Windows Fast Startup is a feature designed to enhance boot times on Windows PCs, introduced by Microsoft in Windows 8 and renamed in subsequent versions. While it can significantly reduce startup duration, particularly on HDDs, it may lead to problems such as limited access to disk partitions and incomplete installation of Windows updates.
The feature operates by saving only essential components, like the Windows kernel and drivers, to disk, rather than preserving the entire session as seen in hibernation mode. This approach allows for a quicker boot process; however, on SSDs, the time savings are minimal, generally only a few seconds.
Users are advised to consider disabling Fast Startup if they encounter issues, especially since some updates necessitate a complete shutdown to take effect. To determine the best setup, individuals can compare boot times with the feature turned on and off, opting for the configuration that meets their needs.