2024-07-31 14:24:24
Computers, especially notebooks, are usually equipped with two functions that help you save energy: hibernation and standby mode. Here you will learn how the two functions differ and how you can activate them in Windows.
In Windows 7 and Windows 10, there are two functions for saving energy: firstly, the so-called “hibernation mode” and, secondly, the “energy saving” mode, which evolved from the standby function of Windows XP.
According to Microsoft, when you put your PC into sleep mode, it shuts down and uses almost no energy. In sleep mode, however, the RAM continues to receive power, allowing the computer to wake up more quickly. All unnecessary components, such as the hard drive, graphics card and storage, are turned off.
Hibernation mode takes an average of 25 seconds for the computer to wake up and you can continue working. Standby or energy saving mode takes just 5 seconds. This makes hibernation mode ideal for longer breaks, while energy saving mode is more suitable for short breaks. If you use standby mode and end up away from your workstation for longer than expected, remember that you still need to turn the computer off.
According to Microsoft, users do not need to worry about data loss: When the battery is empty, Windows 10 shuts down automatically – but not without first saving all data.
The difference between hibernation and shutting down the computer completely is that hibernation essentially freezes the computer. This means that the contents of the RAM are saved on the hard drive. When you start the PC again, you can continue working from the same point. This makes hibernation particularly useful if you have a lot of programs open at the same time.
Some PCs have a power button that you can use to put the PC into sleep mode or energy saving mode (this can be set in the control panel under “Energy Saving Mode”). Some PCs also put the computer into sleep mode by briefly pressing the power button. With laptops, closing the lid is enough.
The best way to find the energy saving mode is to enter the term in the Windows 10 search bar. We show detailed instructions on how to change the options in the slide show.
Note: This article was first published on January 25, 2017 and has been updated to reflect the current Windows 10 version.