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How to Fix Fast Startup Not Working Issues on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Fast Startup is a useful feature in Windows 11 that helps your computer boot up faster after shutdown. However, sometimes this feature may not work properly, causing slower startup times or other issues. Fixing Fast Startup problems can help improve your overall Windows experience.

This article will guide you through simple, step-by-step solutions to troubleshoot and fix Fast Startup not working on Windows 11. Each step is explained clearly for users of all skill levels.

We’ll start with quick checks, move to basic fixes, and then explore more advanced methods if needed. By the end, you should have a better understanding of how to get Fast Startup running smoothly again.

Let’s get started with some quick notes before diving into the solutions.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Checks Before You Begin

Before troubleshooting Fast Startup, make sure you have the following in place:

  • Windows 11 updates: Keep your system up to date by installing all pending Windows updates. Updates often fix bugs that affect features like Fast Startup.
  • Administrator access: You will need administrator privileges to change power settings and make system adjustments.
  • Check if Fast Startup is enabled: Sometimes the feature might be turned off by default or after an update. It’s important to verify its status first.
  • Understand what Fast Startup does: It combines elements of shutdown and hibernation to speed up boot times. If you use hibernation regularly, Fast Startup might interfere.

Step 1: Verify and Enable Fast Startup

The first step is to check if Fast Startup is enabled on your PC. If it’s off, your computer won’t benefit from faster boot times.

  1. Press Windows + S and type Control Panel, then open it.
  2. Navigate to Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
  3. On the left sidebar, click Choose what the power buttons do.
  4. Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable at the top.
  5. Scroll down to the Shutdown settings section.
  6. Make sure the box for Turn on fast startup (recommended) is checked.
  7. Click Save changes and restart your PC to test.

Why this matters: Sometimes updates or system changes disable Fast Startup. Enabling it here lets Windows handle shutdowns more efficiently.

Step 2: Disable and Re-enable Fast Startup

If Fast Startup is already enabled but not working, toggling it off and on again can fix temporary glitches.

  1. Follow the same steps as above to reach the Shutdown settings.
  2. Uncheck Turn on fast startup and save changes.
  3. Restart your computer.
  4. Repeat the process to enable Fast Startup again and save.
  5. Restart your PC one more time.

This simple reset can refresh the feature’s functionality.

Step 3: Check Power Settings and Disable Hybrid Sleep

Hybrid Sleep can interfere with Fast Startup. Disabling it can help resolve conflicts.

  1. Open Control Panel and go to Power Options.
  2. Click on Change plan settings next to your active power plan.
  3. Select Change advanced power settings.
  4. Expand the Sleep category.
  5. Click on Allow hybrid sleep and set it to Off.
  6. Click Apply and OK.
  7. Restart your PC and check if Fast Startup works.

Why this helps: Hybrid Sleep is a mix of sleep and hibernation modes that can conflict with Fast Startup’s process.

Step 4: Run the Power Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can detect and fix power-related problems automatically.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Power in the list and click Run next to it.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooter.
  5. Restart your PC when finished.

This tool can fix common issues preventing Fast Startup from working.

Step 5: Check for Device Driver Issues

Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause shutdown and startup problems, affecting Fast Startup.

  1. Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
  2. Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark.
  3. Right-click the device and choose Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
  5. Repeat this for critical devices like display adapters, network adapters, and storage controllers.
  6. Restart your computer after updating drivers.

Why update drivers? Faulty drivers can prevent Windows from shutting down properly, thus disabling Fast Startup.

Step 6: Disable Fast Startup via Registry Editor (Advanced)

If all else fails, you can disable Fast Startup using the Windows Registry, which sometimes fixes stubborn issues.

Warning: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause system problems. Follow these steps carefully and consider backing up your registry first.

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to the following path:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlSession ManagerPower
  3. Find the value named HiberbootEnabled.
  4. Double-click it and change its value to 0 to disable Fast Startup.
  5. Click OK and close Registry Editor.
  6. Restart your PC.

To re-enable Fast Startup, change the HiberbootEnabled value back to 1.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is Fast Startup not available on my Windows 11 PC?

Fast Startup may be unavailable if your device uses full disk encryption, if hibernation is disabled, or if your PC has certain hardware configurations that don’t support it.

Does Fast Startup cause any problems?

Fast Startup can sometimes cause issues with dual-boot setups, prevent access to BIOS during boot, or interfere with external devices. Disabling it can solve these problems.

Will disabling Fast Startup affect shutdown time?

Yes, disabling Fast Startup will make shutdown and startup times slower because Windows will perform a full shutdown instead of a hybrid one.

Can I safely turn off Fast Startup?

Yes, turning off Fast Startup is safe but may result in slower boot times. It’s useful if you face issues related to shutdown, startup, or device compatibility.

How can I check if Fast Startup is working?

You can test by timing how long your PC takes to boot from a shutdown state. Also, enabling Fast Startup in power settings confirms it’s active.

When Nothing Works: Final Resort Options

If none of the above steps fix Fast Startup issues, consider the following options:

  • Reset power settings to default: In Power Options, use the option to restore default settings for your power plan.
  • Run System File Checker (SFC): Open Command Prompt as administrator and run sfc /scannow to repair corrupted system files.
  • Check for BIOS/UEFI updates: Visit your PC manufacturer’s website and update your BIOS if an update is available, as this can impact power management features.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: For persistent issues, official help from Microsoft can provide tailored assistance.

Conclusion

Fast Startup is a helpful feature to speed up your Windows 11 boot times, but it can sometimes stop working correctly. By following the simple steps outlined above—from verifying settings to updating drivers and using troubleshooters—you can usually fix these problems yourself.

Remember to start with the easiest solutions and progress to more advanced methods only if necessary. If all else fails, tools like System File Checker and BIOS updates may help restore proper functionality.

With these tips, you can enjoy faster startup speeds and a smoother Windows 11 experience.

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