Windows operating system creates a file called hiberfil.sys when you turn on the hibernation feature. The hiberfil.sys file is saved in the root of the Windows installation drive. For example, if your Windows 10 drive letter is “C” then the file is located in C:\ location. The hiberfil.sys file is not visible with default settings. You need to configure the File Explorer to display protected operating system files as well as hidden files and folders. You’re likely reading this because you noticed a gigantic hiberfil.sys file sitting on your system drive and you’re wondering if you can get rid of it to free up some space, have a look on our guide on How to Delete Hiberfil.sys File?
What is Hiberfil.sys?
Windows has two modes for the power management, one is Sleep mode and the other is the hibernation mode. In sleep mode, you leave your computer in a low power state and whenever you use it again you can resume the same work instantly. However, in the hibernation mode, the PC shuts the system completely and saves the memory into the hard drive and completely restores the same state as it is turned on again. In this way, power consumption is reduced and there is no need of completely rebooting the windows, but this file takes a significant space of the drive. Windows uses the hiberfil.sys in the hibernation mode in order to completely restore the system.
While we recommend using sleep or hibernation instead of shutting down your PC in most cases, we understand that many people simply prefer shutting down. In that case, disabling hibernate mode on your PC will allow you to delete that file and reclaim valuable disk space. And the file can use up quite a bit of space. How much depends on the amount of memory installed on your PC. In our example, the hiberfil.sys file is using a whopping 13 GB of disk space.
Why Delete Hiberfil.sys?
As the windows manage hiberfil.sis, this file cannot be deleted. But, if you are not using hibernate mode, you can delete the hiberfil.sys file by following the steps mentioned in this article.
It is important to delete this file because it takes huge space on your hard drive. By default, 75 percent of your RAM is occupied by this hidden file and it is stored in the C drive. The settings can be customized in the internet explorer, but if you want to delete it anyway, then there is no need to change the settings. However, if you want to resize it, then open the command prompt and enter the “powercfg.exe /hibernate /size 50</strong></em>” command and in this way the 75 percent occupied space will be reduced to 50 percent which is the minimum that can be obtained.
How to view the hiberfil.sys file and Check its size
Step 1: Open the root of the drive where Windows 10 is installed. For instance, if “C” is your Windows 10 installation drive, then open C:\ by double-clicking on the drive icon.
Step 2: The hiberfile.sys file might not show up just yet as it’s a hidden file. Click File, click Options or Change folder and search options to open Folder Options dialog.
Step 3: Switch to the View tab. Here, select Show hidden files, folders, and drives option. Also, uncheck Hide protected operating system files option. Click Yes button if you see the confirmation dialog.
Finally, click Apply button to see the hiberfil.sys file.
Note that you might see only hiberfil file instead of hiberfil.sys file. To see its extension, click View and then click File name extensions.
To check its size, right-click on file and then click Properties option.
Disable Hibernate Mode in Windows 10, 8, 7, or Vista
The technique for disabling hibernate mode is pretty much the same in Windows 10, 8, 7, and Vista. You’ll need to use the Command Prompt in administrative mode to get it done, but it’s just one simple command. Disabling hibernate mode automatically deletes the hiberfil.sys file.
Step 1:- Open Command Prompt by first hitting Start and typing “command prompt.”.
Step 2:- When you see the Command Prompt app pop up, right-click it, and then choose “Run as administrator.”.
Step 3:- At the prompt, type the following command and then press Enter:.
powercfg -h off
This command immediately disables hibernate mode, so you’ll notice it’s no longer an option from your shut down menu. And, if you visit File Explorer again, you’ll see that the hiberfil.sys file has been deleted and all that disk space is yours once again.
If you change your mind and would like to enable hibernate mode again, just revisit the Command Prompt and use this command:
powercfg -h off
The Hibernate command should be available to you once again and Windows will recreate the hiberfil.sys file.
Delete hiberfil.sys file in Windows 10
Disabling hibernate mode in Windows XP is a little different than in later versions of Windows. First, head to Control Panel > Power Options. In the Power Options Properties window, switch to the “Hibernate” tab and disable the “Enable hibernation” option.
After you disable hibernate mode, restart your PC, and then you’ll need to manually delete the hiberfil.sys file.
So Finally, you have resolved this error on your Pc. You will no longer face this error in your Pc again. But if after any new update you still see it. Follow the steps again and solve it. If you still have any doubts or confusion regarding any method or any query while following any step. Feel free to tell us in the comments section below. We are always ready to help you.
