One of the best ways to optimize the performance of your Windows 11 computer is by taking advantage of the “Fast Startup” feature. Fast Startup, which has been available in previous versions of Windows, is a newly added feature in Windows 11 designed to hasten the boot process. It achieves this speed by melding hibernation and power-saving techniques. To comprehend how the Fast Startup feature operates, it’s essential first to understand the concept of hibernation. In hibernation mode, Windows 11 saves the session loaded into memory onto the hard drive. This means you can resume your tasks seamlessly even after your computer has been powered off. Similarly, with Fast Startup, the operating system saves the memory content to the hard drive after signing off from any user account, as opposed to maintaining everything active in the memory. By restoring several services and apps from the previous session, Windows boots up more rapidly. Interestingly, every fresh installation of Windows 11 is set with this faster boot mode as the default. However, if you face booting issues, it may be necessary to disable and then re-enable this feature for troubleshooting purposes. In some cases, you might need to turn off the quick startup mode completely. In this RiseWindows guide, we’ll delve into the steps to boost your Windows 11 system’s speed by activating the Fast Startup feature.
What is the Fast Startup feature on Windows 11?
The Fast Startup feature in Windows 11 is a boon for users aiming for a quicker system boot post-shutdown. Unlike traditional boot processes, Fast Startup doesn’t function during a restart. It operates as a lightweight version of Hibernation, ensuring only the pristine state of Windows 11 is preserved. If your Windows 11 system seems sluggish upon starting, it’s prudent to verify if the Fast Startup feature is active and optimizing your boot time.
How to Enable or Turn on the Fast Startup to Boot Quicker on Windows 11?
To enable the Fast Startup feature on Windows 11, do the following steps:-
Step 1. First, open the Control Panel.
Step 2. Now, click on the Hardware and Sound category in the Control Panel.
Step 3. Then, click on Power Options.
Step 4. After that, in the Power Options window that opens, click the link Choose what the power button does.
Step 5. Next, click the link labeled with Change settings currently unavailable.
Step 6. Now, under the “Shutdown settings” section, click the checkbox Turn on fast startup (recommended).
Step 7. Lastly, click on the Save changes button at the bottom of the screen.
After completing the above steps, the Fast Startup feature will be enabled on your Windows 11 PC. Now, when you Shut down your computer, it will turn off without saving the current state of your PC.
How to Turn off or Disable the Fast Startup on Windows 11?
To disable or turn off the Fast Startup feature on Windows 11, do the following steps:-
Step 1. First, open the Control Panel.
Step 2. Now, click on the Hardware and Sound category in the Control Panel.
Step 3. Then, click on the Power Options.
Step 4. After that, in the Power Options window that opens, click the link Choose what the power button does.
Step 5. Now, click the link labeled with Change settings currently unavailable.
Step 6. Then, under the “Shutdown settings” section, uncheck the checkbox Turn on fast startup (recommended).
Step 7. At last, click the Save changes button.
How to Fix Missing Fast Startup on Windows 11?
If you find that the Fast Startup option is missing on your PC, that means you have not enabled the hibernate feature on your computer. To make the fast startup option available in the Control Panel settings, you must first enable the hibernation feature. To turn on hibernation on your Windows 11 machine, please perform the following steps:-
Step 1. First, open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
Step 2. Now, type the following command and press Enter from the keyboard to enable the hibernation feature on your PC:-
powercfg /hibernate on
Once you complete the above-mentioned steps, Hibernate and Fast Startup will be available in the “Shutdown settings” section.
Conclusion
Fast Startup in Windows 11 provides a much-needed boost for users who want to enhance their boot times. By merging hibernation and power-saving techniques, it ensures that your Windows 11 PC boots up in less time than traditional methods. While it’s set as the default in new installations of Windows 11, it’s always good to check if it’s active, especially if you notice slower boot times. Moreover, for those who might face issues or prefer a different startup method, knowing how to enable, disable, or troubleshoot this feature is crucial. This guide provides a comprehensive overview and step-by-step instructions to manage the Fast Startup feature effectively.
