How To Disable Fast Startup Windows 11

If you're looking to improve your Windows 11 startup speed and performance, here's a surprising fact: disabling fast startup might be the solution you're seeking! Fast startup is a feature in Windows 11 that allows your computer to boot up faster by saving the system's current state in a hibernation file. However, this feature can sometimes cause issues, such as slow boot times or compatibility problems with certain hardware or software. So, let's explore how to disable fast startup and regain control over your Windows 11 startup process.

Disabling fast startup in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can make a significant difference in your system's performance. By disabling this feature, you can avoid compatibility issues and ensure a smoother startup experience. To disable fast startup, start by accessing the Settings menu in Windows 11. From there, navigate to the System section and click on Power & sleep. Scroll down to the Additional power settings option and click on it. In the Power Options window, click on the Choose what the power buttons do link on the left-hand side. Finally, click on the Change settings that are currently unavailable link, scroll down, and uncheck the box next to Turn on fast startup. Once you've completed these steps, fast startup will be disabled, and you can enjoy a more controlled and optimized startup process on your Windows 11 device.

Why Disable Fast Startup in Windows 11?

Before we dive into the process of disabling Fast Startup in Windows 11, let's first understand why you might want to do it. Fast Startup is a feature in Windows that allows your computer to start up faster after shutting down or restarting. It achieves this by saving system information to a file, which is then used to quickly load the operating system during subsequent startup. While Fast Startup can be beneficial for reducing boot times, there are some situations where disabling it may be necessary or preferable.

One reason to disable Fast Startup is if you're experiencing issues with your computer, such as crashes, freezes, or software compatibility problems. Enabling Fast Startup can sometimes interfere with certain drivers or software, causing these issues. By disabling it, you essentially start your computer from a clean state, which can help diagnose and troubleshoot any underlying problems.

Another scenario where disabling Fast Startup is recommended is when you need to access the advanced boot options, such as Safe Mode or System Recovery. Fast Startup can prevent you from accessing these options because it bypasses some system initialization steps. By disabling Fast Startup, you ensure that these options are readily available when needed.

Furthermore, if you're dual-booting Windows 11 with another operating system, such as Linux, you may encounter issues with the boot loader if Fast Startup is enabled. Disabling Fast Startup can help alleviate these compatibility issues and ensure smooth and hassle-free booting between different operating systems.

Method 1: Disabling Fast Startup Through Power Options

The first method we'll explore involves disabling Fast Startup through the Power Options in Windows 11. Here's how:

1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard to open the Quick Link menu.

2. From the menu, select "Power Options" to open the Power & Sleep settings.

3. In the Power & Sleep settings window, click on the "Additional power settings" link on the right side.

4. This will open the Power Options window. From the left sidebar, click on "Choose what the power buttons do."

5. In the next window, click on the "Change settings that are currently unavailable" link to enable the options.

6. Scroll down to the "Shutdown settings" section and uncheck the box next to "Turn on fast startup (recommended)." Click on "Save changes" to apply the changes.

7. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

By following these steps, you will have successfully disabled Fast Startup in Windows 11 through the Power Options.

Method 2: Disabling Fast Startup through the Registry Editor

If you prefer using the Registry Editor to disable Fast Startup in Windows 11, you can follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type "regedit" in the Run dialog box and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.

3. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE

SYSTEM

CurrentControlSet

Control

Session Manager

Power

4. On the right side, double-click on the "HiberbootEnabled" DWORD value.

5. In the Edit DWORD Value dialog box, change the value data to 0.

6. Click on "OK" to save the changes.

7. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Using the Registry Editor, you can modify the HiberbootEnabled DWORD value to disable Fast Startup in Windows 11.

Method 3: Disabling Fast Startup through Command Prompt

If you prefer using the Command Prompt to disable Fast Startup in Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard to open the Quick Link menu.

2. From the menu, select "Windows Terminal (Admin)" to open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges.

3. In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:

powercfg /hibernate off

4. This command will disable hibernation and, in turn, disable Fast Startup.

5. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Using the Command Prompt, you can disable Fast Startup by turning off hibernation in Windows 11.

Method 4: Disabling Fast Startup through Group Policy Editor

For Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise users, you can disable Fast Startup using the Group Policy Editor. Here's how:

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type "gpedit.msc" in the Run dialog box and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.

3. In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to the following path:

Computer Configuration

Administrative Templates

System

Shutdown Options

4. On the right side, double-click on the "Require use of fast startup" policy.

5. In the policy settings window, select the "Disabled" option.

6. Click on "OK" to save the changes.

7. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise users can use the Group Policy Editor to disable Fast Startup by modifying the "Require use of fast startup" policy.

