How to Turn Off Fast Startup in Windows 10

Introduction

Fast startup is a feature enabled by default on all Windows 10 computers. While the upside of a faster boot time is nice, there are some down sides. Because Microsoft achieves this by putting your Windows computer somewhere in a state between hibernation and fully powered off, this can cause hardware problems. Whether you’re experiencing hardware problems or you just want the comfort of knowing your Windows computer is completely shut down, it’s fairly easy to turn off Windows 10 quick startup. Examples of all instructions in the steps can be seen in the YouTube video below.

Steps to Turn Off Fast Startup in Windows 10

1. Navigate to your Windows 10 home screen, and then press the “Windows” and “R” buttons at the same time. The Run dialog box is displayed.
2. Enter “powercfg.cpl” in the Run dialog box, and then click “Enter.” The Power Options window is shown.
3. Select “Choose what the power buttons do” in the menu on the left side of the screen. Associated options are displayed on the right side of the screen. Notice that the options in the Shutdown Settings are likely grayed out.
4. Click “Change Settings That Are Currently Unavailable” directly above the options. The items in the Shutdown Settings section will no longer be grayed out.
5. Click to remove the check mark from “Turn On Fast Startup” and then click “Save Changes.” Fast startup will now be turned off on your computer going forward.

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5 Reasons to Turn Off Fast Startup in Windows 10

1. Improved System Stability

Fast Startup can sometimes compromise system stability. When enabled, it doesn’t allow your PC to shut down fully. Instead, it saves part of the system state to help your PC start faster. This can lead to problems over time. Issues like incomplete Windows updates or inconsistent system states arise. Many users report fewer system crashes and errors when they disable this feature. It’s particularly useful if you dual-boot with another operating system. A full shutdown ensures all systems start fresh, which is crucial for maintaining stability.

2. Enhanced Dual-Boot Experience

For those who dual-boot Windows with another operating system, Fast Startup can be a headache. This feature keeps your Windows partition in a hibernated state, complicating access from another OS. Linux, for example, might struggle to mount and manage Windows partitions that are not fully shut down. Disabling Fast Startup ensures that the Windows drive is fully closed. This helps prevent data corruption and makes it safer to access files from different operating systems. It’s a simple step that can save a lot of time troubleshooting dual-boot issues.

3. Complete Software Updates

Fast Startup often interferes with the installation of updates and system patches. Since it skips a full shutdown, certain updates can’t be completed until a true reboot occurs. Disabling it ensures that every shutdown leads to a full system closure. This allows updates to install properly. It’s essential after major updates or when troubleshooting. Regular users might not notice, but it’s crucial for maintaining your system’s health and security. Always ensuring a complete shutdown means your PC is up-to-date and secure.

4. Accurate System Diagnostics

Troubleshooting is more straightforward with Fast Startup turned off. Diagnostic tools often require a full system restart to detect and solve system issues. With Fast Startup enabled, some components may not reset. This can lead to inaccurate system diagnostics. By fully shutting down, all components reset, giving tools a clean slate for accurate analysis. This is crucial when diagnosing persistent hardware or software issues. It ensures that you’re working with the most current system state.

5. Extended Hardware Longevity

Disabling Fast Startup can contribute to longer hardware life. When enabled, certain parts of your system, like SSDs and hard drives, don’t fully power down. This can cause additional wear over time. A full shutdown gives all hardware a break, potentially extending its lifespan. This is particularly true for thermal management. Components can cool down completely in a full shutdown scenario. This simple change can lead to better performance and longer hardware lifespan in the long run.