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I haven't needed to restart my computer for a while now, as I just usually shut down when I'm finished, and then reboot when I use Windows again. I dual-boot, so of course I often restart to a different OS, but hardly ever back to windows.

Apparently I'm not doing enough!

Because just today, and for the very first time, Windows 10 told me in the form of a popup:

You are required to restart your computer now, as restarting is different to shutting down and then rebooting your PC. This restart is mandatory in order to maintain appropriate device security.

I don't exactly understand how restarting is any different to shutting down and then rebooting, and I'm even more confused as to why this is for *'device security.'

The only forums I've seen online say that this happens, but not actually why.

If anyone has any ideas or this has happened to you as well, please let me know! I like knowing about everything there is to do with these contraptions- the more I know the better!

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  • ... that sounds like a patching/udating messaging Commented May 28, 2024 at 9:35
  • @schroeder I suspected so too- but actually it wasn’t at all for an update- I checked the logs. Also, it didn’t didn’t do anything unusual on reboot OS loading, like as in it didn’t say ‘implementing updates’ or anything. Since you’re and expert- is there any difference whatsoever between restarting and shutting down and then rebooting? Commented May 28, 2024 at 10:08

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I don't exactly understand how restarting is any different to shutting down and then rebooting

Two words: Fast startup. Essentially Windows Shutdown function doesn't really shut down; it just closes all programs and hibernates. This trick reduces boot time.

and I'm even more confused as to why this is for *'device security.'

Windows can't replace open files, so updates may be installed, and the files replaced during boot.

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    Those are a good few points- but I actually fully shutdown- not hibernate! Commented May 28, 2024 at 10:53
  • A shutdown in windows is hibernation after closing all running applications, unless you disable fast startup. The link explains it in some more detail. Commented May 28, 2024 at 11:23
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    Sorry if my other reply was a bit misleading. But now I have actually checked if it is off or on in the control panel and it is off. But your answer definitely is very valid- I just don’t see why it happened in my case. Commented May 28, 2024 at 21:52
  • I believe the option in the control panel is for the front-panel button behavior. If using the Start button on screen and choosing "Shutdown", it will log you out and then hibernate. I think the only way to have it really shutdown is to turn off hibernate. See here: answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/… Commented May 29, 2024 at 20:31
  • @browsermator Do not confuse "Hibernation" on the start menu with Fast startup. It's same technology, but independent configuration and purpose. Fast startup closes all running programs. Hibernation does not. Commented May 29, 2024 at 21:06

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