how to hibernate windows 10
To hibernate Windows 10, you need to enable the hibernate option and then choose it from your power menu. First, you’ll access the Power Options settings, enable hibernation, and then select Hibernate from the Start menu. This guide will show you how to do it in a few simple steps.
How to Hibernate Windows 10
This section will walk you through the steps necessary to enable and use the hibernate function on your Windows 10 computer.
Step 1: Open Control Panel
First, open the Control Panel on your Windows 10 computer.
You can do this by typing "Control Panel" in the search bar next to the Start button and clicking on the Control Panel app that appears in the search results.
Step 2: Go to Power Options
Next, navigate to Power Options in the Control Panel.
In the Control Panel, select "System and Security," and then click on "Power Options." This will open up the settings related to your computer’s power usage.
Step 3: Choose What the Power Buttons Do
Select the "Choose what the power buttons do" link on the left side of the Power Options window.
This will bring you to a new window where you can customize the behavior of your computer’s power buttons.
Step 4: Change Settings that are Currently Unavailable
Click on the "Change settings that are currently unavailable" link at the top of the window.
This action will unlock several options that were previously greyed out, including the Hibernate option.
Step 5: Enable Hibernate
Check the box that says "Hibernate" under the Shutdown settings section.
Once you’ve checked the Hibernate box, click on the "Save changes" button to activate the hibernate option in your power menu.
Step 6: Hibernate Your Computer
Finally, go to the Start menu, click on the Power button, and select "Hibernate."
Your computer will now save your session and shut down, allowing you to resume exactly where you left off the next time you turn it on.
After completing these steps, your computer will go into hibernation mode whenever you select it from the power menu. In hibernation, your system saves your session to the hard drive and powers off, using less energy compared to Sleep mode.
Tips for How to Hibernate Windows 10
- Make sure all your work is saved before hibernating.
- Hibernate is different from Sleep; it uses less power and is better for longer periods of inactivity.
- If you don’t see the Hibernate option, make sure your system’s BIOS supports it.
- Regularly restart your computer to keep it running smoothly, even if you often use Hibernate.
- Use Hibernate when you want to save power without closing your programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Hibernate and Sleep?
Hibernate saves your session to the hard drive and powers off the computer, using almost no power. Sleep keeps your session in RAM and uses a small amount of power to maintain it.
Why can’t I see the Hibernate option?
The Hibernate option might be hidden if it’s not enabled in your Power Options settings or if your computer’s BIOS does not support hibernation.
Is hibernating my computer bad for it?
No, hibernating your computer is not bad for it. It’s a useful feature designed to save power and time when you resume work.
Can I use Hibernate on a laptop?
Yes, you can use Hibernate on a laptop. It’s especially useful for saving battery life during long periods of inactivity.
How do I wake my computer from Hibernate?
Simply press the power button on your computer or laptop to wake it from Hibernate. Your session will be restored to exactly where you left off.
Summary
- Open Control Panel.
- Go to Power Options.
- Choose what the power buttons do.
- Change settings that are currently unavailable.
- Enable Hibernate.
- Hibernate your computer.
Conclusion
Hibernating your Windows 10 computer is a great way to save energy while ensuring that your work is preserved. It’s particularly useful for those times when you need to step away for a longer period but don’t want to close all your programs. By following these simple steps, you can easily enable and use the Hibernate option on your Windows 10 machine.
Remember, while Hibernate is a powerful feature, it’s good to restart your computer occasionally to keep it running smoothly. If you have any issues with enabling Hibernate, make sure your system supports it and that all settings are configured correctly.
For further reading, you might want to explore more on power-saving features in Windows 10, such as Sleep and Fast Startup, to fully optimize your computer’s energy use. Happy hibernating!
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.