Hibernate is one of the standout features of the Windows operating system. The Hibernate feature is very similar to the popular Sleep mode but uses no power.
Although Hibernate is not turned on by default in Windows 11, it can be turned on in a few clicks by following the directions in our How to add Hibernate to the Windows 11 Start menu guide.
For a long time, the Control Panel allowed users to set a specific idle time, after which Windows entered sleep mode to save power. However, until Windows 23H2, the Windows 11 Settings app did not offer an option to set a specific idle time, after which the Windows PC entered Hibernate mode.
With Windows 11 24H2, Microsoft has introduced a new option in the Settings app. This option allows you to configure Windows 11 to enter hibernate mode after a specific time of inactivity. For instance, you can set Windows 11 to hibernate if your PC is idle for 10 minutes.
Here is how to configure Windows 11 to enter hibernate mode after a specific amount of idle time.
Method 1 of 2
Make Windows 11 hibernate after X minutes of inactivity
Step 1: Open the Windows 11 settings app using search or Windows logo + I hotkey.
Step 2: In the left pane of the Settings app, click System.
Step 3: On the right side, click Power & battery to see settings and options for power and battery.
Step 4: Here, click the Screen, sleep & hibernate timeouts to see the available options.
Step 5: Finally, select a pre-defined time from the drop-down menu next to the “Make my device hibernate after” option under both the “Plugged in” and “On battery” sections. That’s it!
From now onwards, Windows 11 will automatically hibernate when you do not use it for the specified time.
Method 2 of 2
Another way to force Windows 11 to enter hibernate after X minutes of inactivity
Step 1: Perform a right click on the battery icon on the taskbar and then click Power and sleep settings to open the Settings > System > Power & battery page.
Step 2: On this page, click Screen, sleep, & hibernate timeouts.
Step 3: Finally, select a time from the drop-down next to “Make my device hibernate after” present under both the “Plugged in” and “On battery” sections.
How do you wake up a Windows 11 PC from hibernation?
Unlike Sleep mode, you cannot turn on your Windows 11 PC by moving the mouse, touching the trackpad, or pressing a key on the keyboard. You will have to press the power button to turn on your PC.
Our 5 ways to shut down, restart, and Hibernate Windows 11 PC guide might also interest you.
Mark William Miller says
This doesn’t work – since “Make my device hibernate after” is not an option where you mention it – and I do have Hibernation turned on and have 24H2. Do I have to change a registry option to have this show up? (Why did Microsoft Windows 11 make this so difficult.)