was a combination of a bios update + a certain power-mode. You know, the one where it still allows power through USB ports even when it's off? I forgot the name for a bit. Anyway, haven't had issues like those in years, after figuring that out and turning that charging mode off. These crashes are quite clearly directly related to windows update. It's most definitely not a load issue, since I use this PC for rendering stuff and other intense stuff like gaming. Also, the mobo issue I had actually didn't cause crashes. It caused my SSD's not to power up on boot after a full power-disconnect for some reason. I've also done a great many benchmarks and the likes, even sent it to the company where I bought all the parts and they ran it all on a testbench for 3 months without a single crash. They literally only happen while windows is running and an update is waiting. No exception. It actually hurt my soul to have my PC benched for such long stretches of time. Clarity update: I'm currently running a EVGA Supernova G3 850W Gold. Before that, an EVGA Supernova G2 750W gold, before that a seasonic MX750 or something, before that an aerocool 750W and before that some other one I forgot the brand and name of Well, windows sure does. At least I'd call an 'unexpected shutdown' which happens instantly, a crash. No blue screen, though (yes, I have those turned on) My issues didn't start until well into 2020, so maybe you don't have whatever would cause this? Yes, there is. The option to automatically download updates, but not automatically install them, which is the option I use. I get the option to "shut down" or to "install updates and shut down". Same with "restart" and "install updates and restart" (or something along those lines). I also get frequent reminders that windows is waiting to install an update, asking me to schedule it or install it right now. I just click the X on the top right to close it. It generally doesn't really choose the right time to ask For clarity; When I say I "allowed" the updates, I mean I actually accepted the reminder to install the update or chose "install updates and shut down" option, which I have done before. And whenever I've done this, there's a very clear long time of no crashes happening. They literally only happen while I have update-installs waiting (often for about 2 weeks) and, like I said, the crash will be instantaniously followed by the update's installation. Again; This (the automatic update install) does NOT happen if I make my pc crash manually. That's why I'm pretty sure windows is just effing with me. I've been trying to convince some friends to do the same and keep denying windows updates to see what happens, but none have either accepted or succesfully done it for longer than a few days. ("Whoops, I wasn't on time to cancel the reminder" or "whoops, I accidentally clicked update and shut down) Edit 2: I actually did have a friend with a mining rig he hadn't updated since like 2018 or so. He finally did update and his mining rig has been found to seemingly randomly crash ever since, also coinciding with windows updates being installed right afterwards. I'm not "troubleshooting" here, I'm saying what is happening.
I understand your point, but it probably isn’t the PSU causing this. That seems unlikely even with your description suggesting otherwise. Denying updates can create problems, so it’s best to try other fixes first. In my experience, the issue might be related to the motherboard—possibly due to power problems. Consider replacing the motherboard and ensuring the new one has the latest BIOS. This should help prevent crashes instead of forcing updates.