Slow Windows PC? How to Disable Fast Startup and Improve PC Performance

Slow Windows PC? How to Disable Fast Startup and Improve PC Performance

Is your Windows computer taking too long to start? Are applications opening slowly? Does your system sometimes become unresponsive?

A slow PC can have several causes. These may include unnecessary startup applications, low storage space, limited RAM, outdated drivers, or aging hardware.

One Windows setting worth understanding is Fast Startup.

Fast Startup is designed to reduce startup time. However, it can sometimes contribute to driver, hardware, or shutdown-related problems.

In this guide, you will learn how Fast Startup works, how to disable it in Windows 10 and Windows 11, and how to maintain your computer.

What Is Computer Uptime?

Computer Uptime is the amount of time Windows has been running since its last system boot.

For example, Task Manager may show:

• 2 hours, 15 minutes
• 12 hours, 30 minutes
• 1 day, 5 hours
• 3 days, 8 hours

A high Uptime value does not necessarily mean your computer is slow. It simply indicates how long the current Windows session has been running.

How to Check Windows Uptime

The easiest method is through Task Manager.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Open Task Manager.
3. Select Performance.
4. Select CPU.
5. Find Up time.

You can also use Command Prompt.

Open CMD and enter:

systeminfo | find "System Boot Time"

If the command does not return a result, the Windows display language or configuration may differ.

Another option is PowerShell.

(Get-Date) - (Get-CimInstance Win32_OperatingSystem).LastBootUpTime

This calculates the elapsed time since the last recorded Windows boot.

What Is Windows Fast Startup?

Fast Startup is a Windows feature that helps reduce startup time after a normal shutdown.

When enabled, Windows logs off user sessions and saves the kernel session and certain driver information to a hibernation file called hiberfil.sys.

When you turn on the computer again, Windows uses this saved information to help it start faster.

This process is also known as Hybrid Shutdown.

Fast Startup does not save all open applications or a complete copy of RAM.

Advantages of Fast Startup

• Can reduce startup time.
• Makes everyday startup more convenient.
• May help computers with traditional HDD storage.
• Preserves the Windows kernel session for a faster startup process.

Possible Disadvantages

• May contribute to some driver compatibility problems.
• Can complicate certain troubleshooting procedures.
• May affect some dual-boot configurations.
• Can sometimes be associated with shutdown or startup problems.

If your computer works correctly, there may be no reason to disable Fast Startup.

How to Disable Fast Startup in Windows 11

Follow these instructions:

1. Open Windows Search.
2. Type Control Panel.
3. Open Control Panel.
4. Select Hardware and Sound.
5. Open Power Options.
6. Click Choose what the power buttons do.
7. Select Change settings that are currently unavailable.
8. Find Turn on fast startup (recommended).
9. Remove the check mark.
10. Click Save changes.

Restart your computer and check whether the problem has improved.

How to Disable Fast Startup in Windows 10

The steps are almost identical:

1. Click Start.
2. Search for Control Panel.
3. Select Hardware and Sound.
4. Open Power Options.
5. Select Choose what the power buttons do.
6. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
7. Uncheck Turn on fast startup.
8. Click Save changes.

If the option is missing, hibernation may be disabled or the device may not support the feature.

How to Perform a Full Shutdown

You can perform a full shutdown without permanently changing Fast Startup settings.

Save your work first.

Open Command Prompt and enter:

shutdown /s /t 0

Press Enter.

You can also hold Shift while selecting Shut down from the Start menu.

Restart vs. Shutdown

Restart and Shutdown do not always perform the same process.

Restart closes the current Windows session and starts a new one.

A normal shutdown with Fast Startup enabled can preserve the Windows kernel session in the hibernation file.

If your PC is behaving unusually, Restart is a useful first troubleshooting step.

Common Reasons for Slow PC Performance

Fast Startup is only one possible factor. Other causes include:

Too many startup applications: Some programs automatically start with Windows and consume system resources.

Low storage space: Windows needs available space for temporary files and updates.

Insufficient RAM: Limited memory can affect multitasking.

Traditional HDD: An HDD generally provides slower random-access performance than an SSD.

Outdated drivers: Incompatible drivers can sometimes cause performance and stability problems.

Malware: Unwanted software may consume CPU, memory, and storage resources.

Overheating: High temperatures can cause a computer to reduce processor performance.

Too many browser tabs: Modern websites can use considerable memory.

10 Practical Ways to Improve PC Performance

1. Disable unnecessary startup applications.
2. Keep Windows updated.
3. Free up storage space.
4. Uninstall unused applications.
5. Review Windows visual effects.
6. Check your power settings.
7. Use the Windows drive optimization tool.
8. Monitor CPU, Memory, and Disk usage.
9. Run a Windows Security scan.
10. Restart your computer when needed.

Avoid unknown registry cleaners and programs that promise unrealistic speed improvements.

SSD vs. HDD: Which Is Better?

An HDD stores data on rotating magnetic disks. An SSD uses flash memory.

SSDs generally offer faster file access, quicker application loading, and better everyday responsiveness.

If your computer still uses an HDD, a compatible SSD upgrade may make a noticeable difference.

Check your device specifications before purchasing an upgrade.

Simple PC Maintenance Checklist

Weekly

• Restart when needed.
• Close unused applications.
• Review storage space.
• Check unusually high resource usage.

Monthly

• Review startup applications.
• Check Windows updates.
• Run a security scan.
• Remove unused software.
• Back up important documents.

Every Few Months

• Check ventilation.
• Review hardware condition.
• Check drive health.
• Confirm your backups are accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does disabling Fast Startup make a PC faster?

Not necessarily. It changes how Windows starts after shutdown. It may help troubleshoot certain problems, but it does not directly improve application performance.

Is Fast Startup safe?

It is a standard Windows feature. Most users can keep it enabled if their systems work correctly.

Does Restart reset Uptime?

Yes. Restart starts a new Windows session.

Should I restart my computer every day?

There is no universal requirement. Restart when Windows requests it or when you experience problems.

Is an SSD better than an HDD?

For most everyday computer tasks, an SSD provides faster file access and better responsiveness.

Final Thoughts

A slow Windows computer can have many causes. Fast Startup is one setting worth checking when troubleshooting startup or shutdown problems.

Begin with simple steps. Restart Windows, review startup applications, check storage space, monitor system resources, and run a security scan.

Disable Fast Startup only when you have a reason to test it.

Good computer maintenance starts with understanding the actual problem.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Microsoft Corporation. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Menu names may vary by device and Windows version. Back up important files before making significant system changes.

Official References

• Microsoft Windows performance guidance: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/experience/performance-optimization/tips-to-improve-pc-performance-in-windows
• Windows 10 support information: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/updates-lifecycle/windows-10-support-has-ended-on-october-14-2025
• Microsoft Windows help: https://support.microsoft.com/windows