Disabling Fast Startup in Windows 10 is a straightforward process. You need to access the Power Options in the Control Panel, adjust your settings, and finally disable Fast Startup. In just a few steps, you can ensure that your PC starts up and shuts down properly without the fast startup feature.
How to Disable Fast Startup in Windows 10
Disabling Fast Startup in Windows 10 can help you troubleshoot various issues or ensure your computer shuts down completely. Follow these steps to disable it.
Step 1: Open Control Panel
Click on the Start menu, type "Control Panel," and press Enter.
The Control Panel is a centralized area where you can manage different settings for your computer. By opening the Control Panel, you gain access to a variety of system settings, including the Power Options.
Step 2: Go to Power Options
In the Control Panel, search for "Power Options" and click on it.
Power Options are the settings that control your computer’s power usage. By accessing Power Options, you can adjust how your computer behaves when it’s on battery power or plugged in.
Step 3: Click on "Choose what the power button does"
On the left-hand side of the Power Options window, click on "Choose what the power button does."
This option lets you configure the behavior of your power button, such as what happens when you press it or close the lid.
Step 4: Click on "Change settings that are currently unavailable"
In the next window, click on "Change settings that are currently unavailable" to unlock the grayed-out settings below.
This step is necessary to make changes to the settings related to Fast Startup, which are usually protected to prevent accidental changes.
Step 5: Uncheck "Turn on fast startup (recommended)"
Under the "Shutdown settings" section, uncheck the box next to "Turn on fast startup (recommended)."
Disabling Fast Startup ensures that your computer performs a complete shutdown, which can help resolve certain issues like updates not installing correctly or hardware not initializing properly.
Step 6: Save changes and exit
Click "Save changes" at the bottom of the window and close the Control Panel.
This final step ensures that your new settings are saved, and your computer will no longer use the Fast Startup feature.
After you disable Fast Startup, your computer will perform a full shutdown and startup process each time. This can take a little longer, but it can help ensure that all updates are applied correctly and that all hardware devices are properly reset.
Tips for Disabling Fast Startup in Windows 10
- Backup First: Before making changes to system settings, always back up your important data.
- Understand Fast Startup: Know that disabling Fast Startup might increase boot time slightly but can solve hardware issues.
- Check for Updates: Ensure your Windows 10 is updated, as some updates might affect power settings.
- Monitor Performance: After disabling, keep an eye on your computer’s performance to ensure it’s working as expected.
- Re-enable if Needed: If you notice no improvement, you can always re-enable Fast Startup by following the same steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fast Startup?
Fast Startup is a feature in Windows 10 that helps your computer start up faster after shutdown by hibernating part of the system.
Why should I disable Fast Startup?
Disabling Fast Startup can help resolve issues like updates not installing, hardware not initializing properly, and problems with dual-boot systems.
Is disabling Fast Startup safe?
Yes, disabling Fast Startup is safe. It simply means your computer will take a little longer to start up as it will go through a full shutdown and startup process.
Will disabling Fast Startup affect my computer’s performance?
Disabling Fast Startup can slightly increase boot time, but it should not affect the overall performance of your computer once it is running.
Can I re-enable Fast Startup if needed?
Yes, you can follow the same steps to re-enable Fast Startup by checking the "Turn on fast startup (recommended)" box and saving the changes.
Summary
- Open Control Panel
- Go to Power Options
- Click on "Choose what the power button does"
- Click on "Change settings that are currently unavailable"
- Uncheck "Turn on fast startup (recommended)"
- Save changes and exit
Conclusion
Disabling Fast Startup in Windows 10 is a simple yet effective way to tackle various system issues. By following the steps we outlined, you can ensure a complete shutdown and startup process for your PC. This can be particularly beneficial if you’ve been facing problems with updates, hardware initialization, or dual-boot configurations. While it might cause your computer to boot up a bit slower, the trade-off is often worth it for the added stability and reliability.
It’s always good to stay informed about the features and settings of your operating system. So, if disabling Fast Startup resolves your issues, great! If not, you can easily revert the settings. For more in-depth guides on managing your Windows 10 settings, keep an eye out for future articles.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.