Fast Startup makes shutdown and boot faster by saving part of the Windows kernel and driver state to disk. It is helpful for boot time, but it can interfere with dual-boot systems, driver updates, BIOS changes, and true shutdown behavior.
These steps apply to Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Does This Affect You?
Disable Fast Startup if Windows does not seem to fully shut down, Linux cannot safely access a Windows partition, or hardware/driver changes do not take effect after shutdown and power-on.
Turn Off Fast Startup in Power Options
- Open Control Panel.
- Go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
- Click Choose what the power buttons do.
- Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
- Under Shutdown settings, clear Turn on fast startup.
- Click Save changes.
Turn It Off with Command Prompt
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Run
powercfg /h off. - This disables hibernation and Fast Startup because Fast Startup depends on hibernation files.
- Restart the PC.
Fast Startup Details
Restart Already Bypasses It
A Windows restart performs a full shutdown-and-boot cycle. Fast Startup only affects the Shut down option.
If the Checkbox Is Missing
Fast Startup only appears when hibernation is enabled. Run powercfg /hibernate on as administrator if you want the checkbox back.
Why Dual-Boot PCs Need It Off
Fast Startup can leave the Windows partition in a hibernated-like state. Another operating system writing to it can risk file system corruption.
Turn It Back On
Re-check the box in Power Options, or run powercfg /h on to restore hibernation and Fast Startup support.
Sources
- Microsoft Support: Turn Fast Startup on or off
- Microsoft Learn: Powercfg command-line reference
- Microsoft Learn: Fast Startup and dual-boot considerations