How to Delete hiberfil.sys Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide to Free Up Space

How to Delete hiberfil.sys Windows 10

If you’re looking to free up some disk space on your Windows 10 computer, deleting the hiberfil.sys file is a great way to do it. Hiberfil.sys is a hidden system file that stores the contents of your RAM when you hibernate your computer. It’s not something you’d often notice, but it can take up several gigabytes of space. This guide will show you how to delete hiberfil.sys safely and effectively.

Step-by-Step Tutorial to Delete hiberfil.sys Windows 10

The steps below will help you disable hibernation on your Windows 10 system, which will automatically delete the hiberfil.sys file.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Step 1 involves opening Command Prompt with administrative privileges.

To do this, type "cmd" in the Windows search bar, right-click on "Command Prompt," and choose "Run as administrator." This will give you the necessary permissions to execute system-level commands.

Step 2: Type the Command to Disable Hibernation

Step 2 requires you to input a command to disable hibernation.

In the Command Prompt window, type powercfg.exe /hibernate off and press Enter. This command will disable the hibernation feature and remove the hiberfil.sys file from your system.

Step 3: Confirm the File is Deleted

Step 3 is about verifying that the hiberfil.sys file is gone.

Navigate to the root of your C: drive and look for the hiberfil.sys file. If it’s no longer there, you’ve successfully deleted it. You may need to enable viewing hidden files to see if it’s still there.

Step 4: Free Up Additional Disk Space

Step 4 is to ensure that the space is freed up.

Check your disk space by going to "This PC" and right-clicking on your C: drive, then selecting "Properties." You should see more free space now that hiberfil.sys has been removed.

After completing these steps, you will have successfully deleted the hiberfil.sys file from your Windows 10 system. This will free up disk space and disable the hibernation feature.

Tips for Deleting hiberfil.sys Windows 10

1. Don’t Delete Manually: Always use the Command Prompt to disable hibernation rather than manually deleting the hiberfil.sys file.
2. Check Disk Space Before and After: This will give you a clear idea of how much space you’ve freed up.
3. Re-enable if Needed: You can always re-enable hibernation by typing powercfg.exe /hibernate on if you miss the feature.
4. Keep System Updated: Make sure your Windows 10 is up-to-date to avoid any potential issues when performing system-level tasks.
5. Backup Important Data: Although this task is generally safe, it’s always a good idea to backup important data before making system changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to delete hiberfil.sys?

Yes, it’s safe to delete hiberfil.sys by disabling hibernation through Command Prompt. This will not harm your system.

Can I re-enable hibernation after deleting hiberfil.sys?

Absolutely. You can re-enable hibernation anytime by typing powercfg.exe /hibernate on in the Command Prompt.

How much space will I free up by deleting hiberfil.sys?

The space freed up varies but is generally several gigabytes, depending on your RAM size.

Will deleting hiberfil.sys affect my computer’s performance?

No, deleting hiberfil.sys will not impact performance. It only disables the hibernation feature.

Do I need administrative privileges to delete hiberfil.sys?

Yes, you need to run Command Prompt as an administrator to disable hibernation and delete hiberfil.sys.

Summary

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type the command to disable hibernation: powercfg.exe /hibernate off.
3. Confirm the hiberfil.sys file is deleted.
4. Free up additional disk space.

Conclusion

Deleting the hiberfil.sys file from your Windows 10 system is a quick and effective way to free up some valuable disk space. While this file helps with hibernation, many users find that they don’t actually need this feature, especially if they regularly shut down or restart their computers.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can safely remove hiberfil.sys and reclaim several gigabytes of storage. Keep in mind that you always have the option to re-enable hibernation if you find that you need it later on. Just remember to use the Command Prompt for enabling and disabling this feature to prevent any system issues.

Taking control of your computer’s storage can make your system run smoother and help you make the most out of your available space. If you’re interested in learning more about optimizing your Windows 10 system, there are plenty of other tweaks and tips out there to explore. So, feel free to dive deeper and get the most out of your machine!