[7 Fixes] Fix "Your Computer Was Restarted Because of a Problem" on Mac

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If you've encountered the error message "Your computer was restarted because of a problem" on your Mac, you're not alone. This issue can be frustrating, especially when your system keeps restarting unexpectedly. This error often occurs due to kernel panics, which happen when macOS encounters a critical issue it cannot resolve. The result is an automatic restart to prevent further damage.

This guide will explore the common causes of this issue and provide detailed troubleshooting steps to fix it. By following these steps, you can prevent future crashes and ensure your Mac runs smoothly.

Common Causes of the Mac Always Restarts Issue

1. Kernel Panic (System Crash)

A kernel panic occurs when macOS encounters a critical system error. Unlike regular app crashes, kernel panics affect the entire operating system, forcing a restart. Some common causes include:

• Corrupt system files
• Faulty drivers
• Conflicting software
• Hardware malfunctions

2. Software Conflicts

Incompatible or outdated applications can cause system instability. Some users experience frequent restarts after installing a new app or updating an existing one. Third-party security software, virtualization apps, and system optimization tools are known to cause conflicts.

3. Hardware Issues

Faulty hardware can trigger unexpected reboots. Some potential culprits include:

• Failing RAM – Memory errors can crash macOS.
• External Devices – A defective USB device, external hard drive, or monitor can cause issues.
• Overheating – MacBooks and Mac Studio Machines, iMac/Mac mini machines shut down automatically if they overheat.

4. macOS Bugs or Corrupt System Files

System files can become corrupt due to improper shutdowns, failed updates, or malware infections. If macOS has a software bug, it can also cause crashes, especially after an OS update.

How to Fix "Your computer was restarted because of a problem" on Mac?

Here's a step-by-step troubleshooting guide to resolve the problem.

Step 1: Update macOS and Applications

Outdated software can contain bugs that cause instability. To ensure your system runs smoothly, update both macOS and your apps.

How to Update macOS:

1. Select System Settings (or System Preferences in prior macOS versions) by clicking on the Apple menu.
2. Go to General > Software Update.
3. If an update is available, click Update Now.

4. Restart your Mac after updating.

How to Update Apps:

1. Launch the App Store.
2. In the left panel, select Updates.
3. Click Update All to install the latest versions of your apps.

For apps downloaded outside the App Store, check the developer's website for updates.

Step 2: Restart Your Mac in Safe Mode

Safe Mode loads macOS with only essential system files and disables third-party software, helping diagnose software conflicts.

How to Boot into Safe Mode:

For Intel Macs:

• Turn off your Mac.
• Press and hold the Shift key to turn it on.
• When the login screen shows up, let go of the key.
• Log in and check if the issue persists.

For Apple Silicon (M-chip) Macs:

• Turn off your Mac.
• Press and hold the power button until the message "Loading startup options" shows.
• Pick the startup disk.
• Click Continue in Safe Mode while holding Shift.

If your Mac works fine in Safe Mode, the problem is likely caused by a third-party app.

Step 3: Check and Remove Problematic Apps

If you installed a new app before the issue started, it might be causing kernel panics.

How to Identify Problematic Apps:

• Open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements.

• Click Analytics Data and look for recent crash logs.
• Check for any app names frequently appearing in the logs.

How to Uninstall Suspicious Apps

• Open Finder > Applications.
• Locate the app, drag it to the Trash, and empty the Trash.

• Restart your Mac and check if the issue is resolved.

Step 4: Reset NVRAM/PRAM and SMC

Resetting NVRAM (or PRAM) and SMC can fix system crashes related to hardware settings.

Reset NVRAM/PRAM (Intel Macs Only):

• Turn Off your Mac.
• Press and hold Option + Command + P + R to turn it on.
• Hold on for roughly 20 seconds.
• Let your Mac boot up normally after releasing the keys.

💡 Note: Apple Silicon Macs reset NVRAM automatically when restarted.

Reset SMC (For Intel Macs):

MacBooks with T2 chip (2018+ models):

• Turn Off your Mac.
• Hold Control + Option + Shift for 7 seconds.
• Keep holding and press the power button for another 7 seconds.
• Release all keys, wait a few seconds, then turn on your Mac.

For older Macs:

• Turn Off your Mac.
• Remove the power adapter (for desktops) or unplug the battery (for MacBooks).
• Wait 15 seconds, then reconnect power and restart.

Apple Silicon Macs do not have an SMC reset option - simply restart your Mac.

Step 5: Run Disk Utility and Repair Disk

One of the most effective ways to fix system crashes caused by corrupted macOS files is to use Disk Utility. This built-in tool can scan, diagnose, and repair disk-related issues, preventing further system instability.

Understanding Disk Utility and Its Functions:

Disk Utility is a powerful macOS tool that helps users:

• Check disk integrity and identify corrupted files.
• Repair disk permissions that may cause system instability.
• Fix file system errors preventing macOS from functioning correctly.
• Erase and reformat disks if necessary.

In the case of a "Your computer was restarted because of a problem" error, running Disk Utility's First Aid function can resolve potential issues.

Step-by-Step Guide to Running Disk Utility:

1. Restart Your Mac in Recovery Mode

Since Disk Utility may not always be able to repair your system while macOS is running, you should use Recovery Mode to access it. The method varies based on your Mac's processor.

