How to Enable Fast Startup in Windows 11

This post shows students and new users steps to turn fast startup mode on or off in Windows 11 to make Windows boot up even faster every time you start your computer.

On most compatible systems, Fast Startup is enabled by default and is available on most laptops and some desktop PCs. Fast Startup combines features of a normal cold shutdown and hibernate mode.

When Fast Startup is enabled before the PC is shut down, Windows keeps the kernel loaded and the system sessions running while keeping the current system state saved to the hibernation file, then it turns off the computer.

The next time you start your computer, Windows does not have to reload the kernel, device drivers, and system state again. These are already in the hibernate file and ready to be loaded quickly.

In hibernate mode, your work and desktop sessions are saved on the system hard drive, allowing Windows to completely shut down and resume your previous session when the computer is turned back on.

To get started turning on Fast Startup in Windows 11, follow the steps below:

How to enable Fast Startup in Windows 11

If your computer supports it, you may want to enable Fast Startup if it’s not already enabled. Or turn it off if you’re having a problem with the Fast Startup feature in Windows 11. Whatever your reasons, the steps below show you how to turn it on or off.

To enable, go to the Start menu or press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to bring up the Start menu.

Then search for and select “Control Panel,” as shown below.

In the Control Panel app, click on the Hardware and Sound category as highlighted below.

Under Power Options, click the Change what the power button does link as highlighted below.

On the next screen, click the link “Change settings that are currently unavailable,” as shown below.

Then check the box to Turn on fast Startup (recommended).

Click the Save Changes button below and apply your changes. Then restart Windows to apply fully.

How to turn off Fast Startup in Windows 11

If you change your mind about Fast Startup in Windows 11, simply turn it off. To turn off Fast Startup, reverse the steps above.

To do that, search the Control Panel ==> Select Hardware and Sound ==> Power Options ==> Change what the power button does ==> Change currently unavailable settings, then uncheck the box to turn off fast Startup.

Enable or disable Fast Startup with Windows Registry Editor

Another way to enable or disable ‘Fast Startup‘ in Windows is to use the Windows Registry editor. Here’s how to do that.

First, open Windows Registry Editor.

Then, navigate to the registry key below.

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Power

Next, double-click the HiberbootEnabled (REG_DWORD) name on the Explorer key’s right pane to open it. Then, enter a value 1 to enable ‘Fast Startup‘ in Windows 11.

To disable it, enter 0.

If you do not see the ‘HiberbootEnabled’ item, right-click a blank area and create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value. Then, enter the name ‘HiberbootEnabled’.

Change the value as described above to enable or disable the feature.

You may have to restart your computer for the changes to apply.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• Fast Startup can significantly reduce boot times in Windows 11, enabling users to start their systems more quickly.
• It combines the benefits of a normal shutdown and hibernate mode, improving overall efficiency.
• Users can easily enable or disable Fast Startup through the Control Panel or the Windows Registry Editor.
• If experiencing issues with Fast Startup, disabling it may resolve certain problems.
• Regularly checking Fast Startup settings can ensure optimal performance of your Windows 11 system.