How to Disable Hibernation in Windows 7

We are going to use the most easiest and surefire method to Disable Hibernation using Windows Command Prompt (cmd).

Why Disable Hibernation in Windows 7?

Disabling Hibernation saves your HDD space. Saved me 6 GB (I have total 8 GB RAM – ya its related to amount of RAM). By default, the size of the hidden protected OS hibernation file (C:hiberfil.sys) is 75% of the total amount of installed RAM on your computer.

Few notes before we start (from Seven Forums)

• In Windows 7, you can set your computer to either use or not use the Hybrid or Hibernate sleep mode option from the Advanced Power Plan Options.
• In Windows 7, you will only see Hibernate listed in the Start Menu power button arrow menu if you have Hybrid turned off in the Advanced Power Plan Options.
• Windows 8/8.1 PCs with InstantGo don’t have the hibernate option. By default the Hibernate feature is already disabled. Disabling hibernation also disable fast startup.

Here are the Steps to Follow

1. Click Start, and then type cmd in the Start Search box.
2. In the search results list, right-click Command Prompt, and then click Run as Administrator.
3. When you are prompted by User Account Control, click Continue.
4. At the command prompt, type powercfg -h off or powercfg.exe /hibernate off , and then press Enter.
   

   Disable Hibernation Command Prompt

5. Check your Power Options to make sure that the Critical battery action and Low battery action settings under Battery are not set to Hibernate.
   

   Battery Power Options

6. Type exit, and then press Enter to close the Command Prompt window.

Want to Enable Hibernation or need more methods check the links below

• Seven Forums – Windows 7: Hibernate – Enable or Disable (4 Methods listed)
• Microsoft Support – How to disable and re-enable hibernation
• Toms Hardware – Disable Hibernation in Windows 8/Windows 8.1

PS: I have no tutorial to ‘Enable Hibernation’ as I think it is not needed for Normal Users, hell no one actually need it, not even Geeks or Techie. Just save your work and shutdown or just use Sleep.