How to activate hibernation mode in Windows 7 and 8

For some inexplicable reason, most versions of Windows 7 and 8 don't allow you to put your PC or Laptop into hibernation mode by default. However, what isn't yet may well still be: Here's how you can (re)activate this handy feature
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In most cases, the main culprit for the lack of a hibernate button in the power menu is revealed to be the so-called hybrid sleep mode – an enhanced version of the normal sleep mode that combines all its normal characteristics with an additional routine that copies the content of the RAM onto the hard drive to safeguard it from power-outages. As long as this mode is active, Windows seems to consider the hibernation mode redundant in spite of its energy-saving benefits, so that it doesn't even bother offering the option for it.

To deactivate the hybrid sleep mode, 

1. open up your control panel and 

2. navigate along the path "Power options >  Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings > Sleep > Allow hybrid sleep". 

3. Change the setting from "On" to "Off", close the windows by clicking on OK and you should be all set. 

4. Make sure to check your shutdown menu to see whether or not an option for hibernation mode is now available.

If not, you might have to enable the corresponding system entry for hibernation mode manually. Fortunately, this doesn't pose much of a problem: 

1. Hold down the Windows-key + R and type in "cmd" to bring up the command prompt. 

2. Enter "powercfg –h on" to force Windows to activate it.