How to Disable Fast Startup in Windows 11｜Effective for Preventing Troubles

Windows 11 includes a handy boot-acceleration feature called Fast Startup. However, while useful, it can also cause certain problems, so disabling it may be recommended depending on your situation.

In this guide, we’ll carefully explain what Fast Startup is and how to disable it step by step. The instructions apply to NEC LAVIE models as well as general Windows 11 PCs.

✅ What is Fast Startup?

Fast Startup saves system information at shutdown to speed up the next boot.

Instead of a full shutdown, it puts the PC into a state similar to hibernation, allowing for quicker startup.

❗ When Should You Disable Fast Startup?

While convenient, Fast Startup can cause issues. Consider disabling it if you encounter:

• Older USB devices or peripherals not being recognized
• Failure to boot after BIOS changes
• External HDDs not mounting
• Problems switching OS in dual-boot environments

In these cases, a full shutdown and reboot is needed, which requires disabling Fast Startup either temporarily or permanently.

🛠️ Two Ways to Disable Fast Startup

Method ① Temporarily Disable (For the Next Boot Only)

▶ From the Start Menu

1. Open the Windows Start Menu
2. Click the Power icon at the bottom right
3. Hold down the Shift key and click Shut Down or Restart
4. On the “Choose an option” screen, select Turn off your PC

This will perform a full shutdown once.

▶ If the OS Won’t Boot (e.g., NEC LAVIE)

On some devices, you can access the recovery menu via the Novo button or function keys, and perform a full shutdown from there.

Examples:

• LAVIE N14/N15 → Use the Novo button → Select System Recovery
• LAVIE DT/PM/GX → Repeatedly press F11 right after powering on
• Other models → Press F2 at boot → Enter BIOS → HDD Recovery → Execute

From the “Choose an option” screen, select Turn off your PC to fully shut down.

Method ② Permanently Disable in Settings

If you want to turn off Fast Startup completely, follow these steps:

▶ Steps (Windows 11)

1. Go to Start → All Apps → Windows Tools → Control Panel
2. Select Hardware and Sound
3. Click Power Options
4. In the left menu, select Choose what the power buttons do
5. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable
6. Under “Shutdown settings,” uncheck “Turn on fast startup (recommended)”
7. Click Save changes to finish

🔄 Want to Re-enable Fast Startup?

If you want to use Fast Startup again, repeat the steps above and simply check “Turn on fast startup” to restore it.

💡 Extra Notes & Precautions

• Depending on Windows update status, screens or options may look slightly different.
• Fast Startup is different from Sleep or Hibernate.
• This article is based on NEC’s official LAVIE manual and Otsuka Shokai’s technical FAQ.

✅ Summary

Use this guide to smoothly troubleshoot or adjust your settings. If you’re unsure, also check your PC manufacturer’s manual or support resources.