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Wqro's avatar
Wqro
Tin Contributor
Oct 14, 2026

Hibernate Not Working Properly, How to fix?

My computer's hibernate feature isn't working properly, and it either fails to wake up or shuts down instead of saving my session. I've tried adjusting the power settings, but nothing helps, so I need advice on how to fix this issue.

2 Replies

  • KapilArya's avatar
    KapilArya
    MVP
    Oct 15, 2026

    Try restoring default power schemes, see if that helps.

    Run following command in admin Command Prompt:

    powercfg -restoredefaultschemes

    If issue still persists, you can refer other suggestions in this fix (works with Windows 10):

    https://www.kapilarya.com/fix-hibernate-not-working-in-windows-11

    Let us know if this helps!

    Note: Included link in this reply refers to blog post by a trusted Microsoft MVP.

  • NathanReed's avatar
    NathanReed
    Brass Contributor
    Oct 15, 2026

    Hibernate normally powers the computer off, so needing to press the power button to resume can be normal. The real test is whether your open apps return afterward.

    If they don’t, try rebuilding the hibernation file. Save your work first, then open Command Prompt as administrator and run these commands one at a time:

    powercfg /hibernate off
    powercfg /hibernate on
    powercfg /hibernate /type full

    Restart Windows, open a simple app such as Notepad, and test Hibernate again. This recreates the file Windows uses to save the session and ensures full hibernation is enabled.

    If it still fails, check your PC manufacturer’s graphics and chipset drivers, particularly if the problem began after an update. Also note what “won’t wake” means: no power response, a black screen with fans running, or a normal Windows startup with the session missing. Those point to different causes, so avoid repeatedly forcing the power off before checking which one is happening.