Home computer use: Windows 10: sudden shutdown
Self-tutoring about home computer use: the tutor reflects about a sudden shutdown.
I really don’t enjoy when the computer suddenly shuts down. On the other hand, I love writing posts like this, because what I’ve perhaps discovered I find interesting.
This morning this computer suddenly shut down. It’s been doing so more lately. So, why did it? I decided to try to find out.
I know there’s an error log so went there to discover the following error: Critical Kernel-Power 41. That sounds serious, so I decided to investigate. It was easy to find.
What I’ve managed to surmise from the reading is that a shutdown can happen due to a sudden power demand aimed at a computer running on battery. The combination might be something like the following:
- The computer is unplugged, so suddenly is running off its battery (which may even be fully charged).
- A non-powered USB device is then plugged into the computer. That device, having no power supply of its own, is powered by its host.
- The computer, having lost its AC power and then suddenly loaded with powering another device as well, becomes temporarily overwhelmed, so restarts.
I’m not saying I know that’s the cause, but given recent events with this computer, it could make sense. From now on I will make sure it’s plugged into the power bar before connecting the USB device to it.
Source:
Jack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane, Campbell River, BC.