What Happens When You Put Windows Computer in Sleep Mode

Putting your Windows computer in sleep mode is a neat way to conserve power when you’re not using it. Plus, you may resume your work straight away without having to wait for your PC to boot up. But do you know what happens when Windows enters sleep mode? Or what happens ifyour laptopruns out of battery during sleep mode? In this guide, we’ll try to answer all of those questions and explain what really happens when you put your Windows computer in sleep mode.

What Happens to Your Apps and Unsaved Work

When Windows enters sleep mode, it saves all your apps and unsaved documents on your PC’s RAM. So, when you wake your PC from sleep, it can bring up all your apps, programs, and other unsaved documents in no time.

What Happens if Your Laptop Runs Out of Battery During Sleep Mode

In the event that your laptop or tablet is about to run out of battery, Windows will automatically save all your unsaved work to the hard drive and shut down the system. So, you won’t lose any of your work when you power it back on.

However, if you have a desktop PC, you might be better off using theHybrid Sleepoption. This mode allows Windows to save your work in memory as well as your hard drive. So, if there’s a sudden power failure, you won’t lose your unsaved work.

Laptop Not Connected to Power Source

To enable hybrid sleep on Windows, you’ll need to configure your PC’s power plan by following the steps below.

1.Press theWindows key + Sto open the search menu, type inedit power plan,and pressEnter.

Edit Power Plan on Windows 11

2.Next, click onChange advanced power settings.

3.Navigate toSleep>Allow hybrid sleep. Then, use the drop-down menus next toOn batteryandPlugged into selectOn. Then, click onApply.

How Does Sleep Mode Save Battery

During sleep mode, only your PC’s RAM requires power to stay functional. Since other elements such as the screen, processor, and hard drive are turned off, your PC requires very little power to operate.

When Should You Use Sleep Mode

Sleep mode can come in handy if you’re planning to leave your Windows PC for a short period of time. For instance, if you’re taking a break and plan to return to work in a few hours, you should put your PC to sleep rather than shutting it down.

By putting your computer to sleep, you allow components like the screen, battery, and hard drive to catch a break. Since these components have a limited life cycle, using sleep mode helps increase their lifespan.

Change Advanced Power Settings on Windows 11

When Should You Not Use Sleep Mode

Although sleep mode has its benefits, in some cases, it does make sense to shut down your PC completely. For instance, if you’re not going to use your PC for a few days or if you only use it for an hour or two daily, it’s best to shut down your PC or hibernate it.

3 Quick Ways to Put Your Windows PC to Sleep

Here are some quick and easy ways to put your Windows PC to sleep.

Probably the easiest way to put Windows to sleep is via the WinX menu. To do so, right-click on theStarticon, go toShut down or sign outand selectSleep.

2. Use Keyboard Shortcut

If your Windows PC has a dedicatedsleep button(crescent moon or a Zz icon), you may enable sleep mode by pressing that button in conjunction with the function key on your keyboard.

3. Use the Power Button or Close the Lid

Lastly, you can also configure your Windows to enter sleep mode when you close the lid or press the power button. To do so, press theWindows Key + Sto open the search menu, typechange what closing the lid does, and pressEnter.

In theSystem Settingswindow, use the drop-down menu next toWhen I press the power buttonto selectSleepfor both On battery and Plugged in. Then, click onSave changes. Similarly, you may also configure Windows to enter sleep mode when you close the lid.

Enable Hybrid Sleep on Windows 11

You can wake your PC from sleep simply by moving your mouse, pressing the power button, or opening the lid.

Good Sleep, Healthy Aging

Using sleep mode is quite beneficial and has no adverse effects. In fact, you should consider putting your PC to sleep instead of shutting it down completely if you plan on using it in the next few hours. This way, you can avoid wear and tear caused by frequent shutdowns and startups.

Pankil Shah

Pankil is a Civil Engineer by profession who started his journey as a writer back in 2016. He joined TechWiser in March 2021 as a freelance writer to cover buying guides, explainers, and tips & tricks for Android, iOS, Windows, and Web.

What Happens When You Put Windows Computer in Sleep Mode