Hibernate saves your open session to disk and powers the PC off completely. It uses no battery while off, then restores your apps and windows when you turn the computer back on.
This guide applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11 laptops and desktops.
Does This Affect You?
If Hibernate is missing from the Start menu power options, it may simply be hidden in Power Options or disabled at the system level.
Enable Hibernate in Power Options
- Open Control Panel.
- Go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
- Click Choose what the power buttons do.
- Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
- Check Hibernate under Shutdown settings.
- Click Save changes.
Enable Hibernate with Command Prompt
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Run
powercfg /hibernate on. - This recreates the hidden hiberfil.sys file used for hibernation.
- Return to Power Options and enable the Hibernate checkbox if needed.
Hibernate Details
Disk Space Use
Hibernate creates hiberfil.sys on the system drive. Its size is based on installed RAM, often several gigabytes.
Modern Standby PCs
Some newer laptops use Modern Standby and may hide classic Hibernate. If the command does not restore it, the manufacturer may not expose traditional hibernation.
Fast Startup Connection
Fast Startup uses related hibernation technology for the Windows kernel, but manually choosing Hibernate saves your whole session.
Turn Hibernate Off
Run powercfg /hibernate off as administrator to remove hibernation and free the disk space.
Sources
- Microsoft Support: Sleep and hibernation FAQ
- Microsoft Learn: Powercfg command-line reference
- Microsoft Support: Change what closing the lid does