Turning on Fast Startup in Windows 10 is a straightforward process that enables your computer to boot up more quickly. By tweaking a few settings, you’ll be able to reduce the time it takes for your PC to start up. Here’s how you can do it in just a few simple steps.
How to Turn on Fast Startup in Windows 10
Fast Startup is a feature in Windows 10 that helps your computer boot up faster. It combines the elements of a cold shutdown and hibernation, to give your system a speed boost. Let’s get started on enabling this feature.
Step 1: Open Control Panel
First, open the Control Panel on your computer. You can do this by typing "Control Panel" in the search bar.
Once the Control Panel is open, you’ll see a list of different settings you can change on your computer. We’re looking to mess with power settings.
Step 2: Go to Power Options
Next, select "Power Options" from the Control Panel.
In the Power Options window, you’ll have the ability to tweak how your computer uses power. This is where you’ll find the Fast Startup setting.
Step 3: Choose What the Power Buttons Do
Click on "Choose what the power buttons do" on the left sidebar.
This section controls what happens when you press your power button or close the lid. But more importantly, it also shows fast startup options.
Step 4: Change Settings that are Currently Unavailable
Click on "Change settings that are currently unavailable."
This will allow you to access the settings you need to turn on Fast Startup. Without this step, those settings will be grayed out and unclickable.
Step 5: Enable Turn on Fast Startup
Check the box that says "Turn on Fast Startup (recommended)."
After checking the box, make sure to save your changes. Your computer will now use Fast Startup the next time it boots up.
After completing these steps, your computer should start up noticeably faster. This is because it will use a special hybrid shutdown that saves some system information to disk.
Tips for Turning on Fast Startup in Windows 10
- Make sure your computer supports Fast Startup. Not all systems have this feature, so double-check your hardware compatibility.
- Keep your system updated. Sometimes, an outdated operating system can cause issues with Fast Startup.
- Use Fast Startup with caution if you frequently dual-boot operating systems. It can sometimes cause issues with other operating systems.
- Be aware that some updates might disable Fast Startup. Always check if the feature is still enabled after a major update.
- If you experience slow startups after enabling Fast Startup, consider checking for driver updates or potential software conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fast Startup?
Fast Startup is a feature in Windows 10 that reduces the boot time of your computer by saving some system information to a file upon shutdown.
Does Fast Startup affect my computer’s performance?
No, Fast Startup primarily affects boot time. However, it can sometimes cause issues with software or hardware drivers.
How do I know if Fast Startup is enabled?
You can check if Fast Startup is enabled by going to the Power Options in Control Panel and looking at the shutdown settings.
Can Fast Startup cause problems?
In some cases, Fast Startup can cause issues with hardware drivers or when dual-booting multiple operating systems.
Is Fast Startup the same as Hibernate?
No, Fast Startup combines elements of both a cold shutdown and hibernation, but it is not the same as either.
Summary
- Open Control Panel.
- Go to Power Options.
- Choose what the power buttons do.
- Change settings that are currently unavailable.
- Enable Turn on Fast Startup.
Conclusion
Turning on Fast Startup in Windows 10 can give your system a noticeable speed boost when booting up. While it’s a nifty feature for most users, it’s essential to be aware of potential issues, especially if you use multiple operating systems or specific hardware drivers. Always ensure your system is up-to-date to get the most out of this feature. If you encounter any issues, you can easily turn off Fast Startup by following the same steps. Dive into your settings and give Fast Startup a try—you might be surprised by how much faster your computer starts up! For more tips on optimizing your Windows 10 experience, keep an eye on our future articles.
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.