Windows 11 has a function called Fast Startup that makes the computer start up more quickly after being shut down. When the computer is turned off, it saves the status of the drivers and operating system to a hibernation file. Instead of conducting a full boot when the computer is restarted, it loads the previously saved state from the hibernation file. This can speed up startup time, but it can also lead to problems with specific hardware or software setups.
So, in this post, we are going to see what exactly ‘Fast Startup’ is on Windows 11 & why or how you can disable fast startup on Windows 11.
What Do You Understand about Fast Startup on Windows 11?
Windows 11’s Fast Startup feature is a smart technique to restart your PC more quickly after you shut it down. Its purpose is to accelerate Windows 11’s boot-up process allowing you to instantly login in and get to work. However, what are the drawbacks of using Fast Startup? Well, when a user shuts down their computer with fast startup deactivated, Windows logs him/her out of all accounts and shuts all open programs.
Fast Startup is intended to speed up the startup process when you shut down your computer. To do this, a hibernation file is used to save the operating system’s current state, including the Windows kernel and drivers.
The hibernation file is loaded into RAM when you restart your computer after shutting it down with Fast Startup enabled, enabling the PC to boot quickly utilizing the previously saved system state. The kernel session and drivers are really loaded from the most recent login session, giving a speedier startup experience even though this operation looks to be a fresh boot.
Read Also: How to Fix the BSOD Kernel Data Inpage Error in Windows 11 / 10 PC
Fast Startup Windows 11 Issues
- Compatibility concerns with hardware or software: Fast Startup may not work properly with some hardware or software setups. You can have issues with data corruption or other issues, for instance, if you are using an external hard drive or other hardware that is incompatible with the feature.
- Problems with the startup process: Disabling Fast Startup can be useful in troubleshooting if you experience issues with the boot process, such as a blue screen of death or other error messages.
- File corruption: File system corruption is a result of Fast Startup. For instance, if a file is open and not properly closed when the machine is shut down with Fast Startup enabled, the file may become corrupt.
- Conflicts with other features: Windows features like sleep mode or hybrid boot may interfere with Fast Startup.
- Data Loss Risk: Fast Startup is not the same as performing a full shutdown, if you are shutting down your computer frequently it can cause data loss and file corruption.
- Concerns regarding security: If you’re concerned about security, a quick startup does not perform a complete shutdown, and malware or other harmful software may stay running in memory, which could lead to security issues.
Although these problems with Fast Startup are possible, it is important to note that for the majority of users, this option is helpful and does not need to be turned off. Disabling Fast Startup, however, can assist in eliminating any of the aforementioned problems if you are experiencing any of them.
Read Also: 5 Ways To Fix Windows 11/10 Photos Black Screen Error
4 Ways To Disable Fast Startup on Windows 11
1. Via Control Panel
- Tap on the Search icon from the Taskbar and type the control panel and open it by clicking on
- Now tap on Power Options.
- From the top right corner of the page click on Choose what the power button does.
- Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.
- Now un-check the box right in front of Turn on fast startup (recommended).
- Click on Save changes to make the effect.
2. Via Command Prompt
- Press the Search icon from the Taskbar and type cmd and now choose Run as administrator to open Command Prompt.
- Type this exact command and press the Enter key: Powercfg -h off.
3. Using Group Policy Editor
- Press the Windows key with the key R to open the RUN dialog box and type msc in it and press the Enter key.
- Go to this exact path from the left side of the pane: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Shutdown
- From the right pane double-click on Require use of fast startup
Image Credit: HelpDeskGeek - Choose the Disabled option and then click on Apply and tap on OK
Image Credit: HelpDeskGeek
4. Via Registry File
- Open the Notepad app on your Windows 11 PC.
- Now copy and paste the exact code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
“HiberbootEnabled”=dword:00000000
- Now tap on File from the top left corner of the window and select Save As.
- Name the file Disable_fast-startup.reg
- Then choose All Files in front of Save as type
- Now click on Save
- Double click on Disable_fast-startup.reg to run it and click on Yes two times to complete the action.
To Wrap This Up
So, now I guess you know all about this Fast Startup feature on Windows 11 and why should you disable fast startup on Windows 11. It is recommended to enable the Fast Startup feature on your Windows 11 device in order to speed up the boot process. However, if you notice any issues with other programs or dual booting, it may be necessary to turn this feature off.
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