How to configure sleep mode. Why doesn't my computer want to sleep? How to set or disable automatic sleep mode in Settings
Most users, over the years of working on a PC (personal computer), have probably never used “standby mode” or “hibernation mode” or other power plans. What is it - let's figure it out.
Sleep mode
"Sleep mode" your electronic pet is a special mode of super low consumption electrical energy on a computer or laptop. Let's define not only this mode, but also each of the existing ones.
During computer operation, certain types of files, services, and, in general, all kinds of information are periodically loaded into the RAM. And if you decide to take a little rest during your work and switch your computer to standby mode- the so-called "sleep mode", then the system does not turn off your computer completely, completing all work, but only temporarily turns off the power from operating computer components that consume additional electricity (for example, hard drive(hard drive), video adapter, except RAM ( RAM) and, having stopped work, goes to "dream".
This mode does not disconnect power from the RAM, because it is, as it were, volatile, and the RAM itself is already loaded with the working system, all important and necessary programs, as well as services. It turns out that the RAM is simply located in normal condition "standby mode". If you forcibly disconnect the power supply from it, then the working information stored in the RAM will be lost without a trace.
Hibernation Mode
Hibernation(from the English hibernation, which means “hibernation”).
IN Russian version In Windows XP operating systems, such a function as hibernation is called in the old fashioned way "Sleep mode". Since later Windows Vista, this mode got the name "Hibernation". In addition, Windows Vista, as a consequence, introduced an additional detailed function with the wording "hybrid sleep mode", as a result of which the contents of the random access storage device (or RAM for short) are copied to the disk, but the computer’s power supply is not turned off. More on this later.
Hibernation mode. Now, when you tried to put the computer into the above-mentioned hibernation mode, be sure that all, absolutely all the “information” that is crammed into the RAM is now copied to a file located on the hard drive, and as a result the computer turns off completely.
This is the main difference when using Hibernate mode before Sleep mode
, which only partially shuts down your computer. When the computer turns on, all the “information” located in it from the hard drive is rewritten into its RAM, and the entire system is also reversed to its previous state, as if to the starting point before activating the hibernation mode. In addition, this mode is mainly suitable for laptops.
When the laptop is not directly connected to the mains and there is very little charge left battery, it automatically goes into hibernation mode. Subsequently, after connecting it to the network, the previously interrupted user session will definitely be restored, i.e. absolutely no information will ever be lost.
When the shutdown happens completely suddenly, the RAM will be cleared and practically all the documentation, which, unfortunately, you did not manage to save anywhere, will be irretrievably lost.
Hybrid sleep mode
Let's also look at another interesting mode: - "Hybrid sleep". Usually this object combines two types: sleep mode and almost identical hibernation mode. Combining both modes, its operation is somewhat different from its previous “comrades”, but this is noticeable mainly to confident users. For beginners, the difference is almost imperceptible.
While the computer is running, all necessary information fills the RAM, the contents of which, when switched to activated hybrid sleep mode copied to specific file located on the hard drive, and the entire system is plunged into sleep mode.
Now, if at the moment when your computer is in sleep mode and the sudden shutdown electricity, which means the memory is cleared, then the information from hard drive, accordingly, will be automatically transferred to RAM and it will be possible to resume work again, but without losing important and not entirely important information.
Setting modes
The time has come to determine the settings, as well as where to find them and where to see the location of the modes for their further activation. To do this you need to activate the menu "Start", find the button designation "Shutdown" and activate by pressing left button mice ( V
Windows 7
go to additional menu
). The mode designations will appear immediately:- "Dream" And "Hibernation". In some cases, only one mode may be indicated - this is "Dream". But essentially it performs the function hybrid sleep mode
.
At initial installation operating system, the wizard determines the location of the OS (operating system), and by default configures, usually or hybrid sleep mode, if this concerns only desktop computer, or hibernation and sleep mode, if this applies to a laptop.
When setting up these modes, follow the sequence of tasks: - Start
– Control Panel
, then - Power supply
– selection point "Setting up a power plan"
and for this plan we select and denote – Change advanced power settings
, select – Dream
– Enable hybrid sleep mode
.
Depending on versionWindows
The names of the sections may differ slightly, but the essence is the same. Now you need to turn off the hybrid mode in this window and watch the appearance in the menu "Start" two modes - "Dream" And hibernation mode. Allowing hybrid sleeper As a result, you only observe the “Sleep” mode and, by activating it, you will force your “computer” to go into "Dream", and not in a state hybrid sleep.
Publication date: 31.10.2015 G.
© The article is the property of . With full or partial use of materials active link is required
Enabling sleep mode allows you to save energy when your PC is idle. Especially this function relevant on laptops that are powered by a built-in battery. By default, this feature is enabled on devices running Windows control 7. But it can be disabled manually. Let's find out what a user should do if he decides to reactivate the sleep state in Windows 7.
