To change Fast Boot (also known as Fast Startup) in Windows 10, you need to access your Power Options settings in the Control Panel and modify the shutdown behavior.
What is Fast Startup?
Fast Startup is a feature in Windows 10 that combines elements of both a full shutdown and hibernation to help your computer start up faster. When enabled, instead of completely shutting down, Windows saves an image of the kernel and loaded drivers to a hibernation file. The next time you start your PC, it loads this image, resulting in quicker boot times.
While beneficial for speed, there are instances where you might want to disable it, such as when troubleshooting certain driver issues, performing a true full shutdown for hardware changes, or resolving dual-booting problems with other operating systems.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Fast Startup in Windows 10
Changing the Fast Startup setting involves a few simple steps within the Windows Control Panel. Follow these instructions carefully:
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Navigate to the Control Panel:
- You can open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Windows search bar (type "Control Panel") or by right-clicking the Start button and selecting "Control Panel" (for older Windows 10 versions) or "Settings" > "System" > "Power & Sleep" > "Additional power settings" (which opens Control Panel's Power Options).
- Once in the Control Panel, ensure your "View by" option is set to Large icons or Small icons, then select Power Options.
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Choose Power Button Actions:
- In the "Power Options" window, look at the left-hand pane.
- Click on the link that says Choose what the power buttons do.
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Access Currently Unavailable Settings:
- On the next screen, you'll see a section titled "Shutdown settings" but the options might be grayed out.
- To make these settings editable, click on the text Change settings that are currently unavailable. This usually requires administrator privileges.
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Modify Fast Startup Setting:
- Now, under the "Shutdown settings" section, you will find an option labeled Turn on fast startup (recommended).
- To disable Fast Startup, uncheck this box.
- To enable Fast Startup, check this box.
- After making your selection, click Save changes to apply the new setting.
Important Considerations:
- Restart vs. Shutdown: If you disable Fast Startup, a "Shut down" command will perform a full shutdown, clearing the system's memory entirely. A "Restart" command always performs a full shutdown and boot cycle, regardless of the Fast Startup setting.
- Troubleshooting: Disabling Fast Startup can be helpful if you're experiencing issues with driver installations, system updates, or when your computer is not shutting down completely.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Fast Startup
Understanding the implications of enabling or disabling Fast Startup can help you decide which setting is best for your usage.
| Fast Startup On (Enabled) | Fast Startup Off (Disabled) |
|---|---|
| Faster boot times from shutdown | Slower boot times from shutdown |
| Uses a hybrid shutdown (partial hibernation) | Performs a full shutdown |
| May conflict with dual-booting other OS | Better for dual-booting setups |
| Can sometimes interfere with driver updates | Ensures a clean state for driver installations |
| Power consumption slightly lower than full shutdown during 'shutdown' | Ideal for troubleshooting and refreshing system state |
By following these steps, you can easily control the Fast Startup feature in Windows 10 to suit your specific needs.
