Introduction:
This article explains what the difference is between restarting Windows and shutting down / powering back on.
Prerequisites:
Before we begin you will need;
- Nothing
Technical Level:
Low
If you have Fast Start-up enabled in Windows (which is enabled by default on most computers) there is a difference between shutting down and restarting.
Shutting down will close most running programs and log you off, but the rest of Windows is suspended. Windows essentially then goes to sleep. So, that the next time you power on, Windows does not have to a fully reload of everything. Thus, booting up quicker.
However, a restart will close all running programs, drivers, services and log you off. Then everything is reloaded, restarted and ready to go. This is known as a clean boot. If you would like to know when your computer last had a clean boot read this article Last Clean Boot.
Although Fast Boot is likely a good thing, it does come with some disadvantages. If some thing is wrong with one of the pieces of software that get suspended it will not self-fix. If you would like to disable this feature see this article Disable Fast Start-up.
We have found in many cases a restart will fix issues that a shutdown and power on hasn’t. These include (but not limited to);
- Problems accessing the internet.
- Windows updates not installing.
- Problems with printing.
- Problems with accessing a server on a network.
- Display corruption.
- Camera or microphone not working.
To start your computer, click the Windows Start Button (Flag), click Power, then select Restart.
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