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Turn Fast Startup On or Off via the Registry

Disable or re-enable Windows Fast Startup (hybrid boot) with the HiberbootEnabled registry value to fix shutdown and dual-boot problems.

WindowsregistrybootPower & SleepMedium risk
Run reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Power" /v HiberbootEnabled /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f to disable Fast Startup, or set /d 1 to re-enable it.

01Command

Command
$ reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Power" /v HiberbootEnabled /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

02What it does

Fast Startup speeds up booting by hibernating the kernel session when you shut down, so the next start resumes that saved image instead of loading everything fresh. It's convenient, but it can block Windows Updates from completing, break dual-boot setups that touch the disk, cause devices to misbehave after "shutdown", and make the power button act like hibernate. Setting HiberbootEnabled to 0 disables the hybrid behavior while leaving regular hibernation available; 1 restores it.

03Risk

RiskMedium risk
RequirementsRun Command Prompt as administrator. Fast Startup also requires hibernation to be enabled (powercfg /hibernate on).
!Warning: Write the registry path exactly — HKLM requires an elevated prompt, and mistakes in Session Manager keys can affect boot. If you need a true full shutdown without changing settings, hold Shift while clicking Shut down.

04Undo

Undo
$ reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Power" /v HiberbootEnabled /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

05Sources

  • Distinguishing Fast Startup from Wake-from-Hibernation
    Microsoft Learn · vendor-doc · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Explains that Fast Startup is a hybrid shutdown that hibernates the kernel session, so restart and full shutdown behave differently.
  • powercfg - SS64
    SS64 · technical · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Documents powercfg /hibernate, which must be enabled for Fast Startup's kernel hibernation file to exist.

Last verified: 2026-09-18 · Category: System & Settings

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