How to optimise hybrid boot fast startup in Windows 10 and 11

Waiting for your Windows PC to boot can feel frustrating, especially when you’re pressed for time—whether you’re rushing to a meeting in Auckland’s CBD or starting your workday from home in Wellington. Fortunately, there’s a feature called Fast Startup (also known as Hybrid Boot) that can significantly reduce those startup times. In this guide tailored for New Zealand users, we’ll explain exactly how Microsoft’s Windows Fast Startup works, walk you through the setup process, and show you when (and why) you might want to disable it.

What is Windows Fast Startup (Hybrid Boot)?

Fast Startup (also known as Hybrid Boot or Hiberboot) is Microsoft’s solution to make Windows 10 and 11 start quicker. Here’s what happens when you click Shut Down with the feature enabled:

1. Windows closes all your apps and logs you out (just like a normal shutdown)

2. Instead of powering everything off completely, it saves the kernel and loaded drivers to the hibernation file (hiberfil.sys) on your drive

3. On the next start, Windows skips most of the lengthy hardware initialisation and loads that saved state directly

This allows you to boot significantly faster—about 30-60% quicker—which is especially noticeable on traditional hard drives (HDDs). On fast SSDs, the gain is smaller but still welcome when every second counts, particularly when you need to quickly access important work files or join a video conference.

Fast Startup vs Other Power States

Windows offers four main power options, each handling shutdown differently:

Fast Startup - A hybrid approach: logs you off, saves only the kernel and drivers to disc (hiberfil.sys), then loads that state on boot for speed

Full Shutdown - Everything closes and memory is completely cleared. Next start is a true cold boot (slower, but clean)

Hibernate - Saves the entire system state (open apps, documents, everything) to disc and powers off fully. Resume restores your exact session

Sleep - Keeps RAM powered in a low-energy state so the PC wakes almost instantly, but still uses a trickle of power

When to Use Each Mode

• Fast Startup: Daily quick boots

• Sleep: Short breaks (under an hour)

• Hibernate: Extended periods away (hours/days) with zero power draw

• Full Shutdown/Restart: Installing updates, changing hardware, or troubleshooting

Understanding these options helps you choose the right power state for your needs, whether you’re working from home or on the go with one of HP’s versatile laptops.

Benefits and When to Use Fast Startup

Fast Startup offers several advantages that can improve your daily computing experience:

Significantly reduces boot time - Especially on HDDs (30-90 seconds → 10-20 seconds); still saves a few seconds on SSDs

Looks and feels like a full shutdown - Power off, fans stop, zero watts used, safe to unplug

Saves more power than Sleep mode - Complete power-off versus 2-10W draw during Sleep, which can add up over time on your power bill

Works on both BIOS and UEFI systems - No special requirements

When to Keep It Enabled

• Single-boot Windows machines

• Desktops and laptops you fully shut down daily

• Systems with plenty of free disc space

• Users prioritising fast boot times

When to Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup is beneficial in most cases, but here are situations where you should disable it:

Dual-boot or multi-boot setups - Fast Startup hibernates Windows and “locks” the drive. Other operating systems (especially Linux) can’t mount the partition properly, causing corruption risk or failed boots

Wake-on-LAN or remote management - With Fast Startup enabled, the PC is technically hibernated, not fully shut down, so network cards ignore wake packets and the machine won’t respond to remote wake commands

Windows Updates failing or stalling - Some cumulative updates and feature upgrades require a true cold boot to apply correctly. Fast Startup can leave the kernel in a partially applied state, causing endless “Configuring Windows… do not turn off” loops

Difficulty accessing BIOS/UEFI setup - Pressing Del/F2/F10 often does nothing because the boot resumes from hibernation instead of performing a fresh POST (Power-On Self-Test)

Limited disc space (especially 128-256 GB SSDs) - hiberfil.sys consumes roughly 70-75% of your RAM (4-12 GB on most modern machines). Disabling Fast Startup frees this space

Older hardware or problematic drivers - Certain legacy chipsets, RAID cards, or peripherals may malfunction when the system resumes from hybrid shutdown

Servers, VMs, or mission-critical workstations - These require full shutdown and clean hardware reset every time to ensure maximum stability, accurate logging, and complete driver reinitialisation

How to Enable Fast Startup in Windows 10 and 11

Fast Startup is enabled by default on most systems, but you may need to turn it on manually after a clean install or if it’s been disabled. Here’s how to enable it on your HP desktop or laptop:

Through Control Panel (Recommended)

1. Open Control Panel → System and Security → Power Options

2. Click “Choose what the power buttons do” on the left

3. Click “Change settings that are currently unavailable” (requires admin rights)

4. Check the box "Turn on fast startup (recommended)"

5. Click Save changes

Quick Fix: Re-enable Hibernation

If the Fast Startup option doesn’t appear:

1. Open an elevated Command Prompt or PowerShell

2. Run: powercfg -h on

3. Return to Control Panel—the Fast Startup option will now appear

Registry Method (Advanced)

1. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Power

2. Set the DWORD value HiberbootEnabled to 1 (or create it if missing)

3. Restart to apply the change

Note: All methods require administrator privileges.

How to Disable or Perform Full Shutdown

If you want to disable Fast Startup on your system, here are your options:

Permanent: Turn It Off Completely

1. Control Panel → System and Security → Power Options

2. Choose what the power buttons do → Change settings that are currently unavailable

3. Uncheck “Turn on fast startup (recommended)”

4. Click Save changes

Fast Startup is now disabled until you re-enable it.

