Restore the Missing Hibernation Mode in Windows 11

November 12, 2024 Matt Mills How to 0

Hibernation has been missing in some Windows 11 users. One of the energy saving feature that store data from RAM to HDD and let you power off your device without losing the open task. It’s a guide on how to resurrect it.

Tip: Create out of system restore point before you actually make any changes, this will protect your settings in case your changes weren’t the best ones and cause errors.

Hibernation is being enabled

Method 1: PowerShell to enable Hibernation

This is a straight forward and safe PowerShell based approach. Just follow these steps:

  1. Run as Administrator
  2. Click on the windows icon right click and then windows terminal (Admin).
  3. Check Available Power States
    • Type: powercfg /availablesleepstates
    • It displays what power options are available on your system at the moment.
  4. Activate Hibernation
    • Type: type powercfg /hibernate on and hit Enter.
  5. Use Control Panel to Enable Hibernation
    • Type open Control Panel into the search bar.
  6. Go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
  7. Choose Choose what the power buttons do or Choose what closing the lid does.
  8. Below are these sections where you need to find and activate Hibernation, in case, and then Save Changes.
  9. From here, you should now see the Hibernation option available any time you go into the power options.

Method 2: Have Windows Registry enable Hibernation

If it doesn’t work, you can try enabling Hibernation through the Windows Registry. It’s more advanced, so handle with care.

Warning: Changing the registry might affect stability of the system. Be sure to create a recovery point before you go on.

  1. Open Registry Editor
  2. Next, click Start then type regedit and hit Enter.
    Find the Power Settings Path
  3. Navigate to: In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power.
    Modify HibernateEnable Key
  4. Select Find HibernateEnabled and right click and choose Modify.
    Convert Value from 0 to 1.
    Save changes and then restart your computer.
    Confirm in Control Panel
  5. Once rebooted, Head to Control panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options.

It should become a power option on your computer, and you should configure it to match your needs.
Using either of these methods, you should be back to Hibernation on Windows 11 and able to save power as you’re saving your work, without resorting to Sleep.