What is hiberfil.sys in Windows, and how to delete it?

If you have ever checked your system drive and noticed a massive hidden file named hiberfil.sys, you are not alone. Many Windows users discover this file while trying to free up disk space and immediately wonder whether it is safe to delete. In some cases, the file can consume several gigabytes of storage, especially on laptops or PCs with large amounts of RAM.

The hiberfil.sys file is directly connected to the Hibernate feature in Windows. While Hibernate can be useful for quickly restoring your computer session, not everyone uses it. For users with limited SSD space, deleting this file can instantly recover valuable storage.

However, you cannot simply right-click the file and delete it like a normal document. Windows protects the file because it is tied to system power management settings.

In this guide, you will learn exactly what hiberfil.sys is, why Windows creates it, how large it can become, and the safest ways to delete it in Windows 10, Windows 11, and even Windows 8. 

What is hiberfil.sys in Windows 10/11/8?

The hiberfil.sys file is a hidden system file created by Windows to support the Hibernate power feature. It is usually located in the root of the C: drive.

This PC > Local Disk (C:) > hiberfil.sys

By default, you may not see the file because Windows hides protected operating system files. Once visible, you will notice that it often takes up several gigabytes of storage space.

When your computer enters Hibernate mode, Windows saves everything currently stored in your RAM into the hiberfil.sys file. This includes:

• Open apps
• Running programs
• Documents
• System settings
• Current desktop session

After saving the information, Windows completely powers off the PC. The next time you turn the computer on, Windows reloads the saved data from the hiberfil.sys file so you can continue where you left off.

This feature is different from Sleep mode.

In Sleep mode, your computer still uses a small amount of power to keep data stored in RAM. In Hibernate mode, the system shuts down almost completely, making it useful for laptops when battery life matters.

Windows also uses parts of the Hibernate system for features like:

• Fast Startup
• Hybrid Sleep
• Modern power management

That is why deleting the file manually usually does not work. You must first disable Hibernate properly.

The size of the hiberfil.sys file depends mainly on how much RAM your computer has installed. For example:

1. A PC with 8 GB RAM may have a hiberfil.sys file is around 4 GB to 6 GB.
2. A PC with 16 GB RAM may have a file size between 6 GB and 12 GB.
3. A gaming PC with 32 GB RAM can have an even larger file.

If your SSD is running low on storage, removing this file can provide a noticeable amount of free space instantly.

How to Delete hiberfil.sys in Windows?

To delete the hiberfil.sys file in Windows 10 or Windows 11, open Command Prompt as Administrator, type powercfg -h off, and press Enter. This disables Hibernate and automatically removes the hiberfil.sys file from the C: drive. To restore it later, use the command powercfg -h on.

Step 1: Open Windows Search

The first thing you need to do is open the Windows Search feature so you can access administrative tools.

Taskbar > Search Icon > Type “Command Prompt”

In Windows 11, the Search icon usually appears directly on the taskbar. In Windows 10, you may see a search box beside the Start button.

Click inside the search field and type:

Command Prompt

As you type, Windows will display matching results. You should see the Command Prompt app appear near the top of the list.

This tool allows you to run advanced Windows commands, including power management commands required to remove the hiberfil.sys file.

Beginners often make the mistake of opening the Command Prompt normally. However, deleting the Hibernate file requires administrator permissions, which is why the next step is important.

Step 2: Run Command Prompt as Administrator

Now you need to open the Command Prompt with elevated administrator privileges.

Search Results > Command Prompt > Right Click > Run as Administrator

After locating Command Prompt, right-click it and select:

Run as Administrator

You may now see a User Account Control pop-up asking:

Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?

Click:

Yes

A black Command Prompt window will now open. This is where you will enter the command that disables Hibernate and deletes the file.

If you skip administrator mode, Windows will not allow the command to run properly, and you may receive an access denied error.

Step 3: Enter the Hibernate Disable Command

This is the main step that removes the hiberfil.sys file from your system.

Command Prompt Window > Type Command > Press Enter

Inside the Command Prompt window, type the following command exactly as shown:

powercfg -h off

After typing the command, press:

Enter

Windows will instantly disable Hibernate mode. As part of the process, the operating system automatically deletes the hiberfil.sys file from your computer.

In most cases, you will not see a confirmation message. The command simply runs silently and returns to the next line.

Once completed, the file should disappear from the C: drive immediately.

This method works in:

1. Windows 11
2. Windows 10
3. Windows 8
4. Windows 8.1

It is one of the safest and fastest ways to recover storage space on a Windows PC.

Step 4: Verify that hiberfil.sys Has Been Removed

After disabling Hibernate, you can confirm that the file has been deleted successfully.

File Explorer > This PC > Local Disk (C:)

Open File Explorer and navigate to your system drive.

Normally, the hiberfil.sys file is hidden, so you may first need to enable hidden file visibility.

