How to Enable Hibernate in Windows 10 Start Menu

Published by Nyau Wai Hoe - Updated on

If you’re using a laptop, the Hibernate power option will usually appear when you click on the Power button on the Start Menu. However, it’s not always available on desktop computers. This tutorial will show you how to enable the Hibernate button in the Windows 10 Start Menu.

If anyone or any website tells you that Hibernate is already enabled by default, and you just can’t see it, the truth is that Hibernate is partially enabled since Windows 8. The fast startup you’ve been experiencing relies on the hibernation technology, but it means to shut down your PC. However, it’s still not as efficient as the full Hibernate feature, which allows you to close and resume all your work exactly the way it was.

The Hibernate option is hidden by default on most desktop computers running Windows 10. We will have to manually re-enable it to have it shown in the power menu again.

enable hibernate option windows 10

Enable Hibernate power option in Windows

To enable the Hibernate power option in Windows, follow the steps below to add the Hibernate option to the power menu where we usually click on Shutdown, Restart, or Sleep options:

  1. Click on Start menu. Type “control panel” and open it.
  2. Go to Hardware and Sound.
  3. Click on Power Options.hardware and sound power options
  4. On the left panel of the window, select Choose what the power buttons do.
  5. Click on the “Change settings that are currently unavailable” link. If windows prompt for permission, click OK.
  6. Under Shutdown settings, tick the checkbox labelled Hibernate – show in power menu.
  7. Click save changes.hibernate gray out in power option settings

Now, go to your Start Menu’s power options. The Hibernate option should be there now.

If you no longer need the button and want to hide it from the power button’s menu, simply follow the steps above until step 6. Remove the checkbox labeled “Hibernate” to hide it away from the power menu.

Hibernate option is not appearing as a checkbox

If the Hibernate option is nowhere to be found in the system settings or if it’s just gone missing or vanished after several uses, try the following workaround:

Open Command Prompt by going to the Start menu, type “cmd,” right-click it, and run as administrator. In the Command Prompt, type “powercfg /h on” and press Enter. The Hibernate option should show up again as a checkbox in the power settings window. To revert the change, type “powercfg /h off.”

Benefits and considerations of enabling the hibernate option

Enabling the Hibernate option can be useful for those who frequently use their desktop computers for work or personal use. It allows you to quickly save your current work and shut down your computer, without losing any unsaved changes. Additionally, Hibernate mode saves more power compared to Sleep mode, as it completely shuts down your computer while keeping your work saved.

However, it’s worth noting that the Hibernate option may not be available on some devices, such as those with limited storage space. In such cases, the option may be disabled by default to save storage space on the device. Moreover, enabling the Hibernate option may take longer to start up your computer compared to the Sleep mode, but it’s a small price to pay for the convenience of having your work saved.

It’s also important to keep in mind that the Hibernate option should only be used when you’re certain that you won’t need to use your computer for an extended period, such as when you’re leaving your computer for the night. If you’re planning on leaving your computer for a shorter period, the Sleep mode is a better option as it’s quicker to wake up your computer.

Categories: Windows 10

Nyau Wai Hoe
Nyau Wai Hoe is the Founder and Chief Editor of WindowsDigitals.com. With a degree in software engineering and over 12 years of experience in the tech support industry, Nyau has established himself as an expert in the field, with a primary focus on the Microsoft Windows operating system. As a tech enthusiast, he loves exploring new technologies and leveraging them to solve real-life problems.

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