This post will explain the difference between sleep and hibernation modes and show you how to enable and disable hibernation in Windows 10.
Have you ever needed to neglect your computer for an extended period but didn’t want to shut it down? It could be because of multiple factors, like having work to return to after your lunch break or your computer booting up slowly. The sleep mode in Windows OS allows you to do just that, but what if I told you there was a better power-saving function than the standard sleep mode?
Hibernation mode is a power option that enables Windows users to reap the benefits of both a full system shutdown and sleep mode. Users, like Sleep, can specify when they want their systems to enter Hibernation, and the capability can even be turned off entirely if desired (although keeping it active does make for a better overall experience).
Table of Contents
What is Hibernation in windows 10?
Easy Ways to Enable or Disable Hibernation on Windows 10
Method 1: Enable or Disable Hibernation By using Command Prompt
Method 2: Enable or Disable Hibernation Via Registry Editor
Method 3: Enable or Disable Hibernation Via Advanced Power Options
What is Hibernation in Windows 10?
Well, Hibernation is a power-saving mode specifically designed for laptop computers, but it is also available on desktop computers. It differs from Sleep regarding power consumption and where you are currently open (before exiting your System); files are saved.
Once you leave your computer without shutting it down, the sleep mode is automatically activated. The screen is turned off during sleep, and all foreground processes (files and apps) are saved in memory (RAM). It allows the System to operate in a low-power mode while remaining operational. Then, return to work with a single keystroke or by simply moving your mouse. The screen returns in a few seconds, and all files and apps are precise as they were when you left.
Hibernation, like Sleep, saves the state of your files and apps and is activated after your system has been in Sleep mode for an extended period. Hibernation, unlike Sleep, which keeps files in RAM and requires a constant power supply, does not (like when your System is shut down). It is done by saving the current state of the files on the hard drive rather than in temporary memory.
When you go to sleep for an extended period, your computer transfers the status of your files to the hard disc drive and enters Hibernation mode. Because the data has been moved to the hard disc, the System will take a little longer to boot up than usual. However, the boot time is still faster than when you restart your computer after a full shutdown. Hibernation is useful when a user does not want to lose the status of their files but will not be charging their laptop for some time.
As is apparent, storing the status of your files necessitates the allocation of some memory, which is filled by a system file (hiberfil.sys). The reserved amount is roughly equivalent to 75% of the System’s RAM. So, for instance, if your system has 8 GB of RAM, the hibernation system file will require approximately 6 GB of hard disc space.
Before we can enable Hibernation, we must first ensure that the hiberfil.sys file is present on the computer. The computer cannot enter Hibernation mode if the user is not present (InstantGo does not have the hibernation power option). To see if your computer can hibernate, perform the following steps:
1. Launch File Explorer by double-clicking its desktop icon or pressing the Windows Key + E keyboard shortcut. Next, click on Local Drive to open C Drive (C:).
2. Select the View tab, followed by the Options button at the bottom of the ribbon. Select ‘Change the folder and search options.’
3. Return to the View tab of the Folder Options window.
4. Double-click Hidden files and folders to open a sub-menu, then select Show hidden files, folders, or drives.
5. Select or deselect the box next to ‘Hide protected operating system files (Recommended).’ A warning notice will appear if you attempt to untick the option. Click Yes to confirm your action.
6. To save the changes, click Apply, followed by OK.
7. The Hibernation file (hiberfil.sys) can be found at the root of the C drive if it is present. It means that your computer is getting ready to sleep.
Easy Ways to Enable or Disable Hibernation on Windows 10
Activating or deactivating Hibernation in Windows 10 is a simple process that takes only a few minutes to complete. Hibernation can also be enabled or disabled through a variety of methods. The most basic way is to run a single command from an elevated command prompt, but others require changing the Windows Registry Editor or accessing advanced power options.
Method 1: Enable or Disable Hibernation By using Command Prompt
As previously stated, this is the simplest method for enabling or disabling Hibernation on Windows 10 and, as such, should be the first method you try.
1. Launch Command Prompt as an administrator by using any of the methods listed below.
2. To enable Hibernation, simply type powercfg.exe /hibernate on, then press enter.
To disable Hibernation, just type powercfg.exe /hibernate off, then press enter.
Because neither command produces any output, you must return to the C drive and examine the hiberfil.sys file to determine whether the command you entered was correctly executed (Steps are mentioned earlier). If you find the hiberfil.sys file, you have successfully enabled Hibernation. Hibernation, on the other hand, is disabled if the file is missing.
Method 2: Enable or Disable Hibernation Via Registry Editor
In the Registry Editor, the user makes a second change to the HibernateEnabled entry. Follow this procedure with caution because Registry Editor is a powerful tool, and any unintentional error could result in a whole new set of problems.
1. Open Windows Registry Editor by selecting one of the methods listed below.
a. Simply, open the Run Command by pressing Windows Key + R, then entering Regedit and pressing Enter.
b. Press Windows Key + S, then type Regedit or registry editor into the search box, and click the Open button when the results appear.
2. Now, From the left panel of the registry editor window, expand HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE by double-tapping or clicking on the arrow to its left.
3. Under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE by double-clicking on SYSTEM.
4. Now, open CurrentControlSet and expand it.
Follow the same steps to get to Control/Power.
The last address in the address bar should be:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power
5. In the right-hand panel, double-click HibernateEnabled or right-click it and select Modify.
6. Enter 1 in the Value Data text box to enable Hibernation.
Enter 0 in the Value Data text box to disable Hibernation.
7. Click OK to exit the registry editor and restart your computer.
Return to the C drive and look for hiberfil.sys to see if you could enable or disable Hibernation.
Method 3: Enable or Disable Hibernation Via Advanced Power Options
The last method necessitates the user enabling or disabling Hibernation via the Advanced Power Options box. Users can even specify a time limit after which their system should go into hibernation mode. This method, like the previous ones, is relatively straightforward.
1. Use one of the two methods to launch Advanced Power Options.
a. Type powercfg.cpl into the Run command and press Enter.
b. Simply, open Windows Settings (Windows Key + I) and select System. Then, under Power & Sleep settings, select Additional power settings.
2. In the Power Options window, click Change plan settings under the Selected plan section (highlighted in blue).
3. In the Edit Plan Settings window, click Change advanced power settings.
4. Expand Sleep by clicking or double-clicking on the plus sign to the left of the label.
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5. Next, double-click Hibernate and specify how long you want your system to be idle before entering Hibernation in the Settings (Minutes) box.
Change the Settings (Minute) setting to Never and the Allow hybrid sleep setting to Off to disable Hibernation.
6. To save your changes, click Apply, then OK.
I hope you were able to enable or disable Hibernation on Windows 10 successfully. Please also tell us which of the three approaches listed above worked best for you.