How to Disable Windows Automatic Restart on System Failure

This article describes how to disable Windows' automatic restart on system failure, which gives you time to note the error so you can troubleshoot. The process below is similar across all versions of Windows, although it might vary slightly among them.

How to Stop Automatic Restart on Windows System Failure

You can disable the automatic restart on system failure option in the Startup and Recovery area of System Properties, accessible via Control Panel.

1. Open Control Panel. In newer versions of Windows, the quickest way is to search for control from the Start menu or Run dialog box.

   If you're using an older version of Windows like Windows 7 or before, go to Start > Control Panel.

   If you're unable to boot into Windows 7 following a BSOD, you can disable auto restart from outside the system via the Advanced Boot Options menu.

2. In Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7, select System and Security.

   In Windows Vista, choose System and Maintenance.

   In Windows XP, select Performance and Maintenance.

   If you don't see this option, it's because you're viewing Control Panel applets by their icon and not category. Just open System instead, and then skip down to Step 4.

3. Choose the System link.

4. Select Advanced system settings from the panel on the left of the screen (Windows 11 shows this link on the right).

   Windows XP only: Open the Advanced tab of System Properties.

   A much quicker way to reach System Properties is with the sysdm.cpl command. Enter it in a Command Prompt window or the Run dialog box.

5. In the Startup and Recovery section near the bottom of the new window, choose Settings.

6. Select the box next to Automatically restart to remove its check mark.

7. Select OK to save the changes, and then OK again on the System Properties window.