Windows has a feature called Fast Startup which tries to help you save time by booting faster, while combining aspects of both a shutdown and a hibernating mode. This feature is often useful, but it can sometimes make life difficult, either by not allowing certain updates or messing with a dual boot system. If you’ve encountered any of these problems, you may want to learn how to disable fast startup to regain control over your computer’s performance and compatibility.
Everything you need to know about Fast Startup from enabling and disabling it to why you might want to turn it off or not, all explained in today’s beginner-friendly guide.
What Is a Fast Startup?
Introduced in Windows 8 and carried over into Windows 10 and 11, Fast Startup was intended to speed up the time it takes for your computer to boot up. What it does is it saves your system state to a file on your hard drive when your computer reboots. Instead of having to start from scratch every time you power on your computer, this file gets read and allows the system to load faster.
Depending on everyone this Fast Startup sounds convenient, but it doesn’t work perfectly for everyone. It can get in the way if you install updates, access BIOS settings or if you’re using a dual boot system. That’s why some people would prefer to turn it off.
Also Read: How to Equip Steam Startup Movie | Easiest Way
Why would you want to disable Fast Startup?
Not every computer user should be using Fast Startup. Here are some common reasons why you might want to disable it:
- Compatibility Issues: First of all, problems can arise with a dual boot system such as one running Linux along with Windows if you have Fast Startup enabled. It might, although unlikely, lock some of the drives and forbid the access from another operating system.
- Update Problems: When Fast Startup is enabled, the system doesn’t perform a full shutdown, and that means that some Windows updates may not install correctly.
- Accessing BIOS or UEFI Settings: Fast Startup can be problematic if you’re always accessing your BIOS or UEFI settings during the startup phase because the computer does not fully shut down.
- Hardware or Driver Conflicts: There are some hardware devices or drivers that might not work well while Fast Startup is turned on.
If you disable Fast Startup, then you’ll get rid of these potential problems and you can be more sure your computer will work as it’s supposed to.
How to See if Fast Startup Works Enabled?
Before you disable Fast Startup, it’s advisable to make sure that Fast Startup is already enabled on your computer.
- Search the Start menu for the Control Panel and open it.
- Go to Hardware and Sound, and click on Power Options.
- Click Choose what the power buttons do on the left hand side.
- On the Shutdown settings section, look for an option called Turn on fast startup. If checked then the Fast Startup is on.
- You can now whether the feature is active, then disable it if it is.
How to Disable Fast Startup
There are only a couple of steps to take to disable Fast Startup in Windows. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open Power Options
First of all navigate to the Power Options menu. To this you can open the Control Panel, go to Hardware and Sound and click Power Options.
Step 2: Modify Power Button Settings
Click on the power options menu on the left hand side of the window and choose Choose what the power buttons do. It will open the System Settings page where you will change shutdown settings.
Step 3: Unlock the Settings
Click the link that says Change settings that are currently unavailable right at the very top of the page to make changes. This will unlock the Shutdown settings section.
Step 4: Disable Fast Startup
Find the option labelled Turn on fast startup (recommended), and uncheck the box next to it. Click Save changes at the bottom of this window once unchecked.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
Once you save the changes, reboot your PC so that you confirm that the Fast Startup feature has been disabled. This will cause your system to do a full shutdown and startup each time you power up your system.
Also Read: How to Stop Apps from Opening on Startup Mac | 5 Easy Steps
What Happens After Disabling Fast Startup?
Disabling Fast Startup doesn’t affect your computer negatively, but it does change how it powers on and off. Instead of using a hybrid shutdown process, your system will perform a full shutdown, clearing the system state entirely.
This may result in slightly longer boot times, but it ensures that updates install correctly, drives are accessible in dual-boot environments, and hardware conflicts are minimized. Additionally, disabling Fast Startup can help resolve lingering issues related to system behavior or software functionality.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, you might encounter issues even after disabling Fast Startup. Here are a few common problems and how to address them:
Fast Startup Option is Missing
If the Fast Startup option doesn’t appear under the Shutdown settings, it may be because hibernation is disabled on your system. To enable it:
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator by searching for it in the Start menu and selecting Run as administrator.
- Type the command powercfg /hibernate on and press Enter.
- Restart your computer and check the Power Options menu again.
Computer Still Boots Quickly
If your computer still seems to boot unusually fast after disabling Fast Startup, check if your system is entering sleep or hibernation instead of shutting down. Make sure you’re performing a full shutdown by selecting Shut Down from the Start menu.
Should You Keep Fast Startup Disabled?
Whether or not to keep Fast Startup disabled depends on your specific needs and how your computer behaves with the feature enabled. For most users, enabling Fast Startup provides a smoother experience with faster boot times. However, if you frequently encounter compatibility issues, update problems, or dual-boot limitations, disabling it is a sensible choice.
Evaluate your system’s performance and any recurring issues to determine whether disabling Fast Startup is the best option for your setup.
Conclusion: How to Disable Fast Startup
Learning how to disable fast startup is a valuable skill for anyone looking to optimize their computer’s functionality. While Fast Startup can speed up boot times, it can also introduce compatibility issues, update challenges, and hardware conflicts. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can easily disable this feature and ensure your system operates more predictably.
Whether you choose to disable Fast Startup permanently or only as needed, understanding how it works and how to adjust it empowers you to take control of your computer’s performance. Start making these changes today and enjoy a more reliable computing experience tailored to your needs!
