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How to fix corrupt hibernation files in Windows 10/11

6 min. read

Updated onMarch 19, 2024

updated onMarch 19, 2024

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Key notes

Windows 10comes with multiple power-conservation modes, including Hibernation,Sleep, or Hybrid modes.

The Hibernation mode is the best for users who don’t want to completely shut down the system but still prefer an enhanced power-preservation.

However, some of those, who like using the Hibernation mode, have encountered an error while exiting the mode and booting into Windows 10.

Namely, it seems that the corrupt hibernation file prevented the system from loading back from thestandby.

We made sure to inspect this and provide you with 6 possible solutions. If you’re stuck with thiserror, make sure to check them out.

How do I fix the corrupt hibernation file issues in Windows 10?

1. Force power off the PC

If you run into an issue during the boot with anerrorinforming you about the corrupt restoration data, just use a power button to power it off.

Whatever else you do, the only way to boot into Windows is to hard reset your PC. If you have a dedicated reset button, go with that.

On the other hand, if the problem occurred on a laptop, just press and hold the Power button for a couple of seconds until it shuts down.

After that, you should be able to boot in Windows 10 without any problems. However, this won’t fix the corruption so move onwards with the enlisted steps.

If Windows 10 failed to resume from hibernation, check out ourdetailed guideto fix it in no time.

2. Run SFC and DISM

This kind of system corruption requires the of built-in utilities. There are two similar tools that are run through the elevated Command Prompt.

The first tool is System File Checker, which is used to locate and fix the corruption of system files. Since this is the probable cause for the hibernation file corruption, we suggest running it.

In addition, theDeployment Image Servicing and Management toolis a more advanced utility that does the same, but it has a bigger scope.

They work best when running in succession, so that’s what you need to do. Follow the above steps to run SFC and DISM on Windows 10 and fix the hibernation corruption.

3. Check HDD

An HDD corruption of some kind is another possible culprit for theerrorat hand.

If yourHDD has corrupted sectors, it might affect the execution of the essential system processes. Including the restoration image.

The restoration image is basically a configuration save which allows your PC to boot faster after it’s been in the Hibernation mode.

Which means that, if it’s corrupted, you won’t be able to restore the last system functions.

With that said, we suggest either using a third-party tool to check forerrorsor relying on the built-in HDD checkup utility.

4. Update Windows

Upgrading from Windows 7/8 to Windows 10is a great concept, but it doesn’t always work as intended.

And, besides regular security patches and Windows Defender definitions, you can expect cumulative updates which address certain system bugs.

These might bring the solution for the issue at hand, and thus we suggest checking for updates manually.

If you’re still experiencing anerrorafter restoring from the Hibernation mode, move to the next step.

5. Disable Hibernation temporary and delete a certain file

Disabling the Hibernation mode and re-enabling it again might help, as well.

The hiberfil.sys file is the file where Windows writes the memory, and it’s used to boot from the Hibernation mode. It’s usually enormous, and it’s our prime suspect when it comes to corruption.

By disabling the Hibernation mode, this file gets deleted automatically, and you get two flies with one hit. You reset the Hibernation and relief your storage of a substantial space-consuming behemoth of a file.

Also, if you encounter an unexpected shutdown after hibernation in Windows 10, take a closer look at ourhelpful guideto fix it with ease.

6. Reset Windows 10 to factory settings

If the problem is persistent, the only remaining fix we can suggest is resetting Windows 10 to factory values.

Of course, avoiding Hibernation is also an option, as you can choose Sleep or Hybrid mode instead. But if you deem it necessary, resetting Windows 10 should help.

This is a greatrecovery optionwhich allows you to keep your files and settings while restoring the system.

It’s not as effective against the most persistent errors as a clean reinstall, but that’s the last resort.

Also, take a closer look at ourcomplete guide if your PC is not going to sleep on Windows 10, and find the quickest solutions.

And on that note, we can conclude this article. If you have any additional questions, suggestions, or remarks, feel free to share them with us and other readers in the comments section below.

How to fix corrupt hibernation files in Windows 10/11#

How do I fix the corrupt hibernation file issues in Windows 10?#

1. Force power off the PC#

2. Run SFC and DISM#

3. Check HDD#

4. Update Windows#

5. Disable Hibernation temporary and delete a certain file#

6. Reset Windows 10 to factory settings#