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Windows 10’s Fast Startup feature helps your PC boot up quickly by saving the system state to a file. While this improves startup speed, it can sometimes interfere with Windows Update processes.

If your system updates are not installing properly, Fast Startup might be the cause. Disabling this feature can often fix update problems without affecting your regular use.

This guide will walk you through simple steps to turn off Fast Startup and allow your system updates to complete smoothly. Each step is explained clearly for users of all levels.

By following this guide, you’ll learn why Fast Startup affects updates and the best way to manage this setting safely.

Quick Note Before You Begin

• Make sure you have saved all your work before changing system settings.
• You might need administrative rights to modify power settings.
• Disabling Fast Startup will slightly increase your boot time, but will not harm your system.
• If your PC uses encryption (like BitLocker), read about Fast Startup compatibility to avoid issues.

Step 1: Open Power Options

The first step is to access the Power Options menu where Fast Startup settings are located. This allows you to control how your PC powers on and off.

1. Click the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
2. Type Control Panel and select the Control Panel app from the search results.
3. In Control Panel, click on System and Security.
4. Next, click Power Options.

This area lets you adjust power plans and other advanced settings related to how your computer starts and shuts down.

Step 2: Access Shutdown Settings

Fast Startup settings are found under the shutdown options. Here you can enable or disable this feature.

1. In the Power Options window, look at the left sidebar and click on Choose what the power buttons do.
2. At the top of the next page, you may see that some options are grayed out. Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable to unlock these options.

This step is necessary because Windows protects certain settings by default to prevent accidental changes.

Step 3: Disable Fast Startup

Now that you can edit the options, it is time to turn off Fast Startup.

1. Scroll down to the Shutdown settings section.
2. Uncheck the box next to Turn on fast startup (recommended).
3. Click Save changes at the bottom to apply your new settings.

Disabling Fast Startup forces Windows to perform a full shutdown, which helps updates install correctly during the next boot.

Step 4: Restart Your Computer

After making these changes, you need to restart your PC for them to take effect.

1. Close any open programs and save your work.
2. Click the Start menu, select the power icon, and choose Restart.

When your PC restarts, try running Windows Update again to see if the problem is resolved.

Alternative Method: Disable Fast Startup via Command Prompt

If you prefer using commands or the above method doesn’t work, you can disable Fast Startup using the Command Prompt.

1. Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

powercfg -h off

This command disables hibernation, which also disables Fast Startup because it relies on hibernation files.

To re-enable Fast Startup later, use:

powercfg -h on

Why Does Fast Startup Interfere with Updates?

Fast Startup works by saving your system state to a file instead of fully shutting down. This can lock system files and prevent updates from replacing or modifying them properly.

Disabling Fast Startup ensures Windows performs a complete shutdown and fresh boot, giving updates full access to system files.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will disabling Fast Startup slow down my computer?

Yes, startup may take a few seconds longer because Windows fully shuts down instead of loading a saved state. However, this is a small trade-off for successful updates.

Can I leave Fast Startup disabled permanently?

Yes, many users keep it disabled to avoid update issues. You can always turn it back on if you prefer faster startups.

What if I don’t see the Fast Startup option?

This usually means hibernation is disabled. You can enable it by running powercfg -h on in an admin Command Prompt, then check the settings again.

Does Fast Startup affect shutdown or restart differently?

Fast Startup only affects shutdown and boot, not restart. Restart always performs a full reboot.

Will disabling Fast Startup affect my files or programs?

No, it only changes how your PC powers on and off. Your files and applications remain unchanged.

When Nothing Works

If disabling Fast Startup does not resolve your update problems, consider these options:

• Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter from Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
• Manually reset Windows Update components using Microsoft’s official guide.
• Check for driver updates, as outdated drivers can block updates.
• Consult Microsoft’s official support pages: Windows Update FAQ.

Conclusion

Fast Startup is a helpful feature, but it can sometimes prevent Windows updates from installing correctly. By following this guide to disable Fast Startup, you give your system the best chance to update smoothly.

Remember to restart your PC after changing the settings and check for updates again. If you still face issues, try the alternative methods or use official troubleshooting tools.

With these simple steps, you can fix update problems caused by Fast Startup and keep your Windows 10 system running securely and efficiently.