For Intel Macs:

• Turn Off your Mac.
• After pressing the power button, press and hold Command (⌘) + R.
• Hold the keys until you see the spinning globe or the Apple logo, then let go.
• Click Continue after choosing Disk Utility from the list of macOS Utilities.

For Apple Silicon (M-chip) Macs:

• Turn Off your Mac.
• Hold down the power button until the message "Loading startup options" shows up.
• To access macOS Recovery Mode, select Options and then Continue.

• Click Continue after selecting Disk Utility.

2. Select Your Startup Disk

Once Disk Utility is open, follow these steps:

• Locate the left-hand sidebar and select your startup disk (usually labeled Macintosh HD).
• If you don't see it, click View > Show All Devices to ensure all drives are visible.

3. Run First Aid to Repair the Disk

First Aid is a built-in repair tool that scans for disk errors and attempts to fix them automatically.

• With Macintosh HD selected, click First Aid at the top.
• A confirmation message will appear - click Run.

• First Aid will now check and repair any disk errors.
• Once completed, Disk Utility will display a summary of any issues found and repaired.

4. Interpret First Aid Results

Once the scan completes, you may see one of the following results:

• "The volume appears to be OK." → No issues were found.
• "The volume was repaired successfully." → Disk Utility fixed minor errors.
• "First Aid found corruption that needs to be repaired." → Your disk has severe issues. You may need to erase and reinstall macOS.
• "Disk Utility failed to repair the disk." → Consider backing up your data and performing a clean install of macOS.

5. Run First Aid on the External Disk (If Needed)

If the problem started after connecting an external device (such as a USB drive or external SSD), it's a good idea to check that device too.

• In Disk Utility, select the external drive from the left panel.
• Click First Aid and run the same process.

• If the external drive is faulty, consider replacing it or formatting it.

What If First Aid Doesn't Work?

If Disk Utility reports severe corruption that cannot be fixed, you may need to take additional steps:

1. Try Running First Aid in Single-User Mode (For Intel Macs)

If Disk Utility can’t repair the disk in Recovery Mode, you can try Single-User Mode, which allows you to run system commands manually.

• Restart your Mac and immediately hold Command (⌘) + S.
• When you see a black screen with white text, type:

  fsck -fy

• Press Enter, and macOS will scan and attempt to fix errors.
• If you see "File System was modified," run the command again until you get "The volume appears to be OK."
• Type reboot and press Enter to restart your Mac.

2. Erase and Reinstall macOS

If nothing works, the last resort is to erase the disk and reinstall macOS. Backup your data before proceeding!

• Boot into macOS Recovery Mode (as explained earlier).
• Open Disk Utility and select Macintosh HD.
• Click Erase, choose APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled) as the format, and click Erase.

• Close Disk Utility and return to macOS Utilities.
• Click Reinstall macOS, follow the on-screen instructions, and reinstall the system.

Step 6: Check for Hardware Issues

To rule out hardware failure, run Apple Diagnostics.

How to Run Apple Diagnostics:

• Disconnect all external devices except for the keyboard and mouse.
• Restart your Mac and hold D until the diagnostics screen appears.

• Follow the on-screen instructions.
• If an error code appears, visit Apple Support for further assistance.

Step 7: Reinstall macOS

If all else fails, reinstalling macOS can fix system crashes.

How to Reinstall macOS Without Losing Data:

• Boot into macOS Recovery Mode (see Step 5).
• Click Continue after selecting Reinstall macOS.
• Comply to the directions displayed on the screen.

If you still experience issues, consider erasing your drive and performing a clean installation. Backup your data first!

🔗 Related link: how to clean install macOS or reinstall macOS.

Prevent Future Kernel Panics

To avoid future crashes, follow these best practices:

• Keep macOS and apps updated to prevent compatibility issues.
• Use trusted software and avoid installing unverified third-party apps.
• Monitor system performance with Activity Monitor (Applications > Utilities).
• Run periodic disk checks using Disk Utility to fix minor errors early.
• Avoid overheating by keeping your Mac's vents clean and using it on a hard surface.

Recover Lost Data After Fixing Mac Always Restarts Issue

Reinstalling macOS or erasing the startup disk when fixing Your computer was restarted because of a problem will erase data from Mac's internal SSD. Don't worry, the erased data is not lost for good. With data recovery software, you can easily and completely recover deleted/erased files from your Mac's SSD.

Step 1. Download and install Donemax Data Recovery for Mac, then run it from Launchpad.

Step 2. Open Donemax Data Recovery, then select the internal SSD (usually named Macintosh HD) to start data recovery.

Step 3. Click on Scan button to deeply scan the internal SSD and find all recoverable files.

Step 4. Once the scan is completed, you can preview all images, videos, documents, etc. Then select the wanted files, click on Recover button to save them.

Conclusion

The error "Your computer was restarted because of a problem" can be caused by software conflicts, hardware failures, or system corruption. By complying the troubleshooting steps described in this article, you can diagnose and fix the issue effectively.

If you have lost data due to fixing this issue, you can use Mac data recovery software - such as Donemax Data Recovery to help recover deleted/erased or lost files.