Shut down, hibernate or suspend PC? Know the differences

When using the computer, sometimes we have to take a break from what we are doing so we can go to lunch or solve another problem. Then, before leaving the screen, we can leave the PC in suspension, for example. But, it might be in to turn off, hibernate ou suspend Doubt hovers in your head about which is the best power configuration. To understand the best option for your device, depending on the situation, check out all the information below!

What is hibernate PC?

Not all computers have the mode hibernate. That's because it's made for computers that can use less power than in sleep mode. suspensão. But this mode doesn't let the PC come back very quickly. That is, it is one of the energy configurations that requires a more appropriate use. The reason for this is that hibernation turns off and the computer stores all data and work performed in a folder called Hibernation File (Hibernation File, in free translation), which is stored on the hard drive.

When to use sleep mode

This mode can be chosen in case you are away from the computer for a considerable amount of time (longer than a cup of coffee, for example) and if you have no way to charge the battery in that interval. Below, you can see a small step by step on how to activate this option on a notebook.

1. No Windows, click on the computer's energy settings, going to the “Start” button and then go to the “Control Panel”;

2. Click on “hardware and sounds” and see the section “Energy options";

3. Select the option to change the operation of the power buttons and see the settings that are not yet displayed at the time of shutdown (appears at the top of the window).

4. The option to hibernate appears in the shutdown options, and if available, just click on the hibernation option (in case your system has this power mode).

The advantage of choosing this mode is that all work done by the user goes to the hard disk, without draining the battery. The bad thing is that this mode leaves the reboot slower.

What is suspend PC?

The suspend option is equivalent, in a way, to leaving the PC “asleep” — hence it is called Sleep. That is, it is just resting and it starts again faster than in hibernation mode. Between the power settings, this is the one that saves what was produced and turns off the machine, in case the battery is running low. This mode is even great for its practicality: you can press any key and the machine returns with what was running before you suspended it.

When to use suspend mode

Lay off your machine is the ideal mode for when you're going to take a quick break, like going to eat a meal or moving around, while using your PC. However, be careful when choosing this mode if you have no way to charge your computer's battery, after all, the power consumption is higher than during hibernation.

To use this mode, you can go to the shutdown settings or, if using a laptop, simply close the screen. We leave a simple explanation on how to put your computer to sleep by accessing the power settings in the Windows. Start Click the “Start” button and then the shutdown button. The “Suspend” option appears among the power modes, in general:

If it is available, just click the button to leave it on Sleep. If not

1. Search for "Control panel"And click"Hardware";

2. Then, see the option of “Energy options";

3. See the settings that are not enabled and, at the top of the window, click on “Change settings currently unavailable” (the following image shows this option);

4. Lastly, just click on the box containing the option of “Suspension“. Click in "Save editions".

What is shutdown PC?

Hang up the PC, the best-known option, may seem straightforward, but it needs to be viewed with caution. Despite the name being very intuitive, showing that it disconnects the computer from power, this function has some important details. In addition to closing all open programs and files, it works to clean the RAM memory (which is why, when restarting, for example, the PC ends up processing some tasks more quickly).

When to use shutdown mode

Shut down your computer when everything is done, that is, if you don't plan to resume the same activities you were in before shutting down. It is worth remembering that the function of turning off clean the ram and when you turn it back on, you'll have to wait a little longer for your machine to start up again.

An important note about this power option is that the more files and applications that are on the computer, the slower the boot it will be. And the time increases more if the programs open automatically when your PC is turned on. Only choose this option if you don't need to use the PC for a long period of time, like when leaving home or when your shift ends, for example.

File Saving and Power Settings: How to decide between hibernate or suspend?

Nowadays, computers have very accessible functions when it comes to saving your work, even if there is a power outage. If you use a computer released in recent years and it happens to crash in the middle of some task, it is very likely that you will be able to turn off the machine and, when you start it again, you will have some content from the saved file. If you're editing a text, by the way, it's very likely that the program will recover all or at least some of what you've produced.

Even so, almost always programs already have warnings before closing, asking the user if they really want to close the window or tab in activity. Anyway, it's good that you pause (to rest, after all you need it from time to time) and save what you've already done, leaving the computer in sleep (if you come back soon) or in hibernation (if it takes a little longer) . In this way, you guarantee that part of your work is guaranteed. By following this rule, you are less reliant on power settings to take a break and you don't lose your work.

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Sources: Safety Devices | Microsoft support.

Text proofread by: iris xavier.