Why Does My Windows Server Keep Restarting?
Unexpected restarts on a Windows Server can happen for several reasons. One of the most common causes is automatic updates. Below are ways to identify what’s triggering the restarts and how to take control of them.
Common Causes of Automatic Restarts
- Windows Updates: Windows may auto-install updates and reboot the system. Check your update settings under
Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced Options. - System Crashes or Power Failures: Power loss or system failure can cause reboots, often logged as Kernel-Power events with Event ID 41.
- Administrative Restarts: These are user-initiated or process-triggered restarts, typically logged under the USER32 source with Event ID 1074.
How to Identify the Cause Using PowerShell
Run the following PowerShell command to check recent restart-related events:
Get-EventLog -LogName System -Source USER32,Kernel-General,Kernel-Power `
-EntryType Error,Information -Newest 20 | `
Where-Object { $_.EventID -in 41,1074,6006,6008 } | `
Select-Object TimeGenerated, EventID, Source, Message | Format-List
Event ID reference:
- 41: Unexpected shutdown (Kernel-Power)
- 1074: User or system process initiated a restart
- 6006: Graceful shutdown (event log stopped)
- 6008: Previous shutdown was unexpected
What You Can Do
- Disable auto-restart for updates: Use Group Policy:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > No auto-restart with logged on users - Scan for hardware or system file issues: Run
sfc /scannowfrom an elevated Command Prompt. - Review your power setup: Make sure the server is on a UPS and protected from sudden power loss.
Need More Help?
If the problem continues, export your Event Viewer logs and contact your IT administrator or support team for further diagnostics.
