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Hibernate Vs Sleep On Windows: Which Are The Differences?
Find out which is best to use in which situations
7 min. read
Updated onNovember 8, 2024
updated onNovember 8, 2024
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Windows by default offers multiple power conserving features to users that includes Sleep mode and Hibernate. Another option is shutdown, which completely shuts your computer, of course.
Sleep mode is the most common power-saving feature that you will come across in laptops. Most of the modern laptops are by default to set to go to sleep after a few minutes of inactivity.
Hibernation is similar to sleep mode but works differently to save more power. Both of these power-saving modes are effective and comes with their pros and cons.
In this article, we take a look at the difference between Hibernate and Sleep mode in Windows 10.
What is the difference between hibernate vs sleep mode?
SleepMode
When in Sleep mode, your computer uses very little power. In Sleep mode, Windows saves all the open files and programs in RAM and shut down all other hardware components for the time being.
Having all the files saved in the RAM allows Windows to restore the files and programs as soon as you wake your computer from sleep.
And if you’re asking if you shouldshut down your PC overnight, this guide will provide all the answers.
Hibernate Mode
While both Hibernate and Sleep modes appear similar at first glance, the Hibernate mode works differently and is used in different situations.
When in Hibernation, your computer completely shuts down, drawing no power. However, unlike Sleep mode, the computer saves all the open files and programs in a Hibernation File stored in your hard drive.
When you are ready to resume work, your computer will load the progress from the hard drive’s Hibernation file. This may take a few seconds or minutes more than waking up from Sleep mode as the files are stored in your hard drive.
In my testing, the computer could get back to work from Sleep mode in about 3 seconds with the lock screen on. However, hibernate mode resumed in over 8-10 seconds, that is, after saving the Hibernation file in a Samsung 970 Evo Plus NVMe SSD drive.
Is it better to shut down or sleep or hibernate Windows 10?
Sleep– In a situation where you just need a quick break from your work, sleep is the best option. This way, you can save power, but also resume work almost instantly since the file is stored in RAM.
On the flip side, Sleep still uses some battery power to power the RAM that stores the file.
Hibernate– Hibernate works best if you are taking an extended break from your work, but don’t want to deal with the hassle of restarting everything from scratch. This is also good if you want to conserve as much battery juice as possible when traveling.
That said, Hibernation is not an alternative to shutting down. You must shut down your computer occasionally to keep the performance issues at bay.
Shutdown– It is wise to shut down your computer completely once in a while. Restarting your system usually cleans the RAM, helps resolve any performance issue that may occur due to cluttered memory and CPU with background apps and processes.
Is leaving your PC on Sleep bad?
Leaving your PC on sleep mode has no bearing on your system’s overall health. However, some issues may occur due to leaving your PC on sleep mode for an extended period.
Since sleep mode consumes a little power to power the RAM, leaving the PC in sleep mode for an extended period is considered a waste of resources.
Restarting your PC after shutdown cleans out minor issues that may occur due to temporary glitches. Not shutting down your computer for a long time can impact system performance.
There’s also a risk of random power spikes and surges that can damage your computer in sleep mode or powered on when connected to the power outlet.
Is hibernate bad for SSD?
If you have heard someone saying, using Sleep mode or hibernate will damage your SSD, then it is not totally a myth. Although rare, first-gen SSDs were prone to power failures, and there was also a factor of faster wear and tear due to frequent writes to your SSD.
However, modern SSDs come with superior build and can withstand normal wear and tear for years. They are also less prone to power failures. So, it is fine to use hibernate even if you are using an SSD.
No. Compared to SSDs, HDDs are still popular for their durability. Putting your PC to sleep or hibernation will not damage your hard disk. Hard disk corruption usually happens due to abrupt shutdown.
When hibernating, your PC will look like it’s shut down. Unlike the sleep mode, hibernate will not have the power button LED light blinking. You cannot wake up the computer by pressing a key on your keyboard or mouse either.
However, pressing the power button will instantly bring up the lock screen without the boot screen. This is the only way to know if the PC is hibernating.
Is it safe to use hibernate all the time?
Yes. Hibernate compresses and stores a copy of your RAM image in your hard drive. When your wakeup the system, it simply restores the files to RAM.
Modern SSDs and hard disks are built to withstand minor wear and tear for years. Unless you are not hibernating 1000 times a day, it is safe to hibernate all the time.
That said, shutting down your computer once every few days is recommended as it helps in clearing your computer’s RAM and freeing up memory and processing power.
Recommended power and sleep settings Windows 10
Sleep
If the Hibernate option is not available under Additional power settings, do the following.
How to turn off sleep and hibernate mode in Windows 10
Hibernate and Sleep mode in Windows 10 are designed for specific purposes. Sleep option is excellent for saving power during a short break.
Now that you know how both work, you might want todisable hibernation on Windows 10, if you don’t plan to use it anymore.
Hibernate, on the other hand, makes sense if you know you won’t be using your computer for a while, but don’t want to open the apps and files when you work again manually.
More about the topics:windows 10,Windows 11
Tashreef Shareef
Tashreef Shareef is a software developer turned tech writer. He discovered his interest in technology after reading a tech magazine accidentally. Now he writes about everything tech from Windows to iOS and streaming services to IoT at WindowsReport.
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