If something is consuming a lot of space on our computer's hard drive, this is the Hiberfil.sys file. These files are large, they tend to take up several gigabytes and they cannot be erased as easily as we can with common files. But what is Hiberfil.sys file and how can you delete it to free up space?
We usually encounter it when space is running out and start trying to clean up and free up hard drive space for larger files.
But before we talk about how to delete these types of files, let's first see what a file Hiberfil.sys and what is its function. We will also analyze whether it is advisable to get rid of it and what happens when we do.
What is a Hiberfil.sys file?
Windows has a tool called the hibernation whose goal is to reduce the power consumption of the computer when it is not in use. During this process, all running files and the information they contain are stored in the Hiberfil.sys file.
This allows us to quickly access programs we were working on when the computer is out of hibernation mode. All this information will take up some space on your hard drive, which is getting bigger and bigger.
Hence the reason why when we come across these types of files, the first reaction is to try to delete or uninstall the program for more space. And if you've already tried to delete it, you may have realized that it's not that easy to get rid of of this type of file.
How can we delete them to get more storage space and how recommendable is to delete the Hiberfil.sys file? What alternative is there to prevent it from memorizing so much information if we conclude that it is not wise to delete it?
How can we delete the Hiberfil.sys file?
If we want to permanently delete the hiberfil.sys file to reclaim all the space it covers, we need to access the command prompt window. This is achieved by running the following commands:
- Access the start menu.
- Select the option: Run.
- Write the command: cmd
- Press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys.
- Enter the powercfg -h off command.
- Press the key: Enter.
What we have done through this procedure is to log into the system with administrator privileges. When we run this command, we'll have simply disabled the hibernation option on our computer.
This way we will have deleted the Hiberfil.sys file and all the storage space it occupied on the hard drive or SSD. But we have also disabled our equipment's hibernation function and the battery saver mode will likely be disabled in case you're using a laptop.
It should be noted that this process is reversible and by performing the same steps already mentioned, we can have this system tool again.
What other options are there to free up space?
As we have already seen, the Hiberfil.sys it is an indispensable part of the mode of hibernation of computers. It is the one that allows when we are absent from the appliance for a long period of time, the system goes into energy saving mode. This feature also helps to extend the useful life of our computer.
However, it tends to take up a lot of hard drive or SSD space, which is why many generally want to be able to delete it. But by doing so they also eliminate the hibernation state which allows you to quickly retrieve the programs in use before the break. This may also affect other power saving options and associated programs.
However, there is another option to get rid of the heavy Hiberfil.sys file without the risks that this might cause. The most practical and safe thing is to disable hibernation in Windows 10 of our computer.
The correct way to do this is to follow these steps: Start Menu> Control Panel> Options saving energy> Suspend (deselect)
In Windows 10 you need to do the following: Settings> System> Startup / Shutdown & Sleep> Additional Power Settings> Shutdown Settings> Hibernate (uncheck).
In this way yes disable hibernation mode, avoiding to generate the Hiberfil.sys file, being able to reactivate it when it is deemed necessary.