Windows 7 uses hybrid sleep mode. It lies in the fact that when the computer is idle for a certain time without performing any actions on it, it is transferred to a locked state. All processes in it are frozen, and the level of electricity consumption is significantly reduced, although complete shutdown PC, as in the hibernation state, does not occur. At the same time, in case of an unexpected power failure, the system state is saved in the hiberfil.sys file in the same way as during hibernation. This is the hybridity of the regime.
There are several options for activating the sleep state if it is disabled.
Method 1: Start Menu
The most famous way among users to enable sleep mode is through the menu "Start".
Also in the same window you can enable the sleep state by simply restoring the defaults if the current power plan is "Balanced" or "Saving energy".
The fact is that in power plans "Balanced" And "Saving energy" By default, enable sleep state is enabled. The only difference is the period of inactivity after which the PC will go into sleep mode:
- Balanced – 30 minutes;
- Energy savings – 15 minutes.
But for the plan high performance It will not be possible to enable sleep mode in this way, since it is disabled by default in this plan.
Method 2: Run tool
You can also activate sleep mode by going to the power plan settings window by entering the command in the window "Run".
For the plan "Balanced" or "Saving energy" To activate sleep mode, you can also click on the inscription "Restore plan to default settings".
Method 3: Making changes to advanced settings
You can also activate sleep mode by changing additional parameters in the current power plan settings window.
Method 4: Immediately go to sleep mode
There is also an option that will allow you to immediately put your PC to sleep, regardless of what settings you have made in your power options.
As you can see, most of the ways to set sleep mode in Windows 7 involve changing the power settings. But, in addition, there is also the option of immediately switching to the specified mode through the button "Start", bypassing these settings.
In the morning and evening, many of us are accustomed to turning on and off the computer. This takes a lot of time. However, we do not turn off mobile phone, when we talk about it, we simply put it into standby mode, turning off the display, and, if necessary, instantly restore its operation with one button. You can do the same with your computer, by refusing to turn it on and off every day.
Instead of turning off the power, you can simply put your computer into sleep or hibernation mode, which will significantly reduce the time it wakes up, which you spend waiting and launching applications every day. When using sleep operating system Saves the system state in memory and enters a low-power mode. Hibernation saves the system state to disk and shuts down the computer completely. Returning the system to working condition at the same time it is done quite quickly. There is also a hybrid mode, in which the system state is saved to disk, and the computer goes into a low-power mode.
1. What are the advantages?
No need to wait
At complete shutdown and turning on the computer takes longer than when entering and recovering from sleep/hibernation mode. For example, turning on the computer can take from 1 to 10-15 minutes (depending on the number of programs in startup and the speed of your computer). When restoring your computer from sleep mode, it only takes 5 to 20 seconds!
No need to close working programs
When using sleep/hibernation mode, there is no need to close working programs, because when restored, all your applications will work and be in exactly the same state in which you left them when you switched to sleep/hibernation mode.
At simple shutdown You will need to close all programs and then open them again when you turn them on, which also takes time and effort.
Process automation
When using sleep mode, you can partly automatic processes reschedule for the night. For example, you can use the task scheduler to assign a creation time backup copies, disk defragmentation and a number of other important operations that take quite a lot of time. Thus, you will not spend a second of your time waiting for the completion of such operations, because they will be performed while you are resting.
This automation is possible if the “Allow wake timers” option is enabled in the power settings. It may also be useful for automatic processes to set a sleep timer. This can be done in the same settings window by specifying the desired value for the “Sleep after” item.
2. How to activate sleep mode and hibernation?
For laptop
In the case of a laptop, the optimal solution would be to use the sleep mode, which turns on when the laptop lid is closed. The laptop is equipped with a battery, and its consumption is very low. Because when frequent use this will be most convenient. At the same time, you will receive almost instant system recovery after opening the laptop lid, which will allow you to immediately get to work.
In the event that you are planning to long time If you stop working with your laptop, you can put it into hibernation mode, and then it will not consume any energy at all.
If the laptop's battery charge is critical and it is in sleep mode, the system will automatically put it into hibernation mode and completely turn off the power.
Your data will not be affected. After turning on, everything will be restored in the form in which you last left the computer.
To activate sleep mode when closing the laptop lid, go to “Control Panel” - “Power Options” and in the right side panel, select “Actions when closing the lid” and select the desired value.
3. For desktop computer
For a desktop computer that does not have a battery, you can also use sleep mode, but in this case you will have to keep it constantly connected to the network. You can also use hibernation or hybrid mode.
When using hybrid mode The computer will be restored very quickly, and you will be able to start working almost immediately after pressing the power button (or you can configure the computer to turn on when you press any key on the keyboard or mouse, which is also convenient). If there is a power outage during hybrid mode, the computer's power will turn off, but system status data will remain on the disk even when next switch on everything will be restored.
To activate sleep mode when you press the power button on system unit, go to “Control Panel” - “Power Options” and in the right side panel, select “Actions of the power buttons” and select the desired value.
