Windows 11 utilizes a feature known as “Fast Startup.” When you tell your computer to “Shut Down,” Fast Startup intercepts the command. Instead of completely turning off the machine, it logs you out and then hibernates the core operating system kernel, saving it to a file on your hard drive. When you turn the PC back on, it rapidly loads this hibernation file into RAM, resulting in incredibly fast boot times.
However, this means your PC almost never actually performs a clean restart. Over weeks of use, corrupted drivers and memory leaks can build up inside the hibernation file. If your PC is experiencing random crashes, Wi-Fi adapter failures, or refusing to install Windows Updates properly, Fast Startup is likely the culprit. Disabling it forces Windows to perform a true, clean boot every time you shut down.
How to Disable the Fast Startup Feature
You must use the legacy Control Panel to disable Fast Startup, as Microsoft has not yet migrated this toggle to the modern Settings app.
- Click the Start button, type Control Panel, and press Enter.
- In the top-right corner of the Control Panel, ensure “View by” is set to Large icons or Small icons.
- Click on Power Options.
- On the left-hand sidebar, click the link labelled Choose what the power buttons do.
- You will see the “Turn on fast startup” checkbox under the Shutdown settings, but it will be greyed out.
- Click the blue shield icon near the top of the window labelled Change settings that are currently unavailable. (Provide administrator permission if prompted).
- The checkbox will now be clickable. Uncheck the box next to Turn on fast startup (recommended).
- Click the Save changes button at the bottom of the window.
The next time you shut down your computer, it will take slightly longer to turn off and slightly longer to boot back up. However, you will experience significantly better system stability, as Windows will finally load fresh drivers directly from the disk upon every boot.