Most Windows users are aware of only Shut Down when it comes to not using their computer; however, only rare ones know that they can put their computer to Sleep or Hibernate state while taking a break. While the Sleep mode is pretty simple to understand and use, it’s the Hibernate mode which needs some shedding of light as Microsoft has not included it in the modern versions like Windows 8 and 10. Check out how you can Hibernate Windows 10 computer. Before that let’s understand what Hibernate means.
What is the Hibernate Mode?
The Hibernation state saves your system files and drivers in a large Hibernation file on the hard drive before your computer shuts off. This makes the booting easier and faster as when your computer starts up again, it only has to resume from its saved state.
Hibernate Windows 10 Computer
Microsoft doesn’t add the Hibernate option with other shutdown options in the Start menu. But you can include it by yourself if you want. Here’s how to:
Add Hibernate to the Start Menu
- Launch Control Panel
- Click Hardware and Sound > Power Options
- Click “Choose what the power buttons do” option on the left-side bar
- Select the link that says “Change Settings that are currently unavailable”
- Tick the box Hibernate (Show in Power menu).
Note: You will be able to see the Hibernate option here only if it is enabled in the Command line. Although it is enabled by default in a new computer, you can turn it on using Command Prompt if it is disabled on the computer you’re using.
That’s it! From now on you’ll see Hibernate whenever you click the Power button.
You may also be interested in How to Make Windows Computer Speak to You
Enable/Disable Hibernate in Windows 10
The Hibernate state is enabled by default and in that state, it can consume up to 75 percent of your RAM for its Hibernation file, hiberfil.sys file. In case you want that space of your hard drive back and don’t want to hibernate Windows 10 PC, you might prefer disabling the feature altogether.
Similarly, you can re-enable the feature using the same steps below if the option is turned off for your computer. Check out how you can disable and then re-enable the feature:
- Right-click on the Start button and choose Command Prompt (Admin)
- You may receive a prompt asking if you want this program to change the settings of your computer. Click Yes
- When the Command prompt window opens, type powercfg.exe /hibernate off and press Enter
- Close the Command Prompt window
With Hibernate disabled, you will be able to use only three options: “Shut Down,” “Restart,” and “Sleep”. And whenever you want to re-enable the option, you can go through the same steps as above and type powercfg.exe /hibernate on in Command Prompt.
More at SoftwareVilla: 10 Quick Windows 8 Tips and Tricks
