In this article, we will show you some fixes that you can use if your Windows computer shuts down when playing or watching videos. This issue can occur while streaming videos, watching YouTube, or playing videos offline on your system. This issue is frustrating because you cannot play videos online and offline. Even playing videos in different media players also causes the same problem.
Why does my laptop keep shutting down when I watch videos?
There can be many reasons for this issue. Most commonly, this issue occurs due to the corruted graphics card driver or the faulty graphics card. However, the chances of a faulty GPU are less. High CPU and GPU temperature can also cause this issue. Check for dust buildup on your system.
Computer shuts down when playing videos
If your Windows 11/10 computer shuts down when playing videos, then some of these suggestions are sure to help you. Please see which one applies in your case.
- Verify the Graphics card and driver
- Replace PSU (if applicable)
- Scan your PC for malware
- Monitor CPU and GPU temperature
- Check app power usage
- Check Event Viewer for the error
- Troubleshoot in Clean Boot State
- Faulty RAM.
Now, let’s look at these steps in detail.
1] Verify the Graphics card and driver
As it is a graphics-related problem, you should re-install or update the graphics driver. Updating the graphics card driver to the latest version fixes most graphics-related issues on a Windows computer. There are many ways by which you can update your card driver. The best way is to download its latest version from the official website of your computer manufacturer and then install it manually.
We suggest you completely remove your graphics card driver by using the DDU utility. First, download the latest version of your GU driver from the official website, then remove it using the DDU utility. ow, run the installer file to install the graphics card driver.
The problem might be associated with your graphics card. If you have installed an external graphics card, disconnect it and then play the videos. This time your computer will use the integrated graphics card. See what happens this time.
You can also check your GPU health on your system. A faulty graphics card shows some signs or symptoms that let users know if the health of their graphics card is fine or not. If you notice these signs, you need to contact the GPU vendor support or replace the GPU. Before you jump to any conclusion, we suggest you try other fixes.
2] Replace PSU (if applicable)
PSU stands for Power Supply Unit, which is an essential hardware on a computer. A PSU converts the AC voltage into the DC voltage and then supplies it to the computer motherboard. Hence, without this hardware, you cannot turn on your PC. It means that if the PSU has some problems, your computer might get issues too. You can also test the Power Supply Unit of your computer by using a multimeter or a PSU tester.
If you are using an aged PSU with other modern hardware, it is the best time to change or upgrade it to something better. The PSU should have the capacity to provide the power supply to each hardware component of your computer. Otherwise, you will keep getting the same problem. If you do not have proper knowledge, it is better to consult with a professional.
Related: Windows PC shuts down while gaming
3] Scan your PC for malware
Sometimes, malware and adware can cause this issue. Nowadays, attackers are using countless methods to harm the user experience. Therefore, it is wise to scan your PC for malware and adware. It doesn’t consume much time, and you can perform that for free. If you think Windows Defender is not effective in this case, you can install free third-party antivirus like Kaspersky, etc.
4] Monitor CPU and GPU temperature
Although there is some third-party software to check CPU temperature and GPU temperature, it will be best if you can use the built-in Performance Monitor tool. Most of the manufacturers have an in-built utility that shows all these details. You need to use it to check if your CPU and GPU are going beyond the standard temperature.
For some CPUs and GPUs, manufacturers have mentioned the optimum temperature range. You can check if this is available for your CPU or GPU by visiting the official website of your computer manufacturer or CPU and GPU manufacturer. If yes, you should contact the manufacturer before it gets worse.
Before you take your computer to the computer repair technician or service center, we suggest you clean your computer if you have not done it for a long time. Dust is an insulator under normal conditions. Hence, if it is accumulated inside your computer, it prevents heat exchange which raises the temperature of your computer case quickly. Clean your computer.
Also, check if the thermal paste is worn out. If it is worn out, consider replacing it. Thermal paste plays an important role in maintaining the CPU temperature.
Read: Windows computer shuts down while installing or uninstalling a program
5] Check app power usage
If you are using Google Chrome or any other browser to watch YouTube, you can find an entry in the Task Manager. From here, you can check the power usage trend of that application. Even if you are watching videos offline, you can find the media player name in the Task Manager. All you have to do is to check the Power usage and Power usage trend columns. If they are showing Very low, Low, or Moderate, there is nothing to worry about. If they are using Very high, you must do these things-
- Disable all extensions
- Close all tabs
- Restart your browser
- Use the browser’s Task Manager tool if it is available to find the culprit and kill it
- Update the browser to the latest version
You can also try changing your power plan and see if it helps. If the default power plans are missing from your system, you can restore the missing power plans.
6] Check Event Viewer for the error
Event Viewer stores and lets you view all events in detail. It keeps a record of all errors and warnings that occur on a Windows computer. This record is called the error log. These error logs help developers and other users troubleshoot the error.
Because your PC is getting turned off while playing video, you will find an error message with some information in the Event Viewer. For instance, it can show an Event ID that is very handy to solve your problem. It is better to find out the Event ID so that you can investigate the matter further.
7] Troubleshoot in Clean Boot State
Sometimes, this problem occurs due to a faulty driver or hardware. You can recognize that by performing a Clean Boot. It is straightforward, and you do not need to install any third-party software as well. Start your computer in a Clean Boot state and see if the issue persists there. For your information, it doesn’t solve the issue directly, but it helps you to ensure if the problem is appearing because of a conflicting third-party application or service.
8] Faulty RAM
Faulty RAM can create such an issue frequently. If your computer shows a BSOD with “memory” in the message, it is most likely your RAM, which needs to be changed. If you have two RAMs and their speeds are different, this problem can occur.
To check a faulty RAM (in case of multiple RAM sticks), Boot your computer with only one RAM stick and then play the viewo. See what happens. Repeat the process to check all the RAM sticks. A computer also shows some signs when a RAM is going to die. If you notice these signs, consider replacing your RAM.
I hope something here has helped you to fix the issue.
How do I stop my PC from randomly turning off?
If your PC is turning off randomly, there might be an issue with the Power Supply Unit. Sofwtare issues, like corrupted system image files, a conflicting program, the Fast Startup feature, etc., can also cause this issue. If you have overclocked your CPU or GPU, revert the changes.
Read next: Green Screen when playing videos on Windows.
