How To Change Sleep and Hibernation Settings in Windows 11
In this blog post, I’ll explain what it means for your computer to be “going to sleep” and why it’s different from “hibernation.” I will also discuss whether or not it’s actually beneficial to turn these settings on, even though Microsoft turned them on by default.
This blog post is part of my System Cleanup series. I aim to be as transparent as possible about my process during the work I'll do on your computer, either remotely or in my home office, as I cannot cover everything during the initial 15-minute Zoom or phone call.
Why is this blog post in my System Cleanup series?
Sleep and hibernation settings are enabled by default in Windows, and I've lost count of the number of times I have tried to connect remotely to a client's computer, but I cannot because the computer has gone to sleep or into hibernation mode due to inactivity beyond as little as 5 minutes.
Also, when I need to step away from the computer during the cleanup, we don't want sleep or hibernation to activate and kick me off your computer due to inactivity during that time.
I'll take care of these settings myself if I start work immediately after remotely connecting.
Would you like blog posts like this in the form of a book with various related blog posts (Windows 11, etc)? I am working on that! I am considering options such as crowdfunding via Unbound.com, or Amazon self-publishing.
Meanwhile, you can easily print this blog post by using Reader Mode, then saving and printing the whole post or part of it as a PDF. More details in this ComputerWorld article.
As per HowToGeek.com:
"Sleep mode is a power-saving state that is similar to pausing a DVD movie. All actions on the computer are stopped, any open documents and applications are put in memory while the computer goes into a low-power state. The computer technically stays on, but only uses a bit of power. You can quickly resume normal, full-power operation within a few seconds. Sleep mode is basically the same thing as “Standby” mode."
Sleep mode is useful if you want to stop working for a short period of time. The computer doesn’t use much power in Sleep mode, but it does use some."
Hibernation mode is like the Sleep mode. It suspends whatever is happening on your computer in an effort to save power. Again, this is ideal for laptops for situations where you can't quickly plug it in. Hiberation saves the contents of RAM (what is actively being used on the computer, what you see on your screen), to your hard drive, so you can get started from where you left off.
During Hibernation, all your apps or anything else you have open are saved on your hard drive instead of using RAM (memory) to conserve power.
IMPORTANT: Sleep and Hibernation
If your computer goes to sleep or hibernates during the System Cleanup, or before or during the Monthly Tune-Up and Updates, the System Cleanup or Monthly Tune-up may not go smoothly.
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Please open the Start Menu in Windows 11, and click on the gear icon, or "Settings".
Then scroll down a bit on the right hand side, and click on "Power".
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Click Image To View Larger Version
On the "Power" page, please click to expand "Screen and Sleep".
Next to "when plugged in, turn off my screen after", click where it says "5 minutes". Scroll down to "Never", and click that.
Please do the same for "When plugged in, put my device to sleep after", and choose "Never".
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You can close any open windows now. Hibernation won't be a concern unless you have a laptop. I don't have a Windows 11 laptop, so I can't demonstrate these steps, but you can find detailed step-by-step instructions via WindowsReport.com.
Table of Contents
- How To Change Sleep and Hibernation Settings in Windows 11
- System Cleanup Series: Antivirus
- System Cleanup Series: CCleaner
- System Cleanup Series: Advanced System Care
- System Cleanup Series: How To Use PatchMyPC to Keep Your Programs Up to Date
- System Cleanup Series: Startup Items in Windows 11
- System Cleanup Series: Windows Update in Windows 11
- System Cleanup Series: A Guide On How To Use Driver Booster
- System Cleanup Series: Removing Malware and Spyware
- System Cleanup Series: Uninstall (Remove) Apps and Programs in Windows 10
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