How to Delete hiberfil.sys for Good

Stuart Williams
By Stuart Williams 8 Min Read
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Looking to free up space on your PC? 🚀 Discover how to easily delete the hiberfil.sys file and turn off Hibernation mode on Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.

Whether you’re a tech newbie or just need a quick refresher, this guide is perfect for you!

How to Delete hiberfil.sys on Windows 10

If you’re not using the Hibernate feature and want to clear up some disk space, you can turn it off with a simple command. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

  • Open Command Prompt as an Administrator: Click on the Search bar, type command, and right-click on Command Prompt. Choose Run as Administrator from the context menu (or select it from the right pane).
  • Confirm Permissions: If prompted by a User Account Control window asking for permission, click Yes.
  • Enter the Command: In the Command Prompt window, type powercfg.exe /hibernate off and hit Enter.
  • Close Command Prompt: Once the command is executed, you can close the Command Prompt window.

By following these steps, you’ll disable the hibernation feature and delete the hiberfil.sys file, freeing up valuable disk space on your PC.

How to Delete hiberfil.sys on Windows 8

Want to disable the Hibernate feature and reclaim some space? Follow these quick steps to turn it off:

  • Access Elevated Command Prompt: Press and hold the Windows Key + X to bring up the Power Users Tasks menu. From there, select Command Prompt (Admin).
  • Authorize Changes: Click Yes when the User Account Control window pops up, asking for permission to proceed.
  • Execute the Command: In the Command Prompt, type powercfg.exe /hibernate off and press Enter.
  • Close Command Prompt: After entering the command, you can close the Command Prompt window.

That’s all! The hibernation feature is now disabled, and the hiberfil.sys file is deleted, freeing up space on your Windows 8 system.

How to Delete hiberfil.sys on Windows 7

Disabling the Hibernate feature on Windows 7 is straightforward. Here’s how to turn it off and free up space:

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
    • Click Start and type cmd into the Search box.
    • When Command Prompt appears as the primary result, press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to launch it with admin privileges.
  • Authorize Access: If the User Account Control prompt appears, click Yes to continue.
  • Input the Command: Type powercfg.exe /hibernate off into the Command Prompt and press Enter.
  • Close Command Prompt: Once the command has been executed, close the Command Prompt window.

By following these instructions, you’ll successfully disable hibernation and delete the hiberfil.sys file, which will help you reclaim some disk space on your Windows 7 PC.

How to Delete hiberfil.sys on Windows Vista

If you’re looking to disable the Hibernate feature and clear some space on your Windows Vista, here’s an easy guide:

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
    • Click Start, go to All Programs, then Accessories.
    • Right-click Command Prompt in the list and select Run as Administrator.
  • Execute the Command: Once Command Prompt opens, type powercfg.exe /hibernate off and press Enter.
  • Close Command Prompt: After the command is executed, close the Command Prompt window.

This will disable the hibernation feature and delete the hiberfil.sys file, effectively freeing up disk space on your system.

How to Delete hiberfil.sys on Windows XP

Looking to turn off the Hibernate feature and free up some space on your Windows XP system? Follow these easy steps:

  • Access Power Options:
    • Click Start, then head to Control Panel.
    • Open Power Options to view the Power Options Properties dialog box.
  • Disable Hibernation:
    • Click the Hibernate tab.
    • Uncheck Enable Hibernation to disable the feature.
  • Apply Changes:
    • Click OK to save your settings and close the Power Options Properties box.

By completing these steps, you’ll disable hibernation and remove the hiberfil.sys file, helping you reclaim disk space on your Windows XP machine.

Why Delete Hiberfil.sys?

When your PC enters Hibernate mode, it saves all your current data from RAM to your hard drive, allowing your system to pause without any power usage and then quickly resume exactly where you left off. However, this convenience comes at a cost: it uses a significant chunk of your drive space. By removing hiberfil.sys, you disable Hibernate mode, thus reclaiming this space for other uses.

Re-Enabling Hibernate

It’s simple to re-enable. Just open Command Prompt again and type powercfg.exe /hibernate on, hit Enter, and then close the Command Prompt. For Windows XP users, go to the Power Options Properties dialog box through the Control Panel and check Enable Hibernation.

Conclusion

Managing the hiberfil.sys file is all about optimizing the use of your system’s resources. Whether you’re looking to free up disk space or streamline your PC’s performance, disabling Hibernate mode can make a noticeable difference. You’ve learned how to delete this file across various versions of Windows, from XP to Windows 10, and how to re-enable Hibernate if needed.

Remember, while Hibernate mode is useful for resuming work quickly without using power, it does take up valuable disk space. By following the steps outlined, you can customize your system’s settings to better fit your needs, ensuring a smoother and more efficient computing experience.

Feel free to revisit these steps anytime you need to adjust your Hibernate settings, keeping your PC at optimal performance!

FAQ

What is hiberfil.sys?

Hiberfil.sys is a system file used by Windows to save the current state of the PC to the hard disk when it goes into Hibernate mode. This file allows the computer to resume where it left off without restarting all processes from scratch.

Why should I delete the hiberfil.sys file?

Deleting hiberfil.sys frees up disk space consumed by this file, which can be substantial, especially on systems with large amounts of RAM. It’s useful for users who do not use Hibernate mode and prefer to reclaim this space for other storage purposes.

How do I delete hiberfil.sys in Windows 10?

To delete hiberfil.sys in Windows 10, open Command Prompt as Administrator, type powercfg.exe /hibernate off, press Enter, and then close the Command Prompt window.

Can I re-enable Hibernate mode after deleting hiberfil.sys?

Yes, you can re-enable Hibernate mode at any time by opening Command Prompt as Administrator and typing powercfg.exe /hibernate on, then pressing Enter.

Is it safe to delete hiberfil.sys?

Yes, it is safe to delete hiberfil.sys if you do not use the Hibernate feature. Deleting the file will not affect your computer’s ability to perform other functions but will simply disable the Hibernate option.

What should Windows XP users do differently to manage hiberfil.sys?

Windows XP users need to navigate to the Power Options in the Control Panel, click on the Hibernate tab, and then deselect ‘Enable Hibernation’ to disable and delete hiberfil.sys.

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Hey, I'm Stuart, a tech enthusiast and writing expert. With a passion for technology, I specialize in crafting in-depth articles, reviews, and affiliate content. In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, I've witnessed how the age of the internet has transformed technology journalism. Even in the era of social media and video marketing, reading articles remains crucial for gaining valuable insights and staying informed. Join me as we explore the exciting realm of tech together!
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