Although the Hibernate functionality is enabled by default in Windows 11, it does not appear in the Start menu, Win + X menu, or Alt + F4 dialog. As a result, many users are wondering how to enable the Hibernate option in Windows 11.
What’s is Hibernate in Windows 11?
Hibernate is a low-power state and helps you get back to where you left off quickly.
When you Hibernate your computer, Windows 11 quickly takes a snapshot of the data present in the RAM and saves the data to a file called hiberfil. sys file on the storage drive (located at the root of the drive where Windows 11 is installed). This means that all open applications, files, and folders will not be closed and instead be saved to the storage drive.
When you turn on the PC again, Windows 11 restores the saved data to turn on your PC faster.
Because Hibernate is much faster than shutting down the PC, most users prefer to Hibernate their computer.
So in this guide, we will show you how to add the Hibernate option to the Start menu and other areas.
Add Hibernate to Windows 11 Start menu and other areas
Step 1: Open the Control Panel using the Start menu or taskbar search.
Step 2: Change the Control Panel View to Small icons (refer to the picture below).
Step 3: Now, click on Power Options.
Step 4: In the left pane of the Power Options window, click Choose what closing the lid does link.
Step 5: In the resulting window, click the Change settings that are currently unavailable.
Step 6: Next, in the Shutdown settings section, select the Hibernate option. Click on the Save changes button. That’s it! The Hibernate option should now be available in the Start menu, Win + X menu, Sign-in screen, and Alt + F dialog.
IMPORTANT: If the Hibernate option is missing from this window or if the Hibernate option is not showing up in the Start menu and other areas, it’s likely because the hibernation feature is disabled on your computer. Here is how to enable it.
Enable hibernation via Command Prompt in Windows 11
Note that the hibernation feature requires free disk space about 75% size of the RAM. So, make sure that there is enough free space on the drive where Windows 11 is installed to avoid errors.
Step 1: Open the Command Prompt as administrator. To do that, type CMD in the search, right-click on the Command Prompt entry, and then click the Run as administrator option.
Click the Yes button when you get the User Account Control screen.
Step 2: At the Command Prompt window, copy and paste the following command and then press the Enter key to execute the command:
powercfg /hibernate on
Tip: Keyboard shortcut to Hibernate Windows 11
Step 1: Simultaneously press Windows + X keys to open the Win + X menu.
Step 2: Press the U key to open the power menu.
Step 3: Press the H key to Hibernate your computer.
