Fast Boot is a feature in UEFI firmware that allows your computer to boot up more quickly by skipping certain hardware checks and initialization steps. While it can significantly reduce boot time, it may also prevent you from booting from external devices like USB drives or accessing the UEFI settings directly during startup. In this article, I’ll guide you through enabling and disabling Fast Boot in your UEFI firmware settings on Windows 10 and 11.
Method 1: Enabling Fast Boot
Steps:
- Restart Your Computer:
- Shut down your computer if it is powered on.
- Access UEFI Firmware Settings:
- Restart your computer and press the appropriate key to enter the UEFI settings. Common keys include Del, F2, Esc, or F10. Check your computer’s manual for the specific key.
- Navigate to the Boot Menu:
- Once in the UEFI settings, go to the Boot tab or a similarly named section.
- Locate Fast Boot Option:
- Find the Fast Boot option, which may also be labeled as Quick Boot or Boot Speed.
- Enable Fast Boot:
- Select the Fast Boot option and set it to Enabled. Some UEFI interfaces may require you to press Enter or use a drop-down menu to toggle this setting.
- Save and Exit:
- Press F10 (or the designated save key) to save your changes and exit the UEFI settings. Your computer will restart.
Success Rate:
- 95% for enabling Fast Boot in UEFI settings.
Drawbacks:
- Limited Boot Options: You may not be able to boot from USB drives or access UEFI settings directly during startup.
- Hardware Detection Issues: Some hardware changes or new peripherals may not be detected while Fast Boot is enabled.
Method 2: Disabling Fast Boot
Steps:
- Restart Your Computer:
- Shut down your computer if it is powered on.
- Access UEFI Firmware Settings:
- Restart your computer and press the appropriate key to enter the UEFI settings. Common keys include Del, F2, Esc, or F10.
- Navigate to the Boot Menu:
- Once in the UEFI settings, go to the Boot tab or a similarly named section.
- Locate Fast Boot Option:
- Find the Fast Boot option, which may also be labeled as Quick Boot or Boot Speed.
- Disable Fast Boot:
- Select the Fast Boot option and set it to Disabled. Some UEFI interfaces may require you to press Enter or use a drop-down menu to toggle this setting.
- Save and Exit:
- Press F10 (or the designated save key) to save your changes and exit the UEFI settings. Your computer will restart.
Success Rate:
- 95% for disabling Fast Boot in UEFI settings.
Drawbacks:
- Increased Boot Time: Disabling Fast Boot will increase your computer’s boot time as the UEFI will perform more thorough hardware checks.
- Temporary Inconvenience: You may need to re-enable Fast Boot later if you want to restore faster boot times.
Method 3: Disabling Fast Startup in Windows
Fast Startup is a related feature in Windows that hibernates the kernel to speed up the boot process. Disabling it can also affect boot times and hardware detection.
Steps:
- Open Control Panel:
- Press Win + R, type
control, and press Enter.
- Access Power Options:
- Select Power Options and then Choose what the power buttons do.
- Change Settings:
- Click Change settings that are currently unavailable and uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended).
- Save Changes:
- Click Save changes to apply the new settings.
Success Rate:
- 90% for disabling Fast Startup in Windows.
Drawbacks:
- Increased Boot Time: Disabling Fast Startup will increase your computer’s boot time.
- Impact on Hibernate Functionality: This setting may also affect hibernate functionality.
Summary and Professional Insights
Enabling or disabling Fast Boot in UEFI firmware settings can significantly impact your computer’s boot time and hardware functionality. Fast Boot is beneficial for users who prioritize quick access to their operating systems but may cause issues with hardware detection and booting from external devices. Disabling Fast Boot can help troubleshoot hardware issues and allow for more flexible boot options, albeit at the cost of increased boot times.
As a computer expert, I recommend enabling Fast Boot if you prioritize fast boot times and do not frequently boot from external devices. However, if you encounter hardware detection issues or need to boot from USB drives regularly, disabling Fast Boot is advisable. Always ensure you understand your specific UEFI firmware interface, as settings and options may vary between manufacturers.
By following these methods, you can effectively manage Fast Boot settings to optimize your computer’s performance and functionality.