Fast Startup on Windows is designed to enhance boot times by placing the computer into a hibernation-like state, effectively saving the system state to disk. This allows for a quicker startup compared to a traditional cold boot. However, unlike hibernation, it does not preserve open programs and processes, which can lead to a mix of minor time savings and unexpected Windows behavior. For users operating on modern SSDs, disabling Fast Startup is generally advisable unless a noticeable slowdown in boot time is experienced.
Bypassing a traditional shutdown isn’t ideal
In today’s computing landscape, many users have shifted away from conventional shutdowns, opting instead for sleep and hibernate modes. Yet, a traditional shutdown remains essential for proper power cycling of components. Fast Startup circumvents this necessary process, preventing the flushing of background processes and the resetting of Windows services. Over time, neglecting this maintenance can manifest in various system issues. For those with sufficiently fast SSDs, disabling Fast Startup may be the more prudent choice.
Your Windows updates might not work as intended
Windows updates often rely on a complete shutdown and restart cycle to function correctly. While Fast Startup may seem convenient, it can disrupt the installation of these updates, leading to system instability and missing features or security patches. Users may not even realize that Fast Startup is the source of these issues, especially if it was enabled long ago. For those who regularly update their Windows, keeping Fast Startup disabled is a wise strategy.
Dual-boot systems can come undone
For individuals running both Windows and Linux on the same drive, it is crucial to keep Fast Startup disabled. This feature mimics a hibernation state that does not fully release hardware resources, potentially causing boot issues with the other operating system. Users may encounter problems such as an inability to boot or malfunctioning services like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. In more severe cases, data corruption or loss can occur, making it imperative to avoid Fast Startup in dual-boot configurations.
Wake-from-sleep bugs can become more frequent
Another drawback of Fast Startup is its tendency to exacerbate wake-from-sleep issues. Users may notice slower wake times, network disconnections, or peripheral malfunctions, such as RGB controllers failing to operate correctly. These problems arise because Fast Startup skips the comprehensive hardware reinitialization that occurs during a cold boot. By opting for a full shutdown instead, users can reset their hardware and mitigate these peculiarities.
PCs with modern SSDs shouldn’t bother with Fast Startup
The advantages of Fast Startup may be minimal, especially when weighed against the potential complications it introduces. Most users today utilize modern NVMe SSDs, which inherently provide rapid boot times without additional assistance. In fact, some users report longer boot times when Fast Startup is enabled. As such, experimenting with toggling this feature on and off could help determine the optimal setting for individual systems.