Path in Windows 11:

File Explorer > View > Show > Hidden Items

Path in Windows 10:

File Explorer > View Tab > Hidden Items

You may also need to disable protected operating system file hiding.

Go to File Explorer > Three Dots Menu > Options > View > Uncheck “Hide protected operating system files.”

Once visible, check the root of the C: drive again.

If the process worked correctly, the hiberfil.sys file should no longer exist.

You may also notice that your available storage space has increased instantly.

Step 5: Restart Your Computer

Although the file is usually removed immediately, restarting the PC helps Windows finalize power setting changes.

Start Menu > Power > Restart

Save your work and restart the computer normally.

After rebooting, Windows will continue operating without Hibernate mode enabled.

At this point:

The hiberfil.sys file is deleted.

Hibernate mode is disabled.

Fast Startup may also become disabled depending on your system configuration.

Your computer will now rely mainly on normal shutdown and Sleep mode.

Step 6: Re-enable Hibernate Later if Needed

If you ever decide to use Hibernate again, you can restore the feature and recreate the hiberfil.sys file easily.

Follow this Path:

Taskbar Search > Command Prompt > Run as Administrator

Open Command Prompt as administrator again and type:

powercfg -h on

Press:

Enter

Windows will immediately recreate the hiberfil.sys file and restore Hibernate functionality.

This is useful for laptop users who frequently save battery life while preserving their open sessions.

Disable Hibernate Using Control Panel

Some users prefer adjusting settings through the graphical interface instead of Command Prompt. While this method may not fully remove the file in every scenario, it can disable Hibernate options.

Step 1: Open Control Panel

Start Menu > Type “Control Panel” > Open

Search for the Control Panel and launch it.

Step 2: Open Power Options

Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options

Inside Power Options, you will see your current power plans and settings.

Step 3: Access Shutdown Settings

Power Options > Choose What the Power Buttons Do

On the left side, click:

Choose what the power buttons do

Then click:

Change settings that are currently unavailable

This unlocks protected power settings.

Step 4: Disable Hibernate

Shutdown Settings > Hibernate > Uncheck Box > Save Changes

Locate the Hibernate option and uncheck it.

Click:

Save Changes

While this removes Hibernate from the power menu, the Command Prompt method remains the most reliable way to completely delete the hiberfil.sys file.

Is It Safe to Delete hiberfil.sys?

Yes, it is generally safe to delete the hiberfil.sys file if you do not use Hibernate mode.

However, there are a few things you should understand before removing it.

When you disable Hibernate:

• You lose the ability to resume your previous session after powering off.
• Fast Startup may stop working.

Some laptops may experience slightly slower boot times.

For desktop users, this is usually not a major issue. Many people never use Hibernate at all.

If you mainly shut down your PC normally or use Sleep mode occasionally, deleting the file is perfectly fine.

On systems with small SSDs, removing the file can free a large amount of valuable storage space.

Why hiberfil.sys Keeps Coming Back?

Some users notice that the file reappears after updates or power setting changes.

This happens because Windows may automatically re-enable Hibernate during:

• Major Windows updates
• Driver updates
• Power plan resets
• Fast Startup activation

If the file returns, simply repeat the command:

powercfg -h off

That will disable Hibernate again and remove the file.

Difference Between hiberfil.sys and pagefile.sys

People often confuse hiberfil.sys with another Windows system file called pagefile.sys.

They are completely different.

hiberfil.sys stores RAM contents for Hibernate mode.

pagefile.sys acts as virtual memory when RAM becomes full.

Deleting the pagefile improperly can affect system stability, while removing hiberfil.sys mainly impacts Hibernate features.

So make sure you only disable the correct file.

FAQs

Where is hiberfil.sys located?

The file is located in the root of the system drive, usually:

This PC > Local Disk (C:) > hiberfil.sys

It is hidden by default because it is a protected Windows system file.

Why is hiberfil.sys so large?

The file size depends mainly on the installed RAM. More RAM requires a larger hibernation file because Windows saves memory contents into it during Hibernate mode.

Can I manually delete hiberfil.sys?

No, Windows normally prevents manual deletion because the file is managed by the operating system. You must disable Hibernate first using the proper command.

Does deleting hiberfil.sys improve performance?

Deleting the file mainly frees up storage space. It does not directly boost system performance, although having more free SSD space can sometimes help overall system responsiveness.

Will Sleep mode still work after deleting hiberfil.sys?

Yes, Sleep mode usually continues working normally even after Hibernate is disabled.

Can I reduce the size of hiberfil.sys instead of deleting it?

Yes, advanced users can reduce the file size using specialized powercfg commands. However, completely disabling Hibernate is simpler for most users.

Is hiberfil.sys a virus?

No, the file is a legitimate Windows system file created by the operating system for Hibernate functionality.