It’s not always best practice to completely shut down a Windows computer after using it.
Depending on how frequently the user uses the computer, users can choose between three Windows: “Hibernate” (hibernation), “Sleep” (sleep), and “Shutdown” (full shutdown).
What is the difference between Hibernate and Sleep?
Hibernate and Sleep modes essentially put the computer into a “sleep” state, which will keep all tasks and states intact when the user opens the computer again. Hibernate mode is similar to a polar bear hibernating, whereas Sleep mode is like a computer’s equivalent of a nap.
A brief explanation of the concept is that Sleep will put the computer into a “temporary sleep” state. All states will still be stored in RAM and have current flowing inside the device, though the power is very low).
Meanwhile, Hibernate will save all temporary data to the HDD/SSD and then disconnect the power.
Shutdown should be used when?
After completing all of your tasks and deciding that you won’t be using the computer for a while (a few days to a few weeks), you should put it into shutdown mode. Additionally, HowToGeek advises users to completely unplug the power cord from the outlet after shutting down their computers to prevent unanticipated electrical issues.
However, in the event that the PC has issues, Shutdown mode is also a useful technique. Many times, users only need to shut down their computer, wait a few seconds, and then turn it on to get Windows to stop an error or restart the driver, application help, or fix errors
How should Hibernate and Sleep be used?
Use Sleep if you frequently use the computer, need to quickly open the computer to continue unfinished work, or if the time between sessions is short (such as when traveling from home to school or work). Or when to take a break, grab a bite to eat, and then return to work, for instance).
Use Hibernate if you plan to be away from your computer for several hours or days. Take a weekend off, for instance, or temporarily miss a few days of work to go on vacation.
How to handle when Sleep/Hibernate cannot be found
The absence of the Sleep and Hibernate options in Windows’ Power menus can be attributed to a number of factors.
Sleep and other power-saving modes have been disabled in the BIOS: access key BIOS. Each company will have a different BIOS access key, for example, Dell is usually the F12 key, Sony is the F2 key, HP is usually F10, while Lenovo is usually F1 or F2…
If there is only Sleep without Hibernate: it is highly likely that your computer has support and has activated the Hybrid Sleep mode (a combination of Hibernate and Sleep).
Check-in Windows Control Panel: go to Control Panel > Power Options > Change Plan Settings, click “Change advanced power settings”, select “Change settings that are currently unavailable” line in the new window, then you can add options Sleep and Hibernate.
