Fix PC Will Automatically Restart in One Minute

If your Windows PC shows the message “You’ll be automatically restarted in one minute” and then reboots, it’s usually caused by a critical system error, a forced Windows Update, or a scheduled restart triggered by the operating system. The quickest fix is to disable automatic restarts in the Startup and Recovery settings, then check for pending updates and run a system file check. This article explains why the message appears, how to stop the restart loop, and what to do if it keeps coming back.

Why Windows Shows the One-Minute Restart Message

Windows displays this message when it needs to restart the computer to complete an update, apply a driver change, or recover from a serious system error. The most common triggers are:

• Windows Update: After downloading updates, Windows schedules a restart to install them. If you’ve delayed it several times, the system may force a restart with a one-minute warning.
• System crash (BSOD): A blue screen error can cause Windows to automatically restart to prevent further damage. The message appears as part of the “Automatic Restart” feature in Startup and Recovery settings.
• Group Policy or scheduled task: In business environments, IT admins can set a policy that forces restarts at specific times, often with a short warning.
• Third-party software: Some antivirus programs, driver updaters, or system utilities request a restart and may show a similar message.

If the message appears repeatedly and your computer never finishes restarting, you’re likely stuck in a restart loop caused by a failed update or a corrupted system file.

How to Stop the Restart Immediately

If you need to stop the restart before it happens, you can use the shutdown command to abort the pending restart. Open Command Prompt as administrator and type:

shutdown /a

This aborts the system shutdown if you run it within the one-minute window. You can also press Windows + R, type shutdown /a, and press Enter. If the abort succeeds, you’ll see a notification in the system tray saying the shutdown was canceled.

If the restart happens too quickly, you can hold the power button to force a shutdown, then turn the computer back on. This is safe in most cases, but it won’t fix the underlying cause.

Disable Automatic Restarts on System Failure

To prevent Windows from automatically restarting after a crash, change the Startup and Recovery settings:

1. Press Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Under the Advanced tab, in the Startup and Recovery section, click Settings.
3. In the System failure section, uncheck Automatically restart.
4. Click OK and restart your computer manually.

With this option disabled, your PC will show a blue screen error (BSOD) instead of restarting, which gives you time to note the error code and troubleshoot it. This does not stop update-related restarts, but it prevents crash-induced reboots.

Check for Pending Windows Updates

If the one-minute restart is due to a Windows Update, the best fix is to let it finish. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. If updates are already downloaded, click Restart now to install them on your schedule.

If the update fails and causes a loop, you can:

• Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter from Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
• Use the Update Assistant from Microsoft’s website to force the latest update.
• Boot into Safe Mode and uninstall the problematic update from Settings > Update & Security > View update history > Uninstall updates.

If you’re not sure which update is causing the issue, uninstall the most recent one and check if the problem stops.

Run System File Checker and DISM

Corrupted system files can also trigger automatic restarts. Run the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) to repair them:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait for the scan to complete.
3. If SFC finds issues, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and then run SFC again.

These commands can take 15–30 minutes. After they finish, restart your PC and see if the automatic restart message still appears.

Check for Malware and Driver Issues

Malware or faulty drivers can cause system instability and forced restarts. Run a full antivirus scan with Windows Defender or your preferred security software. Also, check Device Manager for devices with a yellow warning icon – update or roll back those drivers.

If the problem started after installing new hardware or software, try uninstalling it. For driver issues, boot into Safe Mode (hold Shift while clicking Restart, then choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart, and press 4 or 5). In Safe Mode, you can uninstall problematic drivers or run system restore.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop Windows from restarting without my permission?

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options and set “Active hours” to cover the times you use your PC. Windows will not restart during active hours. You can also disable automatic restarts in the Startup and Recovery settings as described above, but this only affects crash-related restarts, not updates.

Why does my PC restart in the middle of the night?

Windows Update often schedules restarts for 3:00 AM to avoid disrupting users. If your PC is on but idle, it will restart to install updates. To prevent this, set active hours or use the Group Policy editor to disable automatic restarts for updates (only available in Pro/Enterprise editions).

Can I permanently disable Windows Update?

It’s not recommended to permanently disable Windows Update, as it leaves your system vulnerable. You can pause updates for up to 35 days in Windows 10/11, or set your internet connection as metered to delay downloads. For long-term control, use the Group Policy or Registry, but be aware of security risks.

What does “automatic restart” mean in the blue screen settings?

It means Windows will automatically reboot after a system crash (BSOD) instead of staying on the error screen. Disabling it lets you see the error code, which helps with troubleshooting. It does not affect update-related restarts.

My PC restarts every few minutes, not exactly one minute. Is this the same issue?

Yes, a restart loop can have different intervals. The one-minute message is specific to a pending restart, but a loop every few minutes often indicates overheating, a failing power supply, or a hardware issue. Check your CPU temperature and run a memory diagnostic (Windows Memory Diagnostic tool) to rule out hardware problems.

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