How to Delete Hibernation File in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 21, 2025

If you’ve ever wondered why your Windows 11 PC has a mysterious file called hiberfil.sys taking up gigabytes of storage space, you’re not alone. This hidden file is linked to Windows’ Hibernate and Fast Startup features. The good news? You can safely remove it if you don’t use these features.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explain what the hibernation file is, why it exists, how much space it uses, and most importantly, how to delete hiberfil.sys in Windows 11 using multiple methods.

Key Takeaways

  • hiberfil.sys is a hidden system file that stores your current session when using Hibernate.

  • It can consume several gigabytes of storage space.

  • You can safely delete it by disabling Hibernate via Command Prompt or PowerShell.

  • Disabling hibernation also affects Fast Startup in Windows 11.

What Is the Hibernation File in Windows 11?

The hiberfil.sys file is created when hibernation mode is enabled. Hibernate saves your current apps, documents, and system state to the hard drive so that you can resume work later—even after shutting down your PC.

  • Location: Found in the root of your system drive (usually C:\).

  • File size: Often 40% of installed RAM. For example:

    • 8 GB RAM → ~3 GB hiberfil.sys

    • 16 GB RAM → ~6 GB hiberfil.sys

    • 32 GB RAM → ~12 GB hiberfil.sys

💡 If you never use Hibernate or Fast Startup, hiberfil.sys is just wasted storage space.

Why Delete the Hibernation File in Windows 11?

Here are the main reasons people remove it:

  • Free up space – Can save several gigabytes, especially on SSDs with limited capacity.

  • You don’t use Hibernate – If you always shut down or sleep your PC.

  • Troubleshooting – Sometimes hiberfil.sys gets corrupted and causes issues.

Methods to Delete Hibernation File in Windows 11

There are several ways to delete hiberfil.sys. Let’s go through them step by step.

1. Delete Hibernation File via Command Prompt (Recommended)

This is the most straightforward and reliable method.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click, and select Run as administrator.

  2. In the Command Prompt window, type:

    powercfg.exe /hibernate off

  3. Press Enter.

✅ Result: Hibernation is disabled and hiberfil.sys is automatically deleted.

2. Delete Hibernation File Using Windows PowerShell

PowerShell works similarly to Command Prompt.

Steps:

  1. Right-click the Start Menu and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin).

  2. Type the command:

    powercfg -h off

  3. Press Enter.

✅ Result: Hibernate and Fast Startup are disabled, and the hiberfil.sys file disappears.

3. Delete Hibernation File via Registry Editor (Advanced)

For those comfortable editing the Windows Registry, you can disable Hibernate here.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power

  3. Find the entry HibernateEnabled.

  4. Double-click it and change the value from 1 to 0.

  5. Restart your PC.

✅ Result: Hibernate is disabled, and the file is removed.

⚠️ Editing the registry can be risky—always back it up first.

4. Delete Hibernation File with Disk Cleanup Tool

If you prefer a GUI method:

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, search for Disk Cleanup, and open it.

  2. Select your system drive (C:).

  3. Click Clean up system files.

  4. In the list, check Hibernate File Cleaner.

  5. Click OK > Delete Files.

✅ Result: Windows deletes hiberfil.sys automatically.

5. Delete Hibernation File Manually (Not Recommended)

You might be tempted to just delete C:\hiberfil.sys directly, but Windows won’t let you. The file is protected by the system. That’s why the powercfg command is the only reliable method.

How to Re-Enable Hibernation in Windows 11

If you later decide you want Hibernate or Fast Startup back:

  1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).

  2. Type:

    powercfg.exe /hibernate on

  3. Press Enter.

✅ Result: Windows recreates the hiberfil.sys file.

Pros and Cons of Deleting Hibernation File

Pros Cons
Frees up disk space Hibernate feature disabled
Helps fix corruption issues Fast Startup won’t work
Simple to re-enable later Slightly slower boot times

Troubleshooting: Can’t Delete hiberfil.sys

  • File still exists? Restart your PC after disabling hibernation.

  • Permission error? Make sure you run CMD/PowerShell as administrator.

  • Fast Startup still on? Disable it in:

    • Control Panel → Power Options → Choose what the power buttons do → Uncheck Turn on fast startup.

Tips for Managing Disk Space in Windows 11

Deleting hiberfil.sys is just one way to free space. Other tips include:

  • Use Storage Sense to clear temporary files.

  • Uninstall unused apps and games.

  • Move large files to external storage or OneDrive.

  • Run Disk Cleanup regularly.

Conclusion

The hiberfil.sys file in Windows 11 is essential for Hibernate and Fast Startup, but if you don’t use these features, it’s just eating up valuable storage.

The easiest and safest way to delete it is with:

powercfg -h off

This instantly disables Hibernate and removes the file, giving you back several gigabytes of space. And if you ever need it again, you can simply turn it back on.

So—do you really need Hibernate? If not, go ahead and reclaim that disk space today!

FAQs About Deleting Hibernation File in Windows 11

1. Is it safe to delete hiberfil.sys?
Yes, but you’ll lose access to Hibernate and Fast Startup.

2. How big is the hibernation file?
It’s usually 30–40% of your installed RAM.

3. Can I move hiberfil.sys to another drive?
No, it must remain on your system drive.

4. Will deleting hiberfil.sys speed up my PC?
It won’t directly speed up performance, but it can free disk space.

5. How do I check if hibernation is enabled?
Run this command in CMD:

powercfg /availablesleepstates

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