Hibernation of the computer is a very advantageous option to shutdown the computer quickly so that, at the next startup, we can pick up exactly where we left off, with the programs already open and configured (for example a browser with the tabs already configured or the last Word document to be completed). Hibernating the system is also a very advantageous energy saving mode, which saves the state of the computer after a certain period of inactivity, so as not to lose the work that was being done, to be able to resume it later without waiting for the normal start of the system.
Those who use Windows 10 will surely have noticed that the option to hibernate the PC is no longer available among the shutdown options, given the presence of the quick start (which combines shutdown and hibernation, but does not allow to resume closed programs such as hibernation proper). Fortunately, hibernation has not completely disappeared: in this guide we will show you how to activate hibernation in Windows 10, so you can turn off the computer in this mode and immediately resume the previous activity quickly.
How to enable hibernation in Windows 10
On Windows 10 we can reactivate the option to hibernate the PC, so that we can use the specific item when the computer is turned off. This procedure can also be automated when the notebook lid is closed (very convenient to use) or when we press the suspension key on the computer or keyboard (useful on desktop PCs). We will also show you how to start scheduled PC hibernation after a certain period of time.Activate hibernation
To activate hibernation in Windows 10, open the Start menu at the bottom left, search for the Control Panel, press on the Hardware and Sound item and select the sub-item Change behavior of power buttons .
In the new window we press on the item Change the settings currently not available, scroll down and activate the button next to the item Hibernate .
We click Save changes below for the changes to take effect. Now simply open the shutdown menu from the Start menu in the lower left (we can also use the right button on it and press the Close or disconnect item ) and click on Hibernate to hibernate Windows 10.
If hibernation does not work properly, we can restore it via command prompt .
Click on the Start button and look for the Command Prompt tool, then press on its item Run as administrator . The command to launch to activate hibernation as a computer shutdown option is as follows:
powercfg.exe / hibernate on
To disable hibernation, the command is instead:
powercfg.exe / hibernate off
How to activate hibernation when closing the notebook or with the sleep button
One of the most comfortable things to set on notebooks with Windows 10 is hibernation as soon as you close the screen cover, so as to have the security of quickly saving all open programs and files and having them ready for use as soon as we reopen the cover (more or less as it happens on Apple MacBooks). On fixed PCs, on the other hand, it is convenient to be able to hibernate the system as soon as you press the power button, so as not to miss even a running program.To activate hibernation when the notebook is closed or with the power button, go back to the Control Panel, click on Hardware and Sound and select the Change behavior of the power buttons item again.
In the upper part of the menu we can choose the behavior to use when we press the power button or close the lid in the two scenarios of use, that is when we use the battery or when we use the power supply from the mains; to activate hibernation, simply set the Hibernate item on all four drop-down menus.
How to activate scheduled hibernation
If instead we want to set hibernation when the computer is idle for a certain period of time (like 15 or 30 minutes) or after a period of inactivity, just download the free Wise Auto Shutdown program.
From this program we can hibernate the PC after a certain period of inactivity, simply by checking the Iberna item and checking the During idle item, taking care to set a waiting time before executing the command; alternatively we can also choose to set hibernation at a specific time and date, to hibernate the PC every day at a preset time or to hibernate the PC after a programmed timer. Whatever our choice, just press Activate to start the execution of the programmed hibernation.
If we want to program hibernation without the help of any third party program, just open the Run window (with the WIN + R buttons) and type the following command.
shutdown -h -t 3600
In this way the PC will hibernate one hour after the command has been launched (we can modify the numerical part, expressed in seconds, with a converter like the one offered here -> ConvertLive). To cancel a previously launched shutdown command, simply open the Run window again and launch:
shutdown -a
Conclusions
Hibernating the PC is definitely one of the fastest ways to increase productivity at work and in the office, since we can leave the programs we use most often open and find them ready for use immediately without having to start all over again at every start. Hibernation is very useful even on computers that do not yet have an SSD, since it speeds up its execution and startup.As we know, Windows 10 has a fast PC boot option that is very similar to hibernation, saving system files when you turn off your computer, so you can be faster on the next reboot. Unlike hibernation, however, it does not save the current session with programs and windows open therefore, those who still believe that this shutdown mode can be useful, it is worth activating the option to hibernate the PC in Windows 10.
In another article we showed you when to use suspend or hibernate your Windows computer, so as to choose the most suitable shutdown mode for all situations in which you use a computer.
If we are looking for all the methods of shutting down Windows, we recommend reading our guide All ways to shut down Windows .
If, on the other hand, we are looking for alternatives to the Wise Auto Shutdown program seen a little while ago, just read our article on Programs to turn off the computer automatically with a timer .
