Fast Startup, a feature introduced in Windows 8 and continued in Windows 10 and Windows 11, aims to reduce the time it takes to boot your computer by hibernating the kernel session instead of shutting it down completely. While Fast Startup can indeed speed up the boot process, it may cause issues with certain hardware configurations, drivers, or dual-boot setups. Disabling Fast Startup can be necessary to troubleshoot startup problems or ensure compatibility with specific hardware or software. Here’s how you can disable Fast Startup in Windows 11 and Windows 10:
Windows 11
- Open Settings:
- Click on the Start button, then select the gear icon to open Settings.
- Go to System Settings:
- In the Settings menu, click on “System.”
- Access Power & sleep:
- In the left sidebar, click on “Power & sleep.”
- Additional power settings:
- Scroll down and click on “Additional power settings” under the “Related settings” section.
- Choose what the power buttons do:
- In the Power Options window, click on “Choose what the power buttons do” from the left sidebar.
- Change settings that are currently unavailable:
- If required, click on “Change settings that are currently unavailable” at the top of the window.
- Disable Fast Startup:
- Scroll down to the “Shutdown settings” section.
- Uncheck the box next to “Turn on fast startup (recommended).”
- Click on “Save changes” to apply the settings.
Windows 10
- Open Control Panel:
- Right-click on the Start button and select “Control Panel” from the context menu.
- Access Power Options:
- In the Control Panel, set the View by option to “Large icons” or “Small icons.”
- Click on “Power Options.”
- Choose what the power buttons do:
- From the left sidebar, click on “Choose what the power buttons do.”
- Change settings that are currently unavailable:
- If required, click on “Change settings that are currently unavailable” at the top of the window.
- Disable Fast Startup:
- Scroll down to the “Shutdown settings” section.
- Uncheck the box next to “Turn on fast startup (recommended).”
- Click on “Save changes” to apply the settings.
Why You Should Disable Fast Startup
- Compatibility Issues:
Fast Startup may cause compatibility issues with certain hardware drivers or software applications. Disabling it can help resolve these issues. - Dual Booting:
If you have a dual-boot configuration with another operating system, Fast Startup may interfere with the boot process. Disabling it ensures smoother operation in such setups. - Troubleshooting:
When troubleshooting startup problems or performance issues, disabling Fast Startup can help isolate the root cause by allowing a full system shutdown and restart. - Updates and Maintenance:
Disabling Fast Startup may be necessary during certain maintenance tasks or when applying system updates to ensure changes are properly applied.
While Fast Startup can indeed provide quicker boot times in many cases, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits against the potential drawbacks and disable it if necessary to maintain system stability and compatibility.