Stop Shutting Down Your PC (Do This Instead)

Explains why Windows ‘Shut down’ can preserve problems due to Fast Startup, and why ‘Restart’ performs a full system reload.

– How to confirm uptime in Task Manager and why Fast Startup ‘hibernates’ the Windows kernel.

– When to use Sleep, Shut down, or Restart; includes a one-time full shutdown shortcut (hold Shift while choosing Shut down).

– How to disable Fast Startup through Control Panel > Power Options and a quick restart shortcut via right-click Start.

Quotes:

Shut down isn’t actually a full restart.

Fast Startup hibernates the core of the operating system.

Hold down Shift while you click Shut down to force a complete shutdown.