How to Enable or Disable Hibernate in Windows 7 and Windows 8

This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable hibernate and restore or delete the hiberfil.sys file in Windows 7 and Windows 8.
When hibernate is disabled, the Hibernate option is missing from the Start Menu (Windows 7 only), Shut Down Windows dialog, Power menu (Windows 8 only) and the Advanced Power Plan Options.

You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.

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.

Tip
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.

To Enable Hibernate

NOTE: This step will restore the hiberfil.sys file, and the Allow hybrid sleep and Hibernate after Power Options under Sleep.
A) Open a Elevated Command Prompt.
B) In the elevated command prompt, type powercfg -h on and press Enter.
C) Close the elevated command prompt.

To Disable Hibernate

NOTE: This step will disable hibernation, delete the hiberfil.sys file, and remove the Allow hybrid sleep and Hibernate after Power Options under Sleep. This will also disable fast startup in Windows 8.

1. Open a Elevated Command Prompt.
2. In the elevated command prompt, type
powercfg -h off
and press Enter.
3. Close the elevated command prompt.

Enjoy the free space of your C Drive :)