Windows 10 Hibernate not Working: Why & How to Fix

Hibernate mode on Windows is a useful feature that allows you to save your session, power off your computer, and then resume your work exactly where you left off. However, there may be instances when your Windows PC won't go into hibernation at your command, resulting in the PC still powering on.

If you face the same problem, don't fret. Here are some effective solutions that will help fix the problem in no time.

1. Run Power Troubleshooter

Running the built-in Windows troubleshooter is the most effective way to fix common system-level problems. In this case, you can run Power Troubleshooter and see if Hibernate mode works again. Here's how to do it.

1. Press Win + I to open the Settings app.

2. Click Troubleshoot.

3. Select Other troubleshooters.

4. Click the Run button next to Power.

Allow the troubleshooter to scan your system for any problems and resolve them. Then try using the Hibernate option again to see if it works.

2. Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup is a useful feature that helps you avoid slow boot times on your Windows computer. However, it can sometimes interrupt the functionality of Hibernate mode and cause problems. You can try disabling this to see if that helps.

1. Press Windows Key + R to open Run. Type control in the box and click OK to open the Control Panel.

2. Click on Power Options.

3. Click on Choose what the power buttons do from the left sidebar.

4. Click the Change settings that are currently unavailable link.

5. Select Yes when the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears.

6. Uncheck the Turn on fast startup (recommended) option.

7. Click the Save changes button to apply the changes.

Restart your PC after this and check if the issue is still there.

3. Reset your power plan

If disabling Fast Startup doesn't work, there may be a problem with your current power plan settings. In that case, you can reset your power plan on Windows to default settings and start from scratch. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Use one of the many ways to run Command Prompt with admin rights.

2. Type the following command into the console and press Enter.

powercfg -restoredefaultschemes

After completing the above steps, try to use Hibernate mode again.

4. Try Basic Fixes to Solve Hibernate Problems on Windows

If the above fixes don't work, you can try some general Windows fixes to solve problems with Hibernate mode.

• Scan for Malware: The presence of malware can lead to many system problems, including the one discussed here. To rule out this possibility, you can try using Microsoft Defender's offline scanning feature to find and remove malware.
• Update drivers: Outdated or incompatible device drivers can also prevent Hibernate from working properly on Windows. Therefore, you should replace outdated Windows drivers with Device Manager and see if that helps.
• Install Windows updates: Keeping your Windows PC up to date allows you to benefit from the latest fixes and improvements. If the problem with Hibernate mode is due to an operating system error, installing Windows updates will help.

Hibernate your Windows PC without problems

Hibernation your Windows PC can be useful if you don't use it for a long period of time. With luck, one of the tips above should help fix the potential problem and get hibernation working again.

While leaving your PC in hibernation is a great way to save power, there are other options for saving power. For example, you can put your Windows computer to sleep or use the "hybrid sleep" feature as an alternative method to save power.