How to Disable Fast Startup in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Related Issues

Fast Startup is a feature in Windows 11 designed to help your computer boot up faster after shutting down. However, sometimes it can cause problems like preventing your PC from shutting down properly or issues with dual boot setups.

Disabling Fast Startup can often fix these types of related issues and improve system stability. The process is simple and can be done in just a few steps.

In this guide, we will walk you through the easiest way to turn off Fast Startup in Windows 11, with clear and detailed instructions.

By following the steps carefully, you can troubleshoot and resolve problems connected to Fast Startup with confidence.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Make sure you are logged into Windows 11 with an administrator account. Without admin rights, you won’t be able to change power settings.
Disabling Fast Startup will slightly increase your computer’s boot time since it won’t use the hybrid shutdown method.
It’s a good idea to save all your work and close running applications before making changes to power options.
If your device uses BitLocker encryption, take note that disabling Fast Startup may affect how your system boots.

Step-by-Step Guide to Disable Fast Startup in Windows 11

Step 1: Open Power Options

First, press the Windows key on your keyboard or click the Start button. Type Control Panel and select it.

In the Control Panel window, look for the option labeled Power Options and click on it. This section controls how your computer manages power and sleep settings.

Step 2: Access System Settings

Within Power Options, find and click on Choose what the power buttons do from the menu on the left side. This will allow you to change what happens when you press the power or sleep buttons on your PC.

Step 3: Change Settings That Are Currently Unavailable

At the top of this screen, you will see a link that says Change settings that are currently unavailable. Click on this link to unlock the options below. You may be prompted to enter your administrator password or confirm your choice.

Step 4: Disable Fast Startup

Scroll down to the section titled Shutdown settings. Here, you will see a checkbox labeled Turn on fast startup (recommended).

Uncheck this box to disable Fast Startup. This action tells Windows not to use the hybrid shutdown process, which can help fix issues like incomplete shutdowns or boot problems.

Step 5: Save Your Changes

After unchecking the box, click the Save changes button at the bottom. This will apply your new settings.

Now, when you shut down your computer, it will perform a full shutdown instead of a hybrid one.

Alternative Method: Using Command Prompt

If you prefer using the command line, you can disable Fast Startup through Command Prompt with administrative privileges.

Press Windows key + S, type cmd, then right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

powercfg -h off

This command disables hibernation, which also disables Fast Startup because Fast Startup relies on the hibernation file.

To re-enable Fast Startup later, you can use:

powercfg -h on

Why Disabling Fast Startup Helps

Fast Startup saves some system information to a file when you shut down, so when you power on, your PC can resume faster. However, this can cause issues such as:

Preventing access to BIOS or UEFI settings during boot
Problems with dual booting multiple operating systems
Devices not initializing properly after shutdown
Windows updates not applying correctly

Disabling Fast Startup forces a full shutdown, making sure all hardware and software start fresh when you power on your computer.

FAQs About Disabling Fast Startup in Windows 11

Will disabling Fast Startup make my PC slower?

Disabling Fast Startup can slightly increase the time it takes for your PC to boot up, but the difference is usually only a few seconds.

Can I turn Fast Startup back on anytime?

Yes, you can re-enable Fast Startup by following the same steps and checking the box again.

Is it safe to disable Fast Startup?

Yes, it is safe. Disabling Fast Startup only changes how Windows shuts down and starts up. It does not affect your files or programs.

Why don’t I see the Fast Startup option in Power Options?

If the option is missing, it might be because hibernation is disabled on your PC. You can enable hibernation by running powercfg -h on in an elevated Command Prompt.

Will disabling Fast Startup affect sleep or hibernate modes?

No, disabling Fast Startup only affects the shutdown and startup process, not sleep or hibernate modes.

When Nothing Works

If disabling Fast Startup does not resolve your issues, consider the following steps:

Update your device drivers: Outdated drivers can cause shutdown and startup problems.
Run Windows Update: Make sure your system has the latest fixes and patches.
Check your BIOS/UEFI settings: Sometimes, fast boot options in BIOS can interfere with Windows Fast Startup.
Use System Restore: Roll back to a point when your PC was working fine.
Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support for further assistance.

Conclusion

Fast Startup in Windows 11 is a useful feature for faster boot times but can cause certain shutdown and boot issues. By following this step-by-step guide, you can easily disable Fast Startup to fix related problems.

Remember to save your work before making changes, and you can always turn the feature back on if needed. If problems persist, consider other troubleshooting methods or seek professional help.

Disabling Fast Startup is a simple yet effective way to improve your Windows 11 system’s reliability and ensure a smooth shutdown and startup experience.