I want to delete the hiberfil.sys to save some disk space.

Question

original title: Delete hiberfil.sys

I want to delete the hiberfil.sys to save some disk space. The reason I am trying to do this is becuase, the hybrnation feature is already deselected in GUI. But this file is taking up alost 2 GB space. I tried running the command in CMD and ran As Administrator,  powercfg -h off. But I get a message that I do not have permission to enable or disable Hiberntion. So please suggest if I can delete this in my Windows 7 and in future if I want will I be able to use hibernation?

Answer 1

One critical detail is missing: Right-click Command Prompt and select "Run as administrator." Then the command will work.

So, the complete instructions are as follows:

Click Start -> All Programs -> Accessories

Right-click Command Prompt

Select Run as administrator

Grant permisssion to change system settings

In this privileged command prompt window, enter: powercfg -h off

Poof! hiberfil.sys is gone -- instantly!

Answer 2

Boot in Safe Mode and delete the file. Ensure that the hibernation is not enabled.

If you still cannot delete it, use some other bootable disk and then delete it.

Answer 3

One critical detail is missing: Right-click Command Prompt and select "Run as administrator." Then the command will work.

So, the complete instructions are as follows:

Click Start -> All Programs -> Accessories

Right-click Command Prompt

Select Run as administrator

Grant permisssion to change system settings

In this privileged command prompt window, enter: powercfg -h off

Poof! hiberfil.sys is gone -- instantly!

This worked for me.

No need to reboot into safe mode.

Thx!

Answer 4

Accessories -> Right Click Command Prompt

In window type powercfg.exe -h off

It will disappear

Answer 5

Why does MS insist on keeping this multiGB file, even when hibernation is off?

Ridiculous.