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Article Windows Fast Startup

Problems with Windows Fast Startup and How to Disable It

In the fast-paced world of IT management, maximizing system performance while ensuring stability is crucial. Windows Fast Startup—a feature designed to speed up boot times—can be beneficial but may also introduce challenges in certain scenarios. This article explores the potential issues associated with Fast Startup and provides step-by-step guides for disabling it in both Windows 11 and Windows 10/Windows Server 2016.

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Understanding Windows Fast Startup

Windows Fast Startup (also known as Hiberboot or Fastboot) accelerates the boot process by saving an image of the Windows kernel and drivers to a file, hiberfile (hiberfil.sys), before shutting down. When the system restarts, it quickly loads this image, reducing boot time and enhancing the user experience. However, this feature isn’t without its drawbacks, particularly for IT professionals and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) handling multiple systems and configurations.

Windows 10/Windows Server 2016

Potential Issues with Fast Startup

For systems running Windows 10 or Windows Server 2016, Fast Startup might cause:

  • Dual Boot Problems: Can lead to disk errors or data loss when another OS accesses the Windows partition.
  • Hardware Changes: New hardware might not be recognized during Fast Startup.
  • System Updates and Maintenance: Could complicate tasks like system updates and maintenance routines.

How to Disable Fast Startup in Windows 10/Windows Server 2016

Manual Method
  • Open Control Panel: Navigate to the Control Panel from the Start menu.
Navigate to the Control Panel from the Start menu.
  • Select Power Options: Click on “Power Options.”
Click on Power Options.
  • Choose Power Button Actions: On the left side, select “Choose what the power button does.”
On the left side, select Choose what the power button does.
  • Change Non-Available Settings: Click on “Change settings that are currently unavailable.”
Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.
  • Disable Fast Startup: Uncheck “Turn on fast startup” and click “Save changes.”
Uncheck Turn on fast startup and click Save changes, turned on
Uncheck Turn on fast startup and click Save changes, turned off

Using PowerShell for Hibernate

  • Open Command Prompt as Admin: Search for the Command Prompt app in the Start menu, and click Run as administrator.
Search for the Command Prompt app in the Start menu, and click Run as administrator.
  • Run the Command: Type powercfg /h off to disable Fast Startup, and press Enter, or use powercfg /h on to re-enable it.

Attention: If Hibernation is off, the settings will change accordingly. Fast Startup can not be used or seen in the settings.

Windows 11

Potential Issues with Fast Startup

In Windows 11, enabling Fast Startup may lead to:

  • Incomplete Shutdowns: The system doesn’t perform a full shutdown, which can make BIOS/UEFI settings inaccessible.
  • System Stability: High memory usage or delays may occur, requiring a complete shutdown to resolve.
  • Maintenance Challenges: Periodic maintenance tasks may be hindered as the system isn’t fully reset.

How to Disable Fast Startup in Windows 11

Using the Control Panel

  • Open Control Panel: Use the search function to find and open the Control Panel.
Use the search function to find and open the Control Panel.
  • Navigate to Hardware and Sound: Set “View by” to Category and select “Hardware and Sound.”
Set View by to Category
Select Hardware and Sound.
  • Select Power Options: Click on “Power Options.”
Power Options
  • Choose Power Button Actions: On the left, select “Choose what the power button does.”
On the left, select Choose what the power button does.
  • Change Non-Available Settings: Click on “Change settings that are currently unavailable.”
Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.
  • Disable Fast Startup: Uncheck “Turn on fast startup” and click “Save changes.” 
Uncheck Turn on fast startup and click Save changes. 

Enabling Hibernate for Fast Startup

Fast Startup requires Hibernate to be enabled. If Hibernate is turned off, the option to disable Fast Startup won’t appear in Power Options.

How to Enable Hibernate:

  • Open Command Prompt: Search for the Command Prompt app in the Start menu, and click Run as administrator. (For Screenshots see Windows 10/Windows Server 2016 Section)
  • Enable Hibernate: Enter the command powercfg /h on and press Enter.

Disabling Hibernation

Hibernation is another feature closely related to Fast Startup. To disable it:

  • Open Command Prompt as Admin: Search for the Command Prompt app in the Start menu, and click Run as administrator. (For Screenshots see Windows 10/Windows Server 2016 Section)
  • Run the Command: Type powercfg /h off and press Enter.

Fast Startup vs. Hibernation

It’s important to distinguish between Fast Startup and Hibernation:

  • Hibernation: Saves the state of your entire session and shuts down the computer, allowing you to resume your work.
  • Fast Startup: Saves the state of the system kernel and drivers, not your work session, reducing boot time.

The Impact of Disabling Fast Startup

Disabling Fast Startup may lead to slightly longer boot times. However, the impact is often negligible on modern systems equipped with Solid State Drives (SSDs).

Troubleshooting After Disabling Fast Startup

If you encounter issues after disabling Fast Startup:

  • Check for Windows Updates: Ensure your system is up to date.
  • Update Drivers: Outdated drivers may cause problems.
  • Re-enable Fast Startup: If issues persist, consider re-enabling Fast Startup and seeking further assistance.

Using XEOX to Manage Fast Startup

Managing Fast Startup across multiple devices can be tedious manually. XEOX simplifies this process through automation and centralized management. With XEOX, you can easily enable or disable Fast Startup on all endpoints from a single dashboard.

Benefits of Using XEOX

  • Automation: Automate the process of disabling or enabling Fast Startup across all devices.
  • Centralized Management: Manage settings for multiple computers from one interface.
  • Custom Scripts: Utilize custom scripts from an extensive library to perform various IT management tasks, including managing Fast Startup and Hibernate settings.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Even technicians with minimal experience can navigate and apply automation across endpoints seamlessly.

Conclusion

While Windows Fast Startup can enhance boot times, it may not always be suitable for every IT scenario. Understanding how to manage and disable this feature is crucial for maintaining system stability and performance. By leveraging tools like Control Panel, Windows Terminal, and PowerShell, IT professionals and MSPs can ensure the optimal functioning of their Windows environments.

For more efficient IT management, consider using tools like XEOX to streamline operations, automate tasks, and maintain robust system performance.

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