One-Time Full Shutdown (Bypass Fast Startup Just Once)

• Hold Shift whilst clicking Shutdown in the Start menu

• Command Prompt (admin): shutdown /s /t 0

• PowerShell (admin): Stop-Computer -Force

Important: Always choose Restart (not Shutdown) when installing Windows Updates—Restart never uses Fast Startup and ensures a clean boot.

Advanced Optimisation Techniques

These extra steps can improve boot times without modifying Fast Startup, helping you get the most out of your HP business laptop or desktop:

Shrink hiberfil.sys - powercfg /h /type reduced (shrinks file to save disc space whilst maintaining functionality)

Disable slow startup apps - Task Manager → Startup tab → disable unnecessary programmes

Update drivers - Use manufacturer tools for chipset, storage, and GPU drivers, not just Windows Update

Enable UEFI Fast Boot - Enter BIOS/UEFI → look under Boot menu for Fast Boot option

Switch SATA to AHCI (for SSDs) - BIOS change (requires driver preparation)

Stay fully updated - Windows and driver updates often include boot optimisations

Measure boot times - Event Viewer → Applications and Services Logs → Microsoft → Windows → Diagnostics-Performance → Operational (filter for Event ID 100)

Troubleshooting Common Fast Startup Issues

When Fast Startup causes problems, these solutions can help:

Option missing in Power Settings

Open Command Prompt (admin) and run powercfg -h on—this restores the checkbox

System freezes after "shutting down"

Update graphics and network drivers or disable Fast Startup

Windows Updates stuck or failing

Always choose Restart instead of Shutdown—it forces a full boot cycle

Dual-boot issues (Linux or Mac can’t see drives)

Disable Fast Startup permanently to prevent locked partitions

Can’t enter BIOS/UEFI

Hold Shift whilst clicking Shutdown, or choose Restart instead

USB devices invisible after boot

Perform a full Restart or disable Fast Startup

If you’re experiencing persistent issues on your HP gaming laptop or desktop, these troubleshooting steps should help resolve most Fast Startup-related problems.

Understanding Fast Startup’s Impact on Different PC Types

The benefits of Fast Startup can vary depending on your system configuration. Here’s what New Zealand users should know for different PC types:

Business Desktops and All-in-Ones

For office setups, Fast Startup is generally beneficial. These systems are typically single-boot Windows installations where quick morning startups matter most. The feature allows you to begin your workday promptly without waiting through lengthy boot sequences.

Premium Laptops for Professionals

Premium devices already feature fast SSDs that boot quickly. However, Fast Startup can still shave precious seconds off your startup time, which adds up when you’re frequently powering on your device for meetings or presentations.

Gaming Systems

For gaming enthusiasts using systems, Fast Startup is generally recommended. These powerful machines benefit from quicker boots, getting you into your games faster. However, if you’re dual-booting with Linux for game development or other purposes, you’ll need to disable the feature.

Best Practices and Recommendations

Follow these guidelines for optimal Fast Startup performance on your HP system:

Single-boot Windows PC - Keep Fast Startup enabled for fastest daily boots

Dual-boot systems - Disable it completely to avoid drive locking and corruption

Limited SSD space - Run powercfg /hibernate /type reduced to shrink hiberfil.sys whilst keeping the speed boost

Once a month - Perform a full Restart to clear memory and refresh drivers

After Windows Updates - Always choose Restart, never Shutdown, to prevent update loops

Corporate or remotely managed PCs - Usually requires disabling for Wake-on-LAN functionality

Common Fast Startup FAQs

Does Fast Startup harm my hardware?

No—it’s an official Microsoft feature and completely safe for both SSDs and HDDs. Your HP laptop or desktop won’t experience any wear from using this feature.

What’s that big hiberfil.sys file? Can I delete it?

It stores the kernel state for Fast Startup. Deleting it (or turning hibernation off) disables the feature and frees the space.

Why is Restart slower than Shutdown?

Shutdown uses the quick hybrid mode; Restart performs a full cold boot to refresh everything properly.

Is it worth using on an SSD?

Yes—you still save a few seconds per boot. Just weigh it against the 4-12 GB disc space it reserves.

How do I check if Fast Startup is enabled?

Go to Control Panel → Power Options → Choose what the power buttons do. If the checkbox is marked, it’s enabled.

Will Fast Startup affect my monitor setup?

No, it won’t impact your HP monitor or multi-monitor configuration. Your display settings remain intact.

Maximising Productivity with Fast Startup

Fast Startup is just one way to optimise your computing experience. For New Zealand professionals and home users alike, combining Fast Startup with quality hardware makes a significant difference in daily productivity.

Modern HP systems come with optimised boot configurations that work seamlessly with Fast Startup. Whether you’re using a business desktop for your home office in Christchurch or a personal laptop for study in Dunedin, enabling this feature ensures you spend less time waiting and more time working.

For those who need additional peripherals, consider pairing your system with HP accessories to create a complete, efficient workspace that powers on quickly and responds instantly.

Final Thoughts

Fast Startup is a smart Microsoft feature that can dramatically reduce your Windows boot time—especially on HDD-based systems—whilst still feeling like a proper shutdown. That said, it’s not perfect for everyone. If you’re dual-booting or require easy BIOS access, a full shutdown is recommended. For everyone else, leave it enabled, perform a proper Restart occasionally, and enjoy noticeably faster startups.

If you’re looking for consistently quick boots and reliable performance, explore HP PCs with modern SSDs and optimised hardware—notice the difference in seconds. From powerful gaming desktops to versatile 2-in-1 laptops, HP offers systems designed to work seamlessly with Windows features like Fast Startup, ensuring you get the best possible computing experience for your needs in New Zealand.