Hiberfil.sys is a hidden system file that is created on Windows computers when you enable hibernation. It stores the contents of your RAM when your computer goes into hibernation mode. The hiberfil.sys file can take up a considerable amount of space on your computer’s hard drive. In most cases, this file is not a bother as you can ignore it. However, if you need extra space on your computer and don’t use the hibernation feature, deleting the hiberfil.sys file can free up a significant amount of space. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing how to delete hiberfil.sys in Windows 8.1.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed?
Before we get into the actual deletion process, we need to ensure that you have the following requirements:
– You must be using a user account with administrator privileges.
– The computer must have hibernation enabled for the hiberfil.sys file to exist.
– You need to have enough free space on your computer’s hard drive to accommodate the size of the hiberfil.sys file.
What Requires Your Focus?
The primary focus when proceeding with deleting the hiberfil.sys file should be ensuring that you have sufficient space available on your computer’s hard drive. If you don’t, you may encounter issues with your computer’s performance.
Different Methods to Delete Hiberfil.sys Windows 8.1
Here are three methods to delete the hiberfil.sys file in Windows 8.1.
Method 1: Via Command Prompt
Here are the steps to perform hiberfil.sys deletion in Windows 8.1 via Command Prompt:
1. Press the Windows key + X to display the power user menu. Then select Command Prompt (Admin).
2. When prompted for permission to run Command Prompt as an administrator, click Yes.
3. Type the command "powercfg.exe -h off" and press the Enter key.
4. Close the Command Prompt window and restart your computer.
Pros:
– Straightforward and easy
– Can be done in a few minutes
Cons:
– Not recommendable if you are not familiar with using command lines and codes.
– Can pose a potential risk of deleting something else if you are not careful.
Method 2: Via Control Panel
Here are the steps to perform hiberfil.sys deletion in Windows 8.1 via Control Panel:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select Control Panel.
2. Click on Power Options and select Choose what the power button does.
3. Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable
4. Scroll down to and deselect the checkbox beside Hibernate.
5. Click on Save changes.
Pros:
– Simple and easy to follow.
– Can be undone if you need to use hibernation in the future.
Cons:
– Can pose a potential risk of deleting something else if you are not careful.
Method 3: Via File Explorer
Here are the steps to perform hiberfil.sys deletion in Windows 8.1 via File Explorer:
1. Press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
2. Click on the View tab and check the Hidden items checkbox.
3. Navigate to C:/ directory and locate the Hiberfil.sys file.
4. Right-click on the Hiberfil.sys file and select Delete.
5. Restart your computer.
Pros:
– Quick and easy to follow.
– Gives you the opportunity to see the file before deleting it.
Cons:
– Can pose a potential risk of deleting something else if you are not careful.
– Hiberfil.sys may be a hidden file, and on some computers, it may not be visible in the C drive.
Why Can’t I Delete Hiberfil.sys?
There are several reasons why you may not be able to delete the hiberfil.sys file. The primary reasons include:
1. You don’t have administrator permissions on your account.
2. The hibernation feature is still enabled on your computer.
3. Another application or process is using the hiberfil.sys file.
To fix these issues:
1. Ensure that you are logged in with an account that has administrator privileges.
2. Disable the hibernation feature following the steps listed in Method 2 above.
3. Close all applications and programs that are using your system’s memory before attempting to delete the hiberfil.sys file.
Implications and Recommendations
Deleting the hiberfil.sys file can free up a significant amount of space on your computer’s hard drive. However, it’s always important to consider the implications of disabling system files like this. If you’re unsure, proceed with caution.
It’s also essential to note that disabling hibernation and deleting the hiberfil.sys file is best done on laptops or computers that rely on battery power. Desktop users may not need to bother disabling and deleting these files.
5 FAQs about Deleting Hiberfil.sys Windows 8.1
Q1: What is Hiberfil.sys?
A: Hiberfil.sys is a system file on Windows computers that is created automatically when the hibernation feature is enabled. It stores a copy of everything in your system memory to allow your device to resume quickly when you exit hibernation.
Q2: Is it safe to delete hiberfil.sys?
A: Yes, it is safe to delete hiberfil.sys if you are not using the hibernation feature regularly. It’s important to note that if you ever need to use the feature again, Windows will automatically recreate the file.
Q3: Can deleting hiberfil.sys cause any issues to my PC?
A: It can cause an issue if you ever want to use the hibernation feature again because it allows your computer to quickly resume from hibernation. However, if you don’t use and need the feature, deleting the file is acceptable and won’t cause any issues.
Q4: Will deleting hiberfil.sys make my computer faster?
A: Deleting hiberfil.sys doesn’t speed up your computer directly. However, it might give you a small amount of free disk space that might give your PC an overall performance boost.
Q5: Can I delete the hiberfil.sys file on Windows XP or Windows 7?
A: Yes, you can delete hiberfil.sys on Windows XP or 7 by following the same steps described in this blog post.
In Conclusion
Now that you have an idea of what hiberfil.sys is and why you may need to delete it, you can follow the methods listed above to get rid of the file. Keep in mind that deleting the file may prompt your computer to recreate it if you ever enable hibernation again. Always proceed with caution, especially when dealing with system files, and be sure to have enough free space on your hard drive to avoid any adverse effects on your computer’s performance.