Windows Vista: Can I delete the hiberfil.sys file?
You cannot delete the "hiberfil.sys" file under Windows Vista, as it is required for the computer to be idle. However, if you are not using hibernation, you can deactivate it and free up the space reserved for it.
Deactivate the "hiberfil.sys" file
To disable the hiberfil.sys file:
- Click on "Start" at the bottom left.
- In the search field "Search programs and files" enter the text "cmd".
- Right click on "cmd.exe" and select "Run as administrator" from the context menu.
- Enter the text "powercfg -h off" in the black box (Windows Command Processor). Then press "Enter".
- Under the options next to "Shutdown" you can see that hibernation has disappeared. The storage space has been released.
It only makes sense to deactivate hibernation if you need every ounce of storage space and either only set the computer to "save energy" or shut it down completely. Read this practical tip to find out how to reactivate hibernation.