Disabling hibernation in Windows 10 is a straightforward process that involves using the Command Prompt. By following a few simple steps, you can turn off this feature and reclaim some of your hard drive space. This guide will walk you through each step, from opening the Command Prompt to disabling hibernation.
Disabling Hibernation in Windows 10
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to disable hibernation in Windows 10 by using the Command Prompt, which will help you free up significant disk space.
Step 1: Open the Command Prompt
First, you’ll need to open 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."
By running Command Prompt as an administrator, you’ll have the necessary permissions to make system changes.
Step 2: Disable Hibernation
Next, you’ll enter a specific command to disable hibernation.
Type powercfg -h off and press Enter.
This command tells your computer to turn off the hibernation feature, which also removes the hiberfil.sys file from your system drive.
Step 3: Verify the Change
It’s a good idea to check if the change was successful.
You can verify by looking for the absence of the hiberfil.sys file in the root of your C: drive or by typing powercfg /a in Command Prompt, which shows the current power state options available.
Step 4: Close the Command Prompt
Once you’ve verified the change, you can close Command Prompt.
Simply type exit and press Enter, or click the X button at the top-right corner of the Command Prompt window.
This action safely closes the Command Prompt after you’ve completed your tasks.
After completing these steps, hibernation will be disabled on your Windows 10 computer, and you’ll have more free disk space.
Tips for Disabling Hibernation in Windows 10
- If you change your mind later, you can re-enable hibernation by typing
powercfg -h onin the Command Prompt with administrative privileges. - Disabling hibernation can free up several gigabytes of storage, especially useful if you’re running low on disk space.
- Remember to save any unsaved work before disabling hibernation, as it can affect the way your computer handles unsaved data.
- If you encounter any issues, running the Command Prompt as an administrator usually resolves permission-related problems.
- Regularly check for available power options using
powercfg /ato stay informed about your system’s power states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hibernation in Windows 10?
Hibernation is a power-saving state designed for laptops. It saves your open documents and apps to your hard drive, allowing you to turn off your computer completely and resume from where you left off later.
Why would I want to disable hibernation?
Disabling hibernation can free up a significant amount of disk space, which can be beneficial if your hard drive is nearly full.
Will disabling hibernation affect my computer’s performance?
No, disabling hibernation won’t affect your computer’s performance, but you’ll lose the ability to use the hibernation feature.
Can I re-enable hibernation if I need it again?
Yes, you can re-enable hibernation by typing powercfg -h on in the Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
Is it safe to disable hibernation on my laptop?
Yes, it’s safe. However, if you frequently use hibernation to save your work and power down your laptop, you might miss this feature.
Summary of Steps
- Open the Command Prompt.
- Disable hibernation.
- Verify the change.
- Close the Command Prompt.
Conclusion
Disabling hibernation in Windows 10 is a simple and effective way to reclaim valuable disk space. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can turn off this feature through the Command Prompt with minimal effort. Remember, if you ever need to enable hibernation again, it’s just as straightforward. For more tips and tricks on optimizing your Windows 10 experience, keep exploring and experimenting with different settings. And if you found this guide helpful, share it with others who might benefit from learning how to disable hibernation. Happy computing!
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.