How-To

How to Enable or Disable Hibernate Mode on Windows 11

Hibernate mode in Windows 11 lets you shut down while saving your work. It allows you to pick up where you left off. But, it’s not enabled by default. Here’s how to enable it.

Hibernate mode in Windows allows you to shut down your computer completely while saving your work, allowing you to quickly pick up where you left off the next time you turn on your computer.

Hibernate mode is like Sleep mode. The main difference is in Hibernate mode, open documents and apps are saved to a file on your hard disk, instead of in RAM when using Sleep mode. Hibernate mode also uses less power than Sleep mode, but it can use gigabytes of disk space. There is a hidden file called hiberfil.sys where your work is stored when you use Hibernate mode.

The Hibernate option is missing from the Power button on the Windows 11 Start menu.

No Hibernate option on Start menu in Windows 11

It’s also missing from the Quick Access menu you get by pressing Windows + X or when you right-click on the Start menu button.

No Hibernate option on the Windows + X menu in Windows 11

If you have enough space on your hard drive for the hiberfil.sys file and you want to use Hibernate mode, read on to find out how to enable the option.

How to Enable (or Disable) Hibernate Mode Using the Control Panel

Click the Search icon on the Taskbar. Then, type: control panel in the Search box.

Click the Control Panel app that displays under Best match.

Open the Control Panel in Windows 11

On the Control Panel screen, click System and Security.

Click System and Security in Control Panel in Windows 11

On the System and Security screen, click Change what the power buttons do under Power Options.

Change what the power buttons do in Windows 11

Click Change Settings that are currently unavailable under Define power buttons and turn on password protection.

Change settings that are currently unavailable in Windows 11

Under Shutdown settings, check the Hibernate box. Then, click Save changes.

Enable Hibernate in Windows 11

Click the X in the upper-right corner to close the Control Panel.

Close the Power Options screen in the Control Panel in Windows 11

Preserve Your Work Using Hibernate Mode

The Hibernate option is now available when you click the Power button on the Start menu.

Hibernate option available on the Start menu in Windows 11

The Hibernate option is also available when you right-click on the Start menu button and go to Shut down or sign out.

Hibernate option available on the Windows + X menu in Windows 11

To disable the Hibernate option, uncheck the Hibernate box in the Power Options settings in the Control Panel.

If you’re running Windows 10, see our article about enabling Hibernate mode on Windows 10.

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