This document explain how to enable or disable "Fast Startup" mode in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Fast startup make Windows boot up even faster everytime a computer start up.

Fast Startup Mode explained

Fast Startup combines the functions of a normal cold shutdown and the hibernate mode. When Fast Startup is enabled before the PC is shutdown, Windows will close all activity applications and logs off all users, just as in a normal cold shutdown.

At this point, Windows is in a state very similar to when it's freshly booted up: No users have logged in and started programs, but the Windows kernel is loaded and the system session is running. Windows then alerts device drivers that support it to prepare for hibernation, saves the current system state to the hibernation file, and turns off the computer.

When the computer is restared again, Windows does not have to reload the kernel, drivers, and system state individually. Instead, it just refreshes the RAM with the loaded image from the hibernation file and delivers lead directly to the login screen (instead of loading the kernel, drivers, and system state again). This technique can reduce considerable time off the start up sequence.

   Note:
          The following instruction is showing the method, to shut down the PC completely for a single time. If you would like to disable the Fast Startup option completely, please see "Resolution | Detailed" section below.

   How to perform a Complete Shutdown for a single time

1. If you would like to shut down the computer completely for a single time (disabling Fast Startup option for a single time), first click Start in the task bar.
2. Click on the Power icon
3. Next, hold down "Shift key" (keep holding down shift key) and click "Shut down"
   
   
   
     This will have the effect of a single, complete shut down of the computer.
   

At next boot, fast startup is disabled. However, when rebooting the computer once again, fast startup is now re-enabled.

   Note: 
          Windows 11 or Windows 8 / 8.1  settings may look different. The following setting will turn on or off the Fast Startup mode entirely.

   How to Turn On or Off Fast Startup mode

1. Press the Windows key + X key combination and select Power Options
   
   
   
   
2. Click on Additional power settings on the right side
   
   
   
   
3. Click on Choose what the power button does
   
   
   
   
4. Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable
   
   
   
   
5. Scroll down to Shutdown settings and remove the checkmark at Turn on fast startup (recommended). Next click on the button Save changes
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. From now on a complete shutdown will be performed instead of a hybrid shutdown (fast startup)

If option is not available, hibernation is not enabled on the computer.

To enable hibernation, please execute the following command:

1. Open the Command Prompt and type:
   powercfg / hibernate on
2. Press Enter key
3. Repeat above steps from 1-6