Enable and Configure Hibernate in Windows 11

This guide provides a straightforward walkthrough on how to enable Hibernate mode and manage the hibernation file (hiberfil.sys) size in Windows 11. You will learn how to activate the hibernation feature using Command Prompt, make it visible in the Power menu via the Control Panel, and adjust the hibernation file size between reduced and full capacities to optimize your storage space.

Step 1: Enable Hibernate Mode via Command Prompt

To use hibernation, the feature must first be turned on in the system settings.

  1. Press the Windows Key, type cmd, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.

  2. To enable hibernation, enter the following command and press Enter:

    powercfg.exe /hibernate on

  3. Close the Command Prompt window.

Step 2: Add Hibernate to the Windows 11 Power Menu

Once enabled, you can add the Hibernate option to the Start menu power options:

  1. Press Windows Key + R, type control, and press Enter to open the Control Panel.
  2. Set the “View by” option to Large icons or Small icons, then click on Power Options.
  3. In the left sidebar, select Choose what the power buttons do.
  4. Click the link at the top that says Change settings that are currently unavailable.
  5. Under the “Shutdown settings” section at the bottom, check the box next to Hibernate.
  6. Click Save changes.

Step 3: Configure the Hibernation File Size

Windows 11 allows you to configure the hibernation file (hiberfil.sys) type and size to save disk space.

Open Command Prompt as an administrator to run the following commands:

Option A: Set File Type to Reduced

The reduced file type drastically shrinks hiberfil.sys to support only Fast Startup, disabling standard hibernation.

powercfg /h /type reduced

Option B: Set File Type to Full

The full file type allows standard hibernation along with Fast Startup.

powercfg /h /type full

Option C: Specify a Percentage Size

You can manually define the hibernation file size as a percentage of your system’s total RAM (minimum is typically 40% for reduced or 50% for full, depending on the system configuration):

powercfg /h /size [percentage]

Example: To set the size to 75% of your total RAM, run:

powercfg /h /size 75