Information
This article will show you how to enable or disable Windows 7 Hibernate by restoring or deleting the Hibernation File. When disabled, the Hibernate option is missing from the Start Menu, Shut down Windows, and the Advanced Power Plan Options.
Note
By default in Windows 7, the size of the hibernation file (hiberfil.sys) will be the same as the amount of installed RAM on your computer.
This process may or may not work on windows XP.
This process may or may not work on windows XP.
Tip
You can set your computer to either use or not use the Hybrid or Hibernate sleep mode option from the Advanced Power Plan Options.
You will only see Hibernate listed in the Start Menu power button arrow menu unless you have Hybrid turned off in the Advanced Power Plan Options.
OPTION ONE
To Enable and Turn On Hibernate
NOTE:
This option will restore the hiberfil.sys file, and then Allow hybrid sleep and Hibernate after Power Options under Sleep.
1. To Enable Hibernate
A) Open an Elevated Command Prompt.
B) In the elevated command prompt, type powercfg -h on and press Enter. (see screenshot below)
C) Close the elevated command prompt.
2. To have the Computer Automatically Hibernate after Specified Minutes
NOTE:
You can also use a hibernate shortcut to manually put the computer into hibernation instead or in addition to this option.
A) Open your Power Plan Options (click on link) to change the advanced power settings, then expand Sleep and Hibernate after. (see screenshot below)
B) Now set your Power Plan settings (click on link) to the recommended settings for Hibernate to set the Setting (Minutes) to how many minutes you want your computer to be inactive before hibernating, then click on OK. (see screenshot above)
OPTION TWO
To Disable Hibernate
NOTE:
This option to disable hibernation will delete the hiberfil.sys file, and remove the Allow hybrid sleep and Hibernate after Power Options under Sleep.
1. Open a Elevated Command Prompt.
2. In the elevated command prompt, type powercfg -h off and press Enter. (see screenshot below)
3. Close the elevated command prompt.
OPTION THREE
To Only Turn Off Hibernate
NOTE:
This is if you still have hibernate enabled, but only want to turn it off.
1. Open Power Options to change the advanced power settings, and expand Sleep and Hibernate after. (see screenshot below)
2. Under Hibernate after, set the Setting (Minutes) to Never. (see screenshot above)
3. Under Allow hybrid sleep, set Setting to Off. (see screenshot below step 4)
4. Click on OK. (see screenshot below step 4)
