Putting your computer into hibernate mode can save your current work without using power. It’s a great option if you don’t want to turn off your computer completely. To hibernate Windows 10, you’ll need to enable the hibernate option in your power settings and then select hibernate from the start menu. Follow these steps to enable and use hibernate mode on your Windows 10 device.
Step-by-Step Tutorial to Hibernate Windows 10
Enabling hibernate mode in Windows 10 involves a few simple steps. Once set up, you can easily put your computer into hibernation whenever needed.
Step 1: Open the Control Panel
First, click on the Start button and type “Control Panel.” Select the Control Panel from the search results.
In the Control Panel, you can access various system settings and controls. It’s like the dashboard for your computer, where you can tweak everything.
Step 2: Go to Power Options
Next, within the Control Panel, click on “System and Security,” then choose “Power Options.”
Power Options lets you manage how your computer uses power. You can set different plans to either save energy or maximize performance.
Step 3: Choose What the Power Buttons Do
On the left-hand side of the Power Options window, click on “Choose what the power buttons do.”
This section allows you to specify what actions your computer should take when you press the power or sleep buttons.
Step 4: Change settings that are currently unavailable
To enable hibernate mode, click on “Change settings that are currently unavailable.”
This unlocks the options that Windows usually keeps hidden. You’ll need administrative rights to make these changes.
Step 5: Enable Hibernate
Scroll down to the “Shutdown settings” section and check the box next to “Hibernate.” Then, click “Save changes.”
Enabling hibernate will add it to your power options menu, making it easy to select whenever you need it.
Step 6: Use Hibernate Mode
Now, click on the Start button, select the power icon, and you will see the Hibernate option. Click it to hibernate your computer.
Your computer will save your current session to the hard drive and power down, conserving energy while preserving your work.
After you’ve done these steps, your computer will have hibernate enabled. This means you can save your work and shut down your computer without losing anything.
Tips for Enabling Hibernate in Windows 10
- Check for Updates: Ensure your Windows 10 is up-to-date, as some updates might affect power settings.
- Battery Saver: Hibernate is especially useful for laptops to save battery life when you’re away from a power source for an extended period.
- Hybrid Sleep: Consider using hybrid sleep, which combines sleep and hibernate, to speed up wake times.
- Regular Shutdowns: Occasionally, do a full shutdown to ensure your computer operates efficiently.
- Check Disk Space: Hibernate uses hard drive space to save your session; make sure you have enough available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between sleep and hibernate?
Sleep mode saves your session in RAM and uses a small amount of power, while hibernate saves it to the hard drive and uses no power.
Will hibernate affect my open applications?
No, hibernate will save your entire session, including open applications, so you can resume exactly where you left off.
Can I hibernate a desktop computer?
Yes, hibernate works on both desktop computers and laptops, though it’s particularly useful for laptops to save battery life.
Do I need to enable hibernate on every user account?
No, enabling hibernate in the Power Options will apply to all user accounts on the computer.
Is hibernate safe for my computer?
Yes, hibernate is a safe and efficient way to save your work and power down your computer.
Summary
- Open the Control Panel.
- Go to Power Options.
- Choose what the power buttons do.
- Change settings that are currently unavailable.
- Enable Hibernate.
- Use Hibernate Mode.
Conclusion
Knowing how to hibernate Windows 10 can be a lifesaver, especially when you’re in the middle of important work and need to save power. It offers a convenient way to preserve your session and resume it later without losing any progress. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily enable and use hibernate mode on your Windows 10 device.
Remember, while hibernate is a powerful tool, it’s also crucial to occasionally perform full shutdowns to ensure your system runs smoothly. Additionally, enabling hibernate won’t require any special skills, but it will make your computing life a bit easier and more efficient.
So, why not give it a try? You’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. Happy hibernating!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.