Fast Startup saves part of the Windows kernel session during shutdown so the next startup can be quicker. Turning it off can help diagnose shutdown, dual-boot, driver, and hardware-initialization problems.
Steps
- Open Control Panel and choose Power Options.
- Select Choose what the power buttons do.
- Choose Change settings that are currently unavailable if administrator approval is required.
- Under Shutdown settings, clear Turn on fast startup.
- Choose Save changes.
- Shut the PC down completely and start it again.
- Test the behavior that led you to disable Fast Startup.
Restart already performs a fuller boot
Fast Startup primarily changes shutdown-and-startup behavior. If a problem disappears after Restart but returns after a normal shutdown, disabling Fast Startup can be a useful diagnostic.
The option can be missing
Fast Startup depends on hibernation-related capabilities. If the checkbox is absent, hibernation may be disabled or the PC may use a different power model.
Dual-boot systems deserve care
Fast Startup can leave Windows volumes in a state that creates problems when another operating system accesses them. Follow the dual-boot platform’s storage guidance.
You can turn it back on
If disabling Fast Startup does not change the problem and the PC benefits from quicker startup, return to the same Power Options page and re-enable it.
Measure the effect before leaving it disabled
Compare a normal shutdown-and-start cycle before and after the change. If startup becomes noticeably slower but the original hardware or driver problem is unchanged, Fast Startup was probably not the cause and can be restored.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.