To activate hybrid sleep mode, open Control Panel - Power Options. Near the active item, click on the “Set up power plan” link. Then select the "Change advanced power settings" link. In the tree window that appears, select “Sleep” and in it the “Allow hybrid sleep mode” item. After saving your changes, Hybrid mode will be automatically activated when sleep mode is activated.
Users of the most recent Windows editions(versions 7 and 8) are also equipped with a combined hybrid sleep mode. Let's take a look at all three options.
Sleep mode
Characterized by lower energy consumption compared to normal mode computer operation. Some computer components turn off, for example, the hard drive, and some begin to consume less electricity. All running applications remain in the computer's RAM, continue their work, but are in a standby state. Resuming from sleep mode is almost instantaneous, leaving you with a computer ready to go in seconds.
Hibernation Mode
Was designed preferably for use on laptops that require battery life and ability to quick use if necessary. When hibernation mode is enabled, all running applications from RAM are saved in separate file to the computer's hard drive, and the computer itself turns off. Resuming is slower than resuming from hibernation, but faster than normal Windows boot. And yes, the system is restored to initial state, preceding the activation of hibernation mode. That is, all running applications and windows will be restored.
Hybrid sleep mode
It will be useful mainly for desktop systems and unreliable power grids. Combines the benefits of sleep mode and hibernation mode. Active applications are stored both in RAM and on the hard drive. The electric meter reduces its speed. Wake up in correct form The computer will be able to even if there are problems with the power supply.
Conclusion
When leaving the computer for a few minutes or for lunch, it is better to use sleep mode. You will save some energy, and when you return, you will be able to get to work very quickly. Using hibernation mode is important for laptop computers. It is better to use it during long breaks from working with the computer, but at the same time, wanting to get a working system in a sufficiently long time. short terms. When you use Hybrid Sleep mode, you can be sure that a low laptop battery or a sudden power loss won't result in the loss of unsaved data.
Any computer session, during which several programs can be launched simultaneously and many files open, must end at some point. At the moment of its resumption, it is not entirely convenient to open all the same windows, but users who know what is sleep mode and actively use it, successfully avoiding such inconveniences. How? Everything is quite simple.
Sleep mode - what is it?
The low power consumption mode, which the machine can enter automatically or at the operator's command, is called sleep mode. Although all previously running processes in the system are stopped, the computer does not stop working completely; it is in standby mode. When transition to sleep occurs Windows mode , all data about the state of the previous session is stored in the device’s RAM. By turning on the PC again, the user can start working with all previously open files and programs in just a few seconds. Why is this so? Because there is no need to boot the computer from scratch.
If the machine is running Windows 7 or 8, XP or Vista, there is also the option of hybrid. They are different from the sleeper. What's the difference? If the PC is in sleep mode, data about the state of the previous session is stored in RAM; if it is hibernating, such information is temporarily stored on the hard drive in the file hiberfil.sys. This file is created automatically by the system and is located in the root folder of the partition on which the OS is installed. When using hybrid mode, data is saved both in RAM and on the hard drive.
How to put your PC into low power mode
If the user wishes to manually enter Windows sleep mode, he must do the following:
Using the functionality of the system, it can be configured so that the computer will switch to a state of reduced energy consumption automatically after a specified period of time. To do this you just need to know how to set up sleep mode in windows via the control panel. Everything is simple here too. In the first step, enter the control panel and select “System and Security”.
In the “Power Options” section we find a link, after clicking on it, we proceed to selecting a time interval. 
In the next step, everything is intuitively clear, how to configure Windows sleep mode as the user wishes (after how many hours or minutes the PC should go to “sleep” automatically): select a value from the drop-down list. Upon completion of these steps, save the changes.
You can also configure additional mode parameters. To do this:
- Select “Power Options” in the control panel;
- Select the power plan that you want to configure, click on “settings”;
- Click on the plus sign next to “Sleep”, set the required parameters, and save the changes.
If Sleep is not available
Complete all specified actions This won't be a problem if sleep mode is enabled by default. Unfortunately, things could turn out differently. Example: there is an item in the menu, but it is not available. Here it is necessary to find out the reasons for the current situation. How to do this? It's simple:
- Click right click to “Start”;
- In the search field enter cmd;
- On the command line we write powercfg /a;
- Press the Enter key.
In the window that appears we read system message, perform the required actions.
Shutdown
It will not be superfluous to know not only the activation method, but also how to disable Windows sleep mode. This is done using the command line:
Now, if the user hovers the cursor over the arrow next to “Shutdown”, he will not see the “Sleep” item. 
How to disable Windows sleep mode using the same method using command line, you can turn it on. To do this, instead of the command powercfg /h off, enter powercfg /h on.
As you can see, there is nothing complicated about enabling or disabling Windows sleep mode. There is also nothing complicated in setting it up and changing additional parameters. If you have any questions about this topic, you can write about it in the comments below.
