If you are upgrading or installing Windows chances are you may be facing The computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected error. No matter what you do, you can’t proceed with the installation, and you’re stuck in an endless loop. Whenever you restart your PC, you will again see this error, and that’s why it’s important to fix this issue.

The error is something like this:

There is no particular cause as to why you are facing this issue but corrupted Registry, Windows files, damaged hard disk, outdated BIOS etc. are the reason. But this will give you a basic idea on how to troubleshooting these various causes, and that’s what exactly we are going to do.

Fix The computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected error

If you’re not able to access the command prompt like shown below, then use this method instead.

Contents

  • Fix The computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected error
  • Method 1: Chaing ChildCompletion setup.exe value in Registry Editor
  • Method 2: Check Hard Disk Cables
  • Method 3: Run Startup/Automatic Repair
  • Method 4: Format Hard Drive

Method 1: Chaing ChildCompletion setup.exe value in Registry Editor

  1. On the same error screen, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.

  2. Type the following command and hit Enter: regedit

  3. Now in the Registry Editor navigate to the following key:

Computer/HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SYSTEM/Setup/Status/ChildCompletion

  1. Next, click on ChildCompletion key and then on the right-hand side window look for setup.exe.

  2. Double click on setup.exe and change its value from 1 to 3.

  3. Close Registry editor and command prompt window.

  4. Now click OK on the error and your PC will restart. After the PC restart, your installation will continue.

Method 2: Check Hard Disk Cables

Sometimes you might get stuck in The computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected error loop due to hard drive cable problems. Users reported that switching the cables that connect hard drive to the motherboard fixed the issue, so you might want to try that.

Method 3: Run Startup/Automatic Repair

  1. Insert the Windows 10 bootable installation DVD and restart your PC.

  2. When prompted to Press any key to boot from CD or DVD, press any key to continue.

  3. Select your language preferences, and click Next. Click Repair your computer in the bottom-left.

  4. On choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot.

  5. On Troubleshoot screen, click the Advanced option.

  6. On the Advanced options screen, click Automatic Repair or Startup Repair.

  7. Wait till the Windows Automatic/Startup Repairs complete.

  8. Restart and you have successfully Fix The computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected error, if not, continue.

Also Read: How to fix Automatic Repair couldn’t repair your PC.

Method 4: Format Hard Drive

Note: This method will remove all your files, folders and settings from your PC.

  1. Again open the Command Prompt by pressing the Shift + F10 key on the error.

  2. Now type the following command in cmd and hit Enter after each one:

Diskpart list volume select volume 1 (select the disk containing your Windows OS) format fs=ntfs quick label=test

  1. Type exit and press Enter to exit Command Prompt.

  2. After you restart your computer problem with “The computer restarted unexpectedly” loop should be fixed.

5.But you have to install Windows again.

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That’s it you have successfully Fix The computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected error, but if you still have any queries regarding this guide, then please feel free to ask them in the comment’s section.