hiberfil.sys how to downsize it? It takes up 17.92GB

Max Pen · 25 Dec 2014

Before you say that is alot it used to be less, 8 GB I think.

That was before I added 2 more memory slots that add 16GB to the current 8GB RAM memory.

So I used the command:

POWERCFG -H -Size

in eleveted command prompt to downsize it to 75% of its current size and it said: (after some 5 min of complete pc freeze)

The hiberfile size has been set to: 19246460928 bytes.

But when I go look it is still the same size!

So how does this work? Should I delete the file and turn hibernate on and off again?

Is there any other way other then disabling hibernate to decrease its size?

Some program made for this or so?

ps: I may not be able to reply in the coming days, as I leave for a trip to Paris tomorrow.

DavidE · 25 Dec 2014

in eleveted command prompt to downsize it to 75% of its current size

The command sets the file size based on the amount of RAM installed.
If you have 24 GB RAM, 75% = 18 GB

You could set it 50% and check the file size to make sure the command is working.
Here is a tutorial by Brink:
Hibernate - Change Size of hiberfil.sys File

Ztruker · 26 Dec 2014

Maybe don't use Hibernate, disable it.

LMiller7 · 26 Dec 2014

Hibernation involves saving the contents of RAM to hiberfil.sys so operation can resume when coming out of hibernation. A larger RAM size of course requires a larger hiberfil.sys file. By default the size is 75% of RAM size but can be set as low as 50%. A size less than 75% is not recommended as it may result in hibernation failure. A hiberfil.sys file less than RAM size is possible only because compression is used. Even at 75% hibernation failure is possible and 100% is recommended for complete safety.

At 75% and 24 GB RAM the current size is about right.

The hiberfil.sys file must be in the root of the Windows volume. There is no provision for moving it.

If you wish to use hibernation that is the reality.