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What is hiberfil.sys? A Guide to Freeing Disk Space

Learn what hiberfil.sys is, why it takes up so much space, and how to safely delete it to free up valuable disk space on your Windows PC.

Translated from Turkish with AI.

What is hiberfil.sys?

• It's a massive system file where the contents of your RAM are saved when you put your computer into "Hibernation" mode or when "Fast Startup" is enabled. • Its size is typically close to the amount of RAM in your computer (e.g., if you have 16 GB of RAM, the file will occupy approximately 16 GB of space).

How to Disable and Delete It

To get rid of the file, you need to disable the "Hibernation" feature. When you do this, Windows will automatically delete the file:

  1. Open the Start menu and type cmd or Command Prompt into the search bar.
  2. Right-click on the result and select Run as administrator.
  3. In the black command prompt window that appears, type the following command and press Enter:

powercfg -h off Use this command carefully.

  1. Once the process is complete, the hiberfil.sys file will be automatically deleted from your disk.

(Note: If you perform this action, you will not be able to put your computer into "Hibernation" mode, and Fast Startup will be disabled. If you wish to re-enable it, you can type powercfg -h on in the same command prompt.) • Which Windows version are you using (e.g., Windows 10 or 11)? • Do you actively use Hibernation or Fast Startup features on your computer? There are distinct benefits to deleting the hiberfil.sys file (i.e., disabling Hibernation) and keeping this feature enabled. You can decide which is more advantageous based on your situation:

🗑️ Benefits of Deleting (Disabling)

• Frees Up Significant Storage Space: Especially if you're using an SSD or a low-capacity drive, you'll instantly free up a massive amount of space equivalent to your computer's RAM size (e.g., 8 GB, 16 GB, or 32 GB). • Extends SSD Lifespan: Every time your computer shuts down, RAM data is written to the SSD. By disabling hibernation, you reduce this constant data writing load on your SSD, thereby preserving its lifespan.

💻 Benefits of Keeping It Enabled (Not Deleting)

• Resume Exactly Where You Left Off: Even if you shut down your computer, all your open browser tabs, documents, and programs are preserved exactly as they were. When you power on your computer, everything reappears just as you left it. • Zero Power Consumption: Unlike "Sleep" mode, it consumes no power. The computer is completely shut down, and your data remains intact even if you unplug it. • Fast Startup: Allows your computer to boot up much faster after a normal shutdown. If you have limited storage space, deleting this file makes sense. If you can provide your current free disk space and the amount of RAM in your computer, we can help you assess whether deleting it is worthwhile for you.