I have noticed Windows 8 machines seem to be prone to hang at shutdown. While this isn't the case for all Windows 8 systems, its more common then one would think. I believe it more hardware related then software. Simply put a driver or some other piece of software for your motherboard, RAID controller, etc just isn't working right with Hybrid Boot. The good news? Its a very easy fix.
So if your Windows 8 PC is hanging on shutdown or just taking forever to turn off, then follow the steps below to disable Hybrid boot.
Step 1: Open Control Panel and click on Hardware and Sound.
Step 2: Click on Power Options
Step 3: Click "Choose what the Power Button Does"
Step 4: Click "
Change Options that are currently Unavailable" at the top of the Window. (You will get a User Account Control prompt, click Continue. The options will not be greyed out anymore.)
Step 5: Remove the Check box from "
Turn On Fast Start Up"
Step 6: Open an Elevated Command Prompt. To do this, Simply Press the Windows Key + X. You will see a menu pop up in the lower left hand corner. Click on
Command Prompt (Admin) (Click Continue if Prompted)
Step 7: In the elevated Command Prompt type
powercfg.exe /hibernate off and press enter. If all goes well, you should get a message telling you the process was successful.
Step 8: Restart the PC.
Thats it! Now your Windows 8 system should not hang on shutdown anymore!
Enable Windows 8 Hybrid Boot
If you need to reverse these steps, just follow the instructions below.
Step 1: Open an Elevated Command Prompt. To do this, Simply Press the Windows Key + X. You will see a menu pop up in the lower left hand corner. Click on Command Prompt (Admin) (Click Continue if Prompted)
Step 2: In the Elevated Command Prompt type
powercfg.exe /hibernate on and press enter. If all goes well, you should get a message telling you the process was successful.
Step 3: Open the Control Panel, then Power Options.
Step 4: Click "Choose what the Power Button Does"
Step 5: Click "Change Options that are currently Unavailable"
at the top of the Window. (You will get a User Account Control prompt,
click Continue. The options will not be greyed out anymore.)
Step 6: Remove the Check box from "
Turn On Fast Start Up"
Step 7: Restart the PC.
Now Hybrid Boot is re-enabled.
To learn more about Hybrid Boot, see the Microsoft article titled
Delivering fast boot times in Windows 8
For more information on Windows Hibernation, and how to enable or disable it, see
Microsoft KB 920730
Disclaimer: I am not responsible for anything
that may happen to your PC when changing settings or changing registry
values. If you choose to make changes, you do so at your own risk.. You
are solely responsible for
any damage to your computer , data, or other hardware due to user error,
inadequate
cooling, too high of voltages, incorrect software settings, and any
other factors. Please remember to
back up your computer before attempting
this. If overclocking, Do not Overclock on the stock AMD or Intel CPU
Heatsink and fans.
Use Aftermarket cooling heat sinks of sufficient TDP or water cooling to
ensure best chance of not having premature hardware failure. As always,
remember to backup your data before attempting any change. I am not
responsible for data loss or damage of any kind.