How to Fix Missing Hibernate Option in Windows 11 Start Menu and Control Panel

If you've recently upgraded to Windows 11 and noticed that the Hibernate option is missing from your Start menu or Power Options in the Control Panel, you're not alone. While it may seem like Microsoft removed the feature, hibernation is still available—you just need to re-enable it manually.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to restore the Hibernate option in Windows 11 using a simple command and a few settings tweaks.

What Is Hibernate Mode?

Hibernate mode saves your current session to your hard drive and powers down your PC, allowing you to resume exactly where you left off—without using any power. It’s especially useful for laptops when you want to conserve battery without closing your apps or documents.

Why the Hibernate Option Might Be Missing

Windows 11 doesn’t show the Hibernate option by default on some systems, and sometimes the option may have disappeared, and when you try to add it again you don't see it in the Control Panel / Power Options menu. This can happen due to:

• A clean install or upgrade

• Power settings being reset

• System configurations that disable hibernation

How to Enable Hibernate in Windows 11

Follow these steps to bring back the Hibernate option. Option 1 is the easiest and only way to add Hibernate, in case it's missing from the Power Options Control Panel.

1. Enable Hibernate via Command Prompt

   1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator

      1. Click the Start button, type cmd, then right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

   2. Run the Hibernate Command

      1. Type the following command and press Enter:

         powercfg /hibernate on

   3. This command reactivates the hibernation feature at the system level.

   
   

2. Add Hibernate to Power Options

   Once hibernation is enabled, you may still need to make it visible in your power menu:

   1. Open Control Panel

      1. Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options.

   2. Edit Power Plan Settings

      1. Click Change plan settings next to your selected power plan.

   3. Access Advanced Power Settings

      1. Click Change advanced power settings.

   4. Enable Hibernate Option

      1. In the new window, expand Sleep > Hibernate after.

      2. Set a time (e.g., 30 minutes) or ensure it’s not set to Never.

   5. Add Hibernate to the Power Menu

      1. Go back to Power Options, then click Choose what the power buttons do.

      2. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.

      3. Under Shutdown settings, check the box for Hibernate.

      4. Click Save changes.

Final Thoughts

The Hibernate option is a powerful tool for saving energy and resuming work quickly. If it’s missing from your Windows 11 system, don’t worry—it’s easy to restore with just a few steps.

By following this guide, you’ll have Hibernate back in your Start menu and Control Panel in no time.