How to Enable and Fix Windows 11 Fast Startup Not Working: Step-by-Step Guide

Fast Startup is a useful feature in Windows 11 that helps your PC boot up faster after shutting down. It combines elements of a cold shutdown and hibernation to speed up the start process. However, sometimes Fast Startup may not work as expected or might be disabled by default.

This guide will walk you through simple and clear steps to enable Fast Startup and fix common issues that prevent it from working. Each step is explained in detail to ensure you can follow along easily, even if you are not very technical.

By following these instructions, you can improve your Windows 11 startup times and enjoy a smoother experience. Let’s get started with some quick notes before diving into the steps.

Whether you want to enable Fast Startup for the first time or troubleshoot why it isn’t working, this guide covers it all.

Quick Note

Make sure you are logged in as an administrator, as you need admin rights to change power settings.
Fast Startup only works when you shut down your PC, not when you restart it.
If you use BitLocker encryption, Fast Startup might be disabled automatically for security reasons.
Some hardware drivers can cause issues with Fast Startup, so updating drivers can help.

How to Enable Fast Startup in Windows 11

Step 1: Open Power Options

First, click on the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard. Type Control Panel and open it. Inside Control Panel, select System and Security, then click on Power Options. This is where you manage all your power settings.

Step 2: Access Shutdown Settings

On the left side of the Power Options window, click on Choose what the power buttons do. This will take you to a page where you can customize what happens when you press the power or sleep buttons.

Step 3: Enable Fast Startup Option

At the top of this page, click on Change settings that are currently unavailable. This unlocks the shutdown settings below. Now, look for the option called Turn on fast startup (recommended) and check the box next to it.

If this option is greyed out, it might be because hibernation is disabled or your PC does not support it. You can enable hibernation by opening Command Prompt as an administrator and typing:

powercfg /hibernate on

After enabling hibernation, revisit this page to enable Fast Startup.

Step 4: Save Your Changes

Once the box is checked, scroll down and click Save changes. Close the Control Panel window and shut down your PC to test if Fast Startup is now working. Your PC should boot up faster than before.

How to Fix Fast Startup Not Working

Step 1: Check If Fast Startup Is Enabled

Follow the steps above to ensure Fast Startup is enabled in your power settings. Sometimes updates or changes can disable it without notifying you.

Step 2: Disable and Re-enable Fast Startup

Occasionally, toggling the Fast Startup option off and then back on can fix glitches. Uncheck the box, save changes, restart your PC, then come back and enable it again.

Step 3: Update Device Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can prevent Fast Startup from functioning. Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting it. Expand categories like Display adapters, Network adapters, and Storage controllers. Right-click each device and choose Update driver. Follow the prompts to search for updates.

Keeping your drivers up to date ensures your hardware works smoothly with Windows features like Fast Startup.

Step 4: Disable Fast Startup Temporarily

If Fast Startup causes problems like USB devices not working after boot or network issues, try disabling it temporarily. Follow the enabling steps and uncheck the Fast Startup box. This helps identify if Fast Startup is the root cause of your problems.

Step 5: Run System File Checker

Corrupted system files can interfere with power settings. To check and repair them, open Command Prompt as administrator and enter:

sfc /scannow

This process may take some time. After it completes, restart your PC and check Fast Startup again.

Step 6: Check for Windows Updates

Microsoft regularly releases updates that fix bugs and improve system stability. Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install any available updates and restart your PC.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

Enable Fast Startup via Registry Editor (Advanced)

If the normal method doesn’t work, you can try enabling Fast Startup through the Windows Registry. Be careful with this method, as incorrect changes can cause system issues.

Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlSession ManagerPower
Find the HiberbootEnabled entry. If it does not exist, create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value with this name.
Double-click HiberbootEnabled and set its value to 1.
Close Registry Editor and restart your PC.

Use PowerShell to Enable Fast Startup

Open PowerShell as administrator and run this command to enable Fast Startup:

powercfg /setacvalueindex SCHEME_CURRENT SUB_BUTTONS POWERBUTTONACTION 3

This command changes the power button action to support Fast Startup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Fast Startup work if I restart my PC?

No. Fast Startup only affects shutdown and cold boot. Restarting your PC performs a full reboot and does not use Fast Startup.

Why is Fast Startup option greyed out?

It may be greyed out if hibernation is disabled or if you are using BitLocker encryption. Enabling hibernation or suspending BitLocker temporarily can help.

Can Fast Startup cause problems?

Sometimes Fast Startup can cause issues with hardware drivers, USB devices, or dual boot systems. If you notice problems, try disabling it temporarily.

Is Fast Startup the same as Hibernate?

No. Fast Startup uses hibernation technology, but it only saves the system kernel session, not your user session. Hibernate saves everything, including open apps and files.

How much faster is Fast Startup?

The speed improvement varies by hardware but typically reduces boot time by several seconds to a minute.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and Fast Startup still does not work, consider the following options:

Run the Windows Power Troubleshooter by going to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and selecting Power.
Reset your PC’s power plan to default by running this command in Command Prompt (admin): powercfg -restoredefaultschemes.
Visit the official Microsoft support page for Fast Startup issues: Microsoft Support.
Consider contacting your PC manufacturer if you suspect hardware incompatibility.

Conclusion

Enabling and fixing Fast Startup in Windows 11 can significantly improve your PC’s boot times. Start by ensuring the feature is enabled in power settings, then update drivers and run system checks if problems continue. Advanced options like Registry edits and PowerShell commands offer additional solutions for stubborn cases.

Remember, Fast Startup may not be suitable for every setup, so if you experience issues, disabling it is a simple way to troubleshoot. With this guide, you have all the tools needed to manage Fast Startup effectively on your Windows 11 computer.