Delete hiberfil.sys by disabling Windows Hibernate function

Hiberfil.sys can use several GB of hard disk space. Delete the file, and it will likely return.

The only surefire method of disabling Hibernate, and thus removing hiberfil.sys, on Windows Vista and Windows 7, is through the command prompt and the following steps:

1. Open a command prompt with administrative privileges.
2. Enter "powercfg.exe -h off" (see Figure D).
3. Exit the command prompt.

As soon as you clear the check box or execute the above powercfg.exe command, Windows should delete hiberfil.sys. If not, you can manually delete it.

Re-enabling Windows Hibernate

To turn the Hibernate function back on, simply recheck the Enable Hibernation setting under Power Option Properties or enter "powercfg.exe -h on" at a command prompt with administrative privileges.