On Windows 10, “Hibernate” is a power mode that works similar to the sleep mode, but it saves the state of your device into the hard drive, instead of keeping apps running on memory. Using hibernation, you can completely power off your computer, and later resume exactly where you left off.
The problem with Hibernate is that not always works as expected. For example, a number of users (including myself) have reported that when using the Hibernate option on Windows 10, the screen goes off, fans keep on working, and the LED lights stay on for a long time until the device eventually turns off. However, on return, the computer starts normally without any of the applications you left running.
Unfortunately, it’s an issue that can occur for a number of reasons, and while there’s not a specific set of instructions that fits every case, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot and fix problems with hibernation.
In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to resolve problems using the Hibernate option on Windows 10.
- How to fix hibernation using Power Troubleshooter
- How to fix hibernation using disabling Fast Startup
- How to fix hibernation using different power plan
How to fix hibernation using Power Troubleshooter
You can use the Power Troubleshooter to automatically resolve many common power problems, which also fix issues with the Hibernate option.
Open Settings.
Click on Update & Security.
Click on Troubleshoot.
Under “Troubleshoot,” select the Power option.
Click the Run the troubleshooter button.
Power troubleshoot settings
Continue with the on-screen directions to fix the hibernation problem.
Power troubleshooter
Once you’ve completed the steps, using the Hibernate option on Windows 10 again to see if it works.
How to fix hibernation using disabling Fast Startup
Using the Fast Startup option is usually the root of many power related problems on Windows 10. You can use the following steps to disable this option to see if it fixes your problem.
Open Control Panel.
Click on Hardware and Sound.
Click on Power Options.
On the left pane, click the Choose what the power buttons do link.
Power Options Control Panel
Click the Change settings that are currently unavailable link.
Under “Shutdown settings,” clear the Turn on fast startup option.
Disable Fast Startup on Windows 10
Click the Save Changes button.
After completing the steps, restart your computer, wait a few minutes, and then try to hibernate again.
How to fix hibernation using different power plan
You may be experiencing issues as a result of a problem with your current power plan configuration. If this is the case, you can do two things. You can reset the plan to its default settings or you can start with a new power plan.
Resetting power plan to default
Open Start.
Search for cmd, right-click the top result, and select Run as administrator.
Type the following command to reset your power plan and press Enter:
powercfg –restoredefaultschemes
PowerCFG command
Creating a new power plan
Alternatively, you can create and switch to a new power plan:
Open Control Panel.
Click on Hardware and Sound.
Click on Power Options.
On the left pane, click the Create a power plan link.
Power Options create new plan
Select the settings you want to use.
Type a name for the new plan.
Click the Next button.
Windows 10 new power plan configuration
Select the settings you want.
Click the Create button.
Once you’ve completed the steps, wait a few moments and try to use the hibernation mode on your Windows 10 device.
It’s worth noting that these are common troubleshooting steps to fix power-related problems. The issue could also be happening as a result of compatibility, corrupt files, or outdated graphics card driver or drivers for other peripherals connected to your device.
In addition to the instructions outlined above, you may want to make sure to install the latest video driver and disconnect any accessory (e.g., camera, phone, printer, external storage, and Bluetooth devices) to see if that fixes the problem with hibernation on Windows 10.