Enable Hibernate Mode in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

This post shows students and new users how to turn the Hibernate Mode on or off in Windows 11 to allow Windows to shut down while saving their work and desktop sessions. With hibernate mode enabled, you can save energy because Windows shuts down, but you can resume your work and sessions quickly when you turn your computer back on.

Hibernate mode is like sleep mode in Windows 11. The difference is with sleep mode, your desktop session and current work are saved in the system memory or RAM. It lets you resume your previous sessions quickly, but your computer is not fully shut down.

In hibernate mode, your work and desktop sessions are saved on the system hard drive, allowing Windows to completely shut down and resume your previous session when the computer is turned back on.

Either method works; however, one saves much more energy than the other.

Not all computers are equipped with the hibernate feature. Your computer isn’t compatible if you don’t see the hibernate feature in the Control Panel.

The hibernate feature isn’t new to Windows 11. It has been part of Windows since XP.

To get started turning on hibernate mode in Windows 11, follow the steps below:

How to enable hibernate mode in Windows 11

As mentioned above, hibernate mode in Windows 11 allows you to shut down your computer while saving your work and allowing you to resume your work quickly when you turn.

To turn it on, go to the Start menu, search for Control Panel, and select the relevant result, as shown below.

When the control panel app opens, go to System and Security, as shown below.

Select the link for Change what the power buttons do on the System and Security category pane, as highlighted below.

On the next screen, click the link for Change settings that are currently unavailable, as shown below.

Then, enable Hibernate mode, as shown below. Click Save Changes, then exit.

Now, the Hibernate button will be an option when you want to shut down or put your computer to sleep.

That’s it!

How to turn off hibernate mode in Windows 11

If you change your mind about enabling the hibernate mode in Windows 11, reverse the steps above by going to Start ==> search for “Control Panel” and select the control panel app and go to System and Security ==> Change what the power buttons do ==> Change settings that are currently unavailable then uncheck the Hibernate mode option.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• Hibernate mode in Windows 11 allows you to save your work and sessions while completely shutting down your computer.
• It is an energy-efficient option compared to sleep mode, keeping your desktop sessions secure without using power.
• Activation of hibernate mode is straightforward through the Control Panel.
• If needed, you can easily disable hibernate mode by reversing the steps.
• Always check for hardware compatibility if you cannot find the hibernate option in your settings.