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Hiberfil.sys: What is It & How to Clear or Delete The File

Clear hiberfil.sys using these simple steps

4 min. read

Updated onNovember 8, 2024

updated onNovember 8, 2024

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Many users don’t understand what the hiberfil.sys file on their PC does. It is a system file containing the activities of the Hibernate Mode power option on the computer. However, you can encounter some issues with the files.

Hence, it is essential to know aboutHibernation Mode in Windows 11to understand how it works.

What is Hiberfil.sys?

What is Hiberfil.sys?

Hiberfil.sys is a system file that houses the files created by the Windows operating system during hibernation. It contains the memory content of your system before the time it goes toSleep Modeor Hibernation.

Furthermore, the hiberfil.sys system file helpsrestore the user sessionthat was previously running before hibernating or sleeping the PC. Hence, the system can shut down without losing the session before the state.

Why do I need to clear it?

The hiberfil.sys files are in large volumes that can take about 3 to 5 gigabytes of disk space. Also, the file size can increase depending on the content used on the PC.

Some benefits of clearing the hiberfil.sys files are:

However, deleting the hiberfil.sys files alone don’t guarantee that your Windows will not recreate them.

Though, it is safe to delete the hiberfil.sys files, it is essential to disable the Hibernate Mode on your PC. It ensures that the deleted session files are not recovered.

How do I clear or delete the Hiberfil.sys file?

How do I clear or delete the Hiberfil.sys file?

There are a couple of ways to delete the hiberfil.sys files, but we recommend you observe the following preliminary checks first:

The above steps will help prepare your PC for the upcoming processes. However, you’ll need to disable the Hibernation power option before deleting the hiberfil.sys file.

1. Disable hiberfil.sys using the Command Prompt

The above command will stop your computer from using the Hibernation power option, then automatically delete the hiberfil.sys file. Check what to do if youcan’t run Command Prompt as an adminon Windows 10/11.

2. Disable hiberfil.sys using Windows Settings

Unchecking the Hibernation box will disable it from being a part of your system’s power options.

3. Delete hyberfil.sys files

Deleting the hiberfil.sys files and disabling Hibernation will completely clear the file and free up disk space. Checkhow to fix File Explorer if it crasheson your computer.

4. Delete hiberfil.sys via the registry

It will disable Hibernate mode on your computer and delete the hiberfil.sys file.

Alternatively, our reader can checkways to fix the sleep power option missingon Windows 10/11.

Likewise, you can read abouthow to fix the power plans missingon Windows 10/11. To learn more about hibernation, we have a new guide on how todisable hibernation on Windows 10, so don’t miss it.

For further queries or questions, kindly drop them in the comments section. Also, if you have more suggestions on this guide, drop a comment.

Henderson Jayden Harper

Windows Software Expert

Passionate about technology, Crypto, software, Windows, and everything computer-related, he spends most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.

He also enjoys gaming, writing, walking his dog, and reading and learning about new cultures. He also enjoys spending private time connecting with nature.

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Henderson Jayden Harper

Windows Software Expert

Passionate about technology, Crypto, software, Windows, and everything computer-related, he spends most of his time developing new skills.