Exploring Further Options

Now that you've learned how to disable Fast Startup in Windows 11 using various methods, it's worth mentioning a couple of additional options you may want to explore:

Hybrid Shutdown

In Windows 11, Fast Startup is closely related to the concept of Hybrid Shutdown. Hybrid Shutdown combines the traditional shutdown process with hibernation, allowing for a faster startup when turning on your computer. If you still want the benefits of a quick startup but want to avoid potential issues caused by Fast Startup, you can consider enabling Hybrid Shutdown while keeping Fast Startup disabled. This can be done through the Power Options or the Registry Editor, as explained earlier.

Monitoring Performance

Once you've disabled Fast Startup, it's a good practice to monitor your system's performance to ensure that any issues you were experiencing have been resolved. Keep an eye out for any crashes, freezes, or compatibility problems that may persist after disabling Fast Startup. Additionally, regular maintenance tasks like updating drivers and installing Windows updates can help keep your system running smoothly.

With these additional options, you can fine-tune your Windows 11 startup experience and maintain optimal system performance.

Disabling Fast Startup in Windows 11 can be a helpful troubleshooting step if you're experiencing issues or need access to advanced boot options. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can easily disable Fast Startup and regain control over your computer's startup process, ensuring a smoother and more reliable computing experience.

How to Disable Fast Startup in Windows 11

Fast Startup is a feature in Windows 11 that allows your computer to start up faster by hibernating the kernel session when you shut down your system. While it can be helpful in some cases, it can also cause issues like slow boot times, system crashes, and problems with certain devices or applications. If you're experiencing any of these issues, you may want to disable Fast Startup. Here's how:

1. Open the Start menu and click on the gear icon to open the Settings app.

2. In the Settings app, click on the System category.

3. Click on the Power & Sleep tab in the left sidebar.

4. Scroll down to the Related settings section and click on Additional power settings.

5. In the Power Options window, click on the Choose what the power buttons do link on the left sidebar.

6. Click on the Change settings that are currently unavailable link.

7. Under the Shutdown settings section, uncheck the box next to Turn on fast startup (recommended).

8. Click on the Save changes button to apply the changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about how to disable Fast Startup in Windows 11:

1. How do I disable Fast Startup in Windows 11?

To disable Fast Startup in Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Start button and select "Settings" from the menu.

2. In the Settings window, click on "System" and then select "Power & sleep" from the left-hand menu.

3. Scroll down to the "Related settings" section and click on "Additional power settings".

4. In the Power Options window, click on "Choose what the power buttons do" from the left-hand menu.

5. Click on "Change settings that are currently unavailable" to make the Fast Startup settings editable.

6. Uncheck the box next to "Turn on fast startup (recommended)" and click on "Save changes".

7. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

2. Why should I disable Fast Startup in Windows 11?

There are a few reasons why you might want to disable Fast Startup:

1. Troubleshooting: Fast Startup can sometimes interfere with troubleshooting procedures, as it may prevent a computer from fully shutting down. Disabling it can help with diagnosing and resolving issues.

2. Software Updates: Some software updates or installations require a complete shutdown and startup to take effect. Fast Startup can prevent these updates from being applied, so disabling it ensures proper installation.

3. Dual Booting: If you have multiple operating systems installed on your computer and want to switch between them, Fast Startup can cause issues. Disabling it can prevent conflicts and ensure a smooth transition between operating systems.

3. Will disabling Fast Startup affect my computer's performance?

Disabling Fast Startup should not significantly impact your computer's performance. While Fast Startup can help in reducing startup times, its benefits are more noticeable on computers with traditional hard drives rather than solid-state drives (SSDs). If you are using an SSD, you are unlikely to experience a noticeable difference in startup speed after disabling Fast Startup.

However, if you are facing any performance issues or compatibility problems, it is worth trying to disable Fast Startup to see if it resolves the problem.

4. Can I enable Fast Startup again after disabling it?

Yes, you can enable Fast Startup again if you decide to do so. Simply follow the same steps mentioned earlier, but instead of unchecking the box next to "Turn on fast startup (recommended)", check it to enable Fast Startup.

Remember to click on "Save changes" and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

5. How do I know if Fast Startup is currently enabled or disabled?

To check if Fast Startup is currently enabled or disabled on your Windows 11 computer, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type "powercfg.cpl" (without quotes) and press Enter.

3. In the Power Options window, click on "Choose what the power buttons do" from the left-hand menu.

4. Scroll down to the "Shutdown settings" section.

5. If the option "Turn on fast startup (recommended)" is checked, then Fast Startup is enabled.

6. If the option is unchecked, then Fast Startup is disabled.

In summary, disabling Fast Startup in Windows 11 can be done easily by following a few simple steps. First, navigate to the Power & Sleep settings in the Windows Settings menu. Then, click on the Additional power settings link to access the Power Options. From there, select the "Choose what the power buttons do" option and then click on the "Change settings that are currently unavailable" link.

Next, scroll down to the "Shutdown settings" section and uncheck the "Turn on fast startup" option. Finally, click on the "Save changes" button to apply the settings. Disabling Fast Startup can help resolve issues like system crashes, compatibility problems, and software conflicts. Remember to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.