Fast Startup Suddenly Stopped Working on Windows 11

Abstract: This article provides solutions for the issue where Fast Startup has suddenly stopped working on Windows 11. The issue occurs even after trying SFCDISMCHKDSK commands, cleaning boot, clearing prefetch folder, updating drivers, and BIOS. Here's how to fix it.

Created: 2025-02-02 by UserComp.com Editors

Fast Startup Suddenly Stopped Working on Windows 11

Fast startup is a useful feature in Windows that helps your PC start up faster after a shutdown. However, it can sometimes stop working, leaving users frustrated. This article will explain what fast startup is, why it might have stopped working, and provide some troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue on your Windows 11 PC.

What is Fast Startup in Windows 11?

Fast startup is a power-saving feature in Windows that combines the shutdown and hibernation processes. When you shut down your PC, Windows saves your current system state, including open applications and system settings, in a hibernation file, known as hiberfil.sys. Upon restart, Windows loads the hibernation file, restoring your system state more quickly than a typical cold boot.

Why Did Fast Startup Stop Working?

There could be various reasons why fast startup is not working on your Windows 11 PC. These might include:

Corrupted system files
Outdated or incompatible drivers
Changes in system settings or BIOS/UEFI configurations
Third-party software conflicts

Troubleshooting Steps

The following steps will help you troubleshoot the fast startup issue on your Windows 11 PC:

1. Enable Fast Startup

Ensure fast startup is still enabled in your Windows settings:

Type Control Panel in the Windows Search bar and press Enter.
Click on Hardware and Sound and then select Power Options.
In the left pane, choose Choose what the power buttons do.
Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable and ensure that the Turn on fast startup (recommended) option is checked.
Click on Save changes.

2. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Corrupted system files can cause fast startup to stop working. To fix this, run the System File Checker (SFC) and the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools:

Press Win + X and choose Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).
Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each one, and wait for the process to complete:
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

3. Check for Updates and Update Drivers

Outdated drivers or system components can cause compatibility issues. Update your system and device drivers:

Press Win + I and open Settings.
Choose Windows Update in the left pane and click on Check for updates.
Also, ensure that your device drivers are up-to-date. You can update drivers via the Device Manager or a third-party driver updating tool (reference).

4. Run `chkdsk`

A corrupted hard drive can lead to various system issues. Check your hard drive for errors:

Press Win + X choose Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).
Type chkdsk /f and press Enter. If scheduled for the next restart, restart your PC to allow the process to run.

5. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows using a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, eliminating software conflicts. To perform a clean boot :

Press Win + R and type msconfig, then press Enter.
In the Services tab, check the Hide all Microsoft services box and click Disable all.
Click the Startup tab, then click Open Task Manager and disable all startup items. Return to the System Configuration window.
Click OK and restart your PC.

6. Clear the Prefetch Folder

The prefetch folder contains files that speed up startup. However, clearing this folder can sometimes resolve fast startup issues:

Press Win + R and type %prefetch%, then press Enter.
Select all files (Ctrl + A) and delete them.

7. Check BIOS/UEFI Settings

Ensure your BIOS/UEFI configuration does not interfere with fast startup:

Restart your PC and press the appropriate key (e.g., F2, F12, ESC, or DEL) to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings.
Check the power management settings and ensure they do not conflict with the fast startup feature.
Save changes and exit.

If fast startup still does not work, consider performing a system restore or reset. Remember that these options can lead to data loss, so make sure to back up all important files before proceeding.

References

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Fast Startup Suddenly Stopped Working on Windows 11