Many users who have upgraded from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 often complain about frequent crashes or restarts.  If you are facing a similar issue, here are some easy to follow solutions to fix this problem. Before you proceed, make sure you have all important updates for your Operating System installed. It is important to keep on top of these updates, particularly the security patches.

There are several reasons for Windows 8.1 crashing or restarting unexpectedly. The solution to this problem depends on the root cause. Some of the reasons Windows 8.1 may be crashing are:

1. Windows update did not go smoothly and key files are missing or have become corrupt
2. The Device Drivers are outdated
3. The Windows system files are corrupt

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Solution:  Failed Windows update

You can revert changes made by Windows update to fix the Windows 8.1 restart issue. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Insert Windows 8.1 disk/USB or Recovery media
2. Restart your computer
3. Click Next
4. Click Repair your computer
5. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt
6. In the Command Prompt type dism.exe /image:C:\ /cleanup-image /revertpendingactions (Here C is your computer’s system drive)
7. Press Enter to complete the process

Solution: Device drivers are outdated

You have two ways to fix this issue. First, you can go to the device manufacturer website and download the latest drivers for your computer or you can use Windows 8.1 to automatically locate the driver on the Internet and install it on your device.  Here are steps to follow:

1. Press Windows key + X on keyboard
2. Click Device Manager
3. Go to Other Devices and expand the selection
4. Right-click on any device and click Update Driver Software
5. Click Search automatically for updated driver software to search for drivers on the Internet
6. Windows will search for the latest driver and install it for you
7. Repeat the procedure for all devices under Other Devices

Solution: Windows System Files Are Corrupt

 The following command looks for corrupt Windows files and replaces them

1. Use Windows Key + X
2. Click Command Prompt (Admin) option
3. In the Command Prompt window, type sfc /scannow
4. Press Enter to start the process

If none of the above methods fix the issue, the reason might be too many background services causing higher CPU usage and consequently causing Windows to crash. Here are troubleshooting steps to follow to fix the high CPU usage issue.:

1. Press Windows Key + R.
2. Type “msconfig” in the textbox.
3. Press ENTER key on your keyboard.
4. System Configuration tool opens, click the Services tab.
5. Checkmark the box named “Hide all Microsoft services”.
6. Now uncheck all the boxes that appear in a list box.
7. Click Apply
8. Click OK.
9. Reboot your computer

You can also view other posts on fixing high CPU usage or search ‘high cpu’ in the search box to see all posts on this subject