Hibernate Vs Sleep On Windows: Which Are The Differences?

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?

Sleep Mode

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 should shut 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Does hibernate damage the hard disk?

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.

How can I tell if Windows 10 is hibernating?

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.

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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.

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Recommended power and sleep settings Windows 10

Sleep

1. Click on Start.
2. Go to Settings > System > Power & Sleep.
3. Open Additional Power Settings.
   For laptops & PC – select Choose what the power button does, select Sleep and then click Save changes.
   For laptop only – select Choose what closing the lid does. Next, select Sleep, click on Save changes.
4. Pressing the power button or closing the lid will put your PC in sleep mode.

Hibernate

1. Click on Start and select Settings.
2. Go to Power & Sleep > Additional power settings.
3. Select Choose what the power button does.
4. Select Change settings that are currently unavailable.
5. Under Shutdown setting, select Hibernate.
6. Click Save changes.
7. To hibernate the PC, click Start > Power > Hibernate.

If the Hibernate option is not available under Additional power settings, do the following.

1. Press the Windows key, and type cmd.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following and hit enter:
   powercfg.exe/hibernate on.
4. Go to Additional power settings to see if the Hibernate option is available now.

Change the power plan

1. Press the Windows key, and type sleep.
2. Open Power and Sleep settings.
3. Select Additional power settings.
4. In the Power Options window, you have three options:
   Power saver – In this mode, Windows will save power by reducing the performance and brightness.
   Balanced mode – For balanced performance and battery backup.
   Performance mode – Recommended when you are using the laptop plugged in.

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How to turn off sleep and hibernate mode in Windows 10

Turn off Sleep

1. Click on Setting.
2. Go to System > Power & Sleep.
3. Scroll down to Sleep.
4. Click the drop-down menu for both ‘On battery’ & ‘When plugged in’.
5. Select Never.

Disable Hibernate / Sleep

1. Click on Start > Settings > System.
2. Open Power and Sleep.
3. Click on Additional Power Settings.
4. Under Power and sleep button and lid setting, click the drop-down menu for ‘On battery’ and ‘Plugged in’.
5. Select Do Nothing.
6. Click Save changes.

Disable Sleep/Hibernate from shutdown settings

1. Open Additional power settings.
2. Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.
3. Under Shutdown settings, uncheck Sleep and Hibernate
4. Click Save changes.
5. This will remove both the Sleep and Hibernate option from your power menu.

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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 to disable 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.