12GB of your computer's storage is being stolen by a hidden file in Windows. Here's how to remove it.
Storage space appears to be decreasing on many Windows computers. A hard drive filling up without the user's knowledge is frequently caused by hidden files and unused system features. This phenomenon is caused by a little-known default function called hibernation mode, which can covertly use up to 12 gigabytes of storage.
The hiberfil.sys file, which the system automatically creates in the root of the C drive, is the specific cause of this hidden consumption. Its function is to store the complete state of the computer—open applications, running processes, and settings—when the user shuts down the computer in hibernation mode.
This mechanism allows you to resume everything from where it left off when you restarted your computer. However, this feature comes at a price: the file can be several gigabytes in size and remain hidden even when manually scanning the disk. To reveal it, you must access File Explorer and disable the option to hide protected system files. Only then will this "hidden file" appear.
The same file is also associated with the Fast Startup feature, which speeds up system startup time by preloading essential programs and drivers. This means that even if the user doesn't intentionally use hibernation mode, the system will retain this space.
The hiberfil.sys file cannot be easily deleted manually. It is protected by the system, so the only effective way to disable it is via the command prompt (cmd). Simply run CMD as administrator.
Then run the following command:
powercfg /hibernate off
Doing this immediately disables hibernation mode and the file disappears, automatically freeing up the occupied space.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantage is clear: recovering up to 12GB of storage space in seconds. This is especially useful for computers with small hard drives, such as 256GB drives, where every gigabyte counts. Furthermore, a complete shutdown reduces continuous resource usage and can minimize system errors.
However, there are some drawbacks. The most notable is the loss of the fast boot feature, which means a slight increase in startup time. On computers with solid-state drives (SSDs), the difference is minimal; on traditional hard drives, it can be more noticeable. The option to put the device into sleep mode is also missing from the shutdown menu, and in the case of laptops, the risk of data loss increases if the battery dies completely, as the system will not automatically save the operating state.