Fast startup in Windows

Fast startup in Windows

What
When Windows fast startup is enabled, the system does not perform a full restart, so drivers and connected devices are not completely initialized.

Where
Windows: Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do > Change settings that are currently unavailable > Uncheck "Turn on fast startup (recommended)" > Save changes.



Fast startup overview

Windows fast startup is a feature that speeds up the computer’s boot process. When shutting down, the system is not completely turned off, instead, parts of the system state (including the kernel) are saved and reloaded at the next start.

This means: A "shutdown" with fast startup enabled is not a full restart.

Notes
Recommendation:
It is recommended to disable fast startup in Windows to minimize the risk of errors with peripheral devices (e.g. printers).



Finding the setting

Windows 10 and Windows 11:
Control Panel
→ Hardware and Sound
→ Power Options
→ Choose what the power buttons do
→ Change settings that are currently unavailable
→ Uncheck "Turn on fast startup (recommended)"
→ Save changes



Disabling fast startup

  1. Uncheck "Turn on fast startup (recommended)".
  2. Save changes.
  3. Perform a full restart of the computer
If the option is not visible:
  1. Fast startup may already be disabled, or
  2. Hibernation is disabled (fast startup depends on it).














Fast startup in POS systems

In the POS system, Windows fast startup should be disabled because connected devices need to be fully initialized at startup to function reliably.

POS systems often have many connected peripherals, such as
  1. Receipt printers
  2. Cash drawers
  3. Barcode scanners
  4. Card readers
  5. Customer displays
  6. USB dongles
  7. Network device
These devices require a full initialization when the system starts.


Possible issues with fast startup enabled:
  1. Printer does not respond.
  2. Scanner is not recognized.
  3. Cash drawer does not open.
  4. Card reader loses connection.
  5. Network or cloud services are unreachable.
  6. Driver problems persist.
  7. Errors only disappear after a true "restart".



Behavior of Windows when fast startup is eabled

When fast startup is enabled and you click "Shut down" (not "Restart"), the following occurs:
  1. Windows does not fully shut down
    1. Users are logged off
    2. Programs are closed
    3. The Windows kernel (system core) remains preserved

  2. The system state is saved
    1. The kernel and essential drivers are written to a file (hiberfil.sys)
    2. Technically, it is a combination of:
      1. Logoff
      2. Partial hibernation (sleep state)
    3. The CPU uptime continues after the next startup

  3. On the next power-on
    1. Windows reloads the previously saved state
    2. The kernel is not fully reinitialized
    3. Many drivers are not completely restarted
    4. Result:
      1. The PC starts faster
      2. However, it is not a true cold boot






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