how to disable hibernate in windows 10
Disabling hibernate in Windows 10 is a straightforward task that can be completed in just a few steps. Essentially, all you need to do is access the Command Prompt with administrative privileges and enter a simple command. This will turn off hibernation and free up some space on your hard drive.
Step-by-step tutorial on how to disable hibernate in Windows 10
In the following steps, we’ll walk you through how to disable hibernate in Windows 10 using Command Prompt. This will prevent your computer from entering hibernation mode, which can help you save disk space and improve system performance.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an Administrator
First, you need to open the Command Prompt with administrative rights.
To do this, type ‘cmd’ into the Windows search bar, right-click on ‘Command Prompt’ and select ‘Run as administrator’.
Opening the Command Prompt as an administrator is crucial because you’ll need elevated permissions to change system settings. If you don’t have admin rights, you won’t be able to complete the task.
Step 2: Type the Command to Disable Hibernate
Now that you have the Command Prompt open, type the following command: powercfg -h off
After typing the command, press Enter.
This command immediately turns off hibernation. It will also remove the hiberfil.sys file from your computer, freeing up valuable disk space.
Step 3: Verify the Command Was Successful
You can verify that hibernation has been disabled by typing powercfg /a and pressing Enter.
This command will list all the power states available on your computer. If hibernation is disabled, it won’t appear in the list.
Step 4: Close the Command Prompt
Once you’ve confirmed that hibernation is disabled, you can close the Command Prompt.
You can simply click the ‘X’ button at the top-right corner of the Command Prompt window or type exit and press Enter to close it.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
Finally, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.
Rebooting helps to clear any cached settings and apply the new configurations.
After you complete these steps, the hibernate option will no longer be available on your Windows 10 computer. This will also free up some disk space, as the system no longer needs to store hibernation data.
Tips on how to disable hibernate in Windows 10
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Double-check Admin Rights: Make sure you have administrative rights before attempting to disable hibernate, as you won’t be able to make system changes without them.
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Backup Important Files: Always back up important data before making system changes, just in case anything goes wrong.
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Use ‘powercfg /?’ for Help: If you’re unsure about the command, you can type
powercfg /?in the Command Prompt to get a list of all available power configuration commands. -
Check Disk Space: After disabling hibernation, check your hard drive space to see how much room you’ve freed up.
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Re-enable if Needed: If you ever want to re-enable hibernate, simply open Command Prompt as an administrator and type
powercfg -h on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hibernate mode in Windows 10?
Hibernate mode saves all open documents and running applications to the hard drive and then powers down the computer. It uses less power than sleep mode but allows for faster startup than a full shutdown.
Why would I want to disable hibernate?
Disabling hibernate can free up disk space and may improve system performance, especially on older computers with limited resources.
How much disk space can I save by disabling hibernate?
The amount of space saved will depend on your system’s RAM. Typically, the hiberfil.sys file is about 75% of your total RAM size.
Can I re-enable hibernate if I change my mind?
Yes, you can re-enable hibernate by reopening Command Prompt as an administrator and typing powercfg -h on, then pressing Enter.
Will disabling hibernate affect my Windows updates?
No, disabling hibernate will not affect Windows updates. Your system will still be able to download and install updates as usual.
Summary
- Open Command Prompt as an Administrator.
- Type the command to disable hibernate.
- Verify the command was successful.
- Close the Command Prompt.
- Restart your computer.
Conclusion
Disabling hibernate in Windows 10 is a quick and easy process that can yield significant benefits, such as freeing up disk space and possibly enhancing system performance. While hibernate is a useful feature for many users, especially those who frequently step away from their computer for extended periods, it may not be necessary for everyone.
If you’re someone who prefers a faster shutdown and startup process or if you’re looking to optimize your system’s storage, disabling hibernate could be a good option for you. Just remember, you can always turn it back on if you find that you miss the functionality.
For further reading on optimizing Windows 10 performance and other handy tips, check out additional resources and guides. Taking small steps to manage your system’s settings can make a big difference in your everyday computing experience. So, why not give it a try and see how it works for you?
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.