Fast Startup slows down some computers, not speeds them up

Fast Startup is a Windows feature that hibernates your system instead of fully shutting down, so the next boot loads faster. For most people this works fine. But if you have older hardware, use external drives, or notice your computer running slowly after restart, disabling Fast Startup often fixes the problem. The feature can interfere with disk checks, create conflicts with certain drivers, and prevent Windows from fully clearing memory between sessions.

Turning it off takes about two minutes and requires access to your power settings. You do not need to restart when ready — the change takes effect the next time you shut down and start up again.

Key Takeaways

  • Fast Startup hibernates your system instead of fully shutting down, which can cause slowness or driver conflicts on some computers.
  • You can disable Fast Startup through Settings > System > Power by unchecking one box in the power button settings.
  • The change takes effect only after your next full shutdown and restart, not when ready.
  • If you disable it and notice no improvement after a week, you can turn it back on the same way.

Open Power Settings and find the shutdown options

Start by opening Windows Settings. Press the Windows key and type Settings, then click the Settings app. Once it opens, click System in the left sidebar, then click Power.

On the Power page, scroll down until you see Power and sleep at the top and Power button and lid further down. Click on Power button and lid to expand that section.

Uncheck Fast Startup in the shutdown settings

Inside the Power button and lid section, look for Shutdown settings near the bottom. You may see a note that says "Change settings that are currently unavailable." Click that link — it will ask for administrator permission, and you should click Yes.

Once you have permission, you will see a checkbox labeled Turn on fast startup (recommended). Click the checkbox to uncheck it. The box will empty, showing that Fast Startup is now disabled.

Save your changes and restart to confirm

After unchecking the box, scroll down and click Save changes at the bottom of the window. Close the Settings app. You do not need to restart right away — the change will take effect the next time you fully shut down and start your computer.

When you do restart, your computer will take slightly longer to boot than it did with Fast Startup on, because Windows is doing a full startup instead of waking from hibernation. This is normal and expected.

When to turn Fast Startup back on

If you disable Fast Startup and your computer runs the same speed or slower after a week of normal use, you can turn it back on. Follow the same steps: Settings > System > Power > Power button and lid > Shutdown settings, then check the box next to Turn on fast startup (recommended) and save changes.

Some people benefit from Fast Startup; others do not. The only way to know is to test it for a few days. If your computer feels snappier after disabling it, leave it off. If nothing changes, turn it back on to get the faster boot times.

What to do if the option does not appear

On some Windows 11 systems, the Fast Startup option may not show up in Power settings. This usually means your computer does not support hibernation, or the setting is controlled by your organization if you are on a work computer. In either case, there is nothing to disable.

If you are on a work computer and want to change this setting, contact your IT department or help desk. They may have disabled it intentionally for security or compatibility reasons.

Other reasons your computer might be slow after restart

Disabling Fast Startup solves slowness caused by incomplete shutdowns or driver conflicts, but not all post-restart slowness comes from Fast Startup. If your computer still feels sluggish after you disable it and restart a few times, the problem may be something else: too many programs starting at boot, a full hard drive, or outdated drivers.

Check your startup programs by opening Settings > Apps > Startup and disabling anything you do not need to run automatically. If your drive is nearly full, delete old files or move them to external storage. If you have not updated Windows or your drivers in several months, run Windows Update and check your device manufacturer's website for driver updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will disabling Fast Startup make my computer slower?

Your boot time will be slightly longer because Windows does a full startup instead of waking from hibernation. Most people do not notice a significant difference. If you do, you can turn Fast Startup back on the same way you turned it off.

Do I need to restart my computer right after disabling Fast Startup?

No. The change takes effect only after your next full shutdown and restart. You can disable it now and restart whenever you normally would. Do not use Sleep or Restart — you need a full shutdown for the change to take effect.

Can I disable Fast Startup if I use an SSD?

Yes. SSDs boot quickly either way, so Fast Startup makes less difference on solid-state drives than on older hard drives. If you have an SSD and are experiencing slowness, disabling Fast Startup is worth testing, but the problem may be elsewhere.

What is the difference between Restart and Shutdown?

Restart keeps Fast Startup active and does not fully clear memory. Shutdown closes everything and, if Fast Startup is on, hibernates the system. To test whether disabling Fast Startup helps, you must use Shutdown, not Restart.

Will disabling Fast Startup affect my files or settings?

No. Disabling Fast Startup only changes how your computer starts up. Your files, programs, and settings remain exactly the same. You can turn it back on anytime without losing anything.