For most modern systems with large NVMe SSDs, the space savings may be negligible. However, for users with smaller 128GB or 256GB drives, removing hiberfil.sys is one of the quickest ways to free up a significant chunk of storage space.
The hiberfil.sys file is a system file created by Windows 11 when Hibernation is enabled. When you put your computer into Hibernation mode, Windows takes everything currently in your RAM (Random Access Memory) and writes it to this file on your Hard Drive or SSD. This allows your computer to completely power down while still remembering exactly what apps and documents you had open. When you turn the computer back on, Windows loads the data from hiberfil.sys back into the RAM, restoring your session exactly where you left off. Can I delete hiberfil.sys?
Deleting hiberfil.sys is safe and will not harm your operating system or your hardware. However, removing it means you lose access to two specific Windows features: can i delete hiberfil.sys windows 11
hiberfil.sys is a hidden system file located in the root directory of your system drive (usually C:\ ). It's a required file for the hibernation feature to work. The file's size is typically around 2-3 GB, depending on the amount of RAM installed on your computer.
Hibernation Mode: You will no longer be able to put your PC into a deep sleep state that saves your progress without using battery power. For most modern systems with large NVMe SSDs,
You cannot simply drag this file to the Recycle Bin because Windows protects it. To delete it, you must disable Hibernation using Command Prompt or PowerShell.
Let’s break down what this file actually does and how to manage it properly. When you put your computer into Hibernation mode,
, you can delete hiberfil.sys , but it's not recommended . Here's why: