Category: Hibernate

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Hibernate Linux Windows 7

How to Enable or Disable Hibernate in Windows 7

The hibernate feature allows operating system to save and write the running state and contents of RAM as a file (c:hiberfil.sys) or partition to non-volatile storage such as a hard disk, before powering off the computer. Hibernation allows system to quickly restart and restore to the previous state when hibernation was invoked, instead of having to shut down, then restart applications.

In Windows 7, the hibernate option should be enabled by default, However, if you can’t find Hibernate option in the Start menu / power button, it can easily be enabled.  This works in Windows Vista, Windows 2008, 2003, etc.

How to Turn On or Enable Hibernate in Windows 7

  1. Open an elevated Command Prompt with administrator rights by typing cmd in Start / Search, and then hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter keyboard shortcut.  Or, select Run as Administrator from the cmd in search results or Start, Programs, Accessories, cmd.
  2. Type the following command, and hit Enter:

powercfg /hibernate on

The hibernate option should now be available in the Start menu, power button.

How to Turn Off and Disable Hibernate in Windows 7

  1. Open an elevated Command Prompt with administrator rights by typing cmd in Start / Search, and then hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter keyboard shortcut.  Or, select Run as Administrator from the cmd in search results or Start, Programs, Accessories, cmd.
  2. Type the following command, and hit Enter:

powercfg /hibernate off

Note: Windows does not support hibernation on system with 4GB or more RAM memory.

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Hibernate Linux Sleep Windows

What is the difference between Hibernate and Sleep in Windows 7

Hibernate takes a snapshot of everything in RAM (including any running applications) and saves it to the hard disk in the file c:hiberfil.sys, then shuts the computer down.  When the computer is restarted from hibernation it boots a bit faster than a normal power up from scratch. Hibernation does not consume any power while the computer is off.

Use: When the computer isn’t going to be used for an extended period, say several hours or more, like over night.

Sleep basically shuts down the computer except for some components like RAM, so the next time it is resumed, it will start very quickly. Note: sleep consumes a small amount of battery power.

Use: When the computer will be left for a short time, like at lunchtime or driving to or from work.

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Hibernate Linux Windows 7 Windows Vista

Windows Cannot Hibernate Computer with More Than 4 GB Memory

A limitation, feature or inconvenience of Windows (XP, Server 2003, Windows Vista, or Windows Server 2008) is that it cannot hibernate if it has more than 4 GB of RAM memory.  This is not a bug but by design, as Microsoft disables hibernation support on PC with more than 4GB physical memory because benchmark tests by Microsoft show that performance is poor on a computer that has more than 4 GB of memory with hibernation enabled, which requires as much disk space as RAM for the hibernation file, c:hiberfil.sys.

So if you have more than 4GB of RAM installed you won’t see the hibernation tab in the Power Options Properties dialog box.

More information from Microsoft – KB888575.