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Fix a Windows that has hibernate that will not work

We'll enable hibernate, fix hiberfil.sys, and fix hibernate when it will not work.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
10–20 min
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Steps

Goal: Enable and fix hibernate.

  • Run powercfg /hibernate on. Check disk space.
  • Good: Hibernate works. Bad: Free space; add to power menu.

Enable hibernate

Goal: Turn on hibernate.

  • powercfg /hibernate on. Add Hibernate to power options.
  • Good: Hibernate available. Bad: Check disk space.

Check disk space

Goal: Ensure space for hiberfil.sys.

  • C: needs free space about equal to RAM.
  • Good: Space available. Bad: Free space.

When to get help

Call a technician if:

  • Hibernate is enabled and disk has space but it still fails.
  • Hardware may need service.

Verification

  • Hibernate appears in power menu.
  • powercfg /a shows Hibernate available.
  • PC hibernates and resumes correctly.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Enable powercfg /hibernate on.
  2. Disk space Free space for hiberfil.sys.
  3. Power menu Add Hibernate to power options.
  4. Call a pro Hardware may need service.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • powercfg /a output
  • Disk space: free on C:?
  • Hibernate: in power menu?
  • Steps already tried

Is hibernate enabled?

Hibernate can be disabled.

Run powercfg /hibernate on as admin. Run powercfg /a to confirm Hibernate available. Good: Hibernate listed. Bad: check disk space.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Enable hibernate

powercfg /hibernate on. Add Hibernate to power menu. Restart.

Done

Is there enough disk space?

hiberfil.sys needs ~RAM size.

Check C: free space. Need at least RAM size. Free space if needed. Good: space available. Bad: free space or disable hibernate.
Question

Space OK?

Continue

You can change your answer later.

Free disk space

Delete temp files, uninstall unused apps. Need ~RAM size free. If still fails, update chipset driver.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would hibernate not work?
Hibernate disabled, insufficient disk space, or driver blocks it. Run powercfg /hibernate on; free disk space; update drivers.
Can I fix hibernate myself?
Yes. powercfg /hibernate on. Free disk space. Add hibernate to power menu. Update chipset driver.
When should I call a technician for hibernate?
If hibernate is enabled and disk space is sufficient but it still fails—hardware may need service.

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