How to Set Up Hibernate Mode in Windows 10

Hibernate mode in Windows 10 allows you to save the current state of your system, including all open programs and files, and turn off your computer without losing any data. When you turn the device back on, you can resume your work exactly where you left off. This is especially useful for laptop users as hibernate mode conserves battery life better than sleep mode. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to set up and enable hibernation on Windows 10.

What is Hibernate Mode and Why Use It?

Hibernate mode is a power-saving option that saves the current state of the system’s memory to the hard drive and then completely shuts down the device. The next time you power it on, all programs and files will appear just as they were. Unlike sleep mode, hibernation consumes no power, making it ideal for extended periods of inactivity.

How to Enable Hibernate Mode in Windows 10

  1. Open Power Settings: Click on “Start” and select “Settings”. Go to the “System” section and open “Power & Sleep”.
  2. Access Additional Power Settings: On the right-hand side, select “Additional power settings”.
  3. Adjust Power Button Actions: In the left menu, click on “Choose what the power buttons do”.
  4. Change Unavailable Settings: Click on “Change settings that are currently unavailable” to unlock more options.
  5. Enable Hibernate: Under “Shutdown settings”, check the box next to “Hibernate” and click “Save changes”.

How to Enable Hibernate Mode Using Command Prompt

If you don’t see the hibernate option in the menu, you can enable it via Command Prompt:

  1. Press Win + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)”.
  2. Enter the command powercfg /hibernate on and press Enter.

This command activates hibernation mode. To disable it, use the command powercfg /hibernate off.

Common Issues with Enabling Hibernate Mode

If you experience issues while trying to enable hibernation, ensure that there is sufficient free disk space. Hibernate mode requires a hibernation file (hiberfil.sys) that generally takes up 40-75% of your RAM size on the disk. If there’s not enough space, the system may automatically disable hibernation.