• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Tech Wire

Tech News, Trends, Reviews, & Advice

  • Home
  • PC’s
  • Phones
  • Social Media
  • About

Is Sleep Mode Bad For PC? (Explained)

Avatar photoBy Casper Feeney August 30, 2022

Workplace with lamp, plants, notebooks and desktop computer

 

Have you seen people closing their laptop lids after finishing their tasks on the computer?

You may wonder why they don’t simply shut down their computers as we do with many other electronics.

After all, devices should be off when we aren’t using them.

Closing the lid puts the laptop into sleep mode, but can it affect your laptop’s normal operation?

Should you put your PC in sleep mode or shut it down when you’re done?

 

Is Sleep Mode Bad For PC?

Young businessman using desktop computer with blank screen

 

Putting the computer into sleep mode doesn’t hurt your computer.

It’s a normal and legitimate use case that helps your computer in many ways without damaging its components and can be better than shutting it down.

The sleep mode helps your system stop its operations and shut off all components except for RAM.

As a result, when you wake the PC, it can quickly boot up.

In addition, you don’t need to close the apps and windows, unlike shutting down, and open them when the system boots up.

This will reduce the wear on your system components due to regular shutdowns.

 

The Pros And Cons Of Sleep Mode

Handsome young programmer using laptop and desktop computer

 

1. Power Considerations

One of the most important reasons people suggest turning off your PC is to save power.

When you shut down your PC, the power usage becomes zero, and you can save power, especially if you don’t plan to use the PC for a long time.

All the components stop receiving power except for the RAM, which requires power to keep the processes running.

However, putting the PC in sleep mode draws some power, although it’s still a power-saving mode.

As a result, if your laptop is unplugged, its battery will eventually drain, shutting down the PC.

However, there’s no need to worry about losing your data because you can get all your sessions back once you plug the laptop in after the battery drain.

You may be concerned about power usage and electricity bills, but the power consumption in sleep mode is minimal.

Another power-related consideration is the power surges that can happen while the PC is in sleep mode.

Laptops aren’t generally vulnerable to sudden power surges and cutoffs because they run on batteries.

However, if you put your desktop PC in sleep mode and there’s a power outage or a sudden power surge, it can damage the hardware.

You may even experience data corruption or loss.

However, it may not be a great concern if your house has a reliable power system or if you use a surge protector (which is a must for desktop PCs).

 

2. Wear And Tear

Generally speaking, the sleep mode is easier on PC hardware.

When you power off a computer, it has to drain power from all components, including the RAM.

When you turn it back on, all the components must start from the zero-power state by drawing electricity to their capacitors, subjecting them to wear.

Although modern computer hardware withstands incredibly huge power cycles, constant shutdowns will reduce its lifespan.

 

3. Updates And Reboots

Keeping your computer in sleep mode doesn’t harm the computer.

However, running the PC in sleep mode 24/7 may have software and hardware-related consequences.

When you get OS and software updates, you need to restart your PC for them to take effect.

Not installing these updates will make your PC vulnerable to security threats.

This does have a simple solution, though.

Simply restart your PC after installing the updates, and you’re fine.

Another issue is that shutting down your computer will clear the RAM and give it a chance to refresh its processes.

When you run the system in sleep mode, many processes are running in the background.

The RAM, processor cores, HDD, and other components don’t get a chance to refresh, and you may end up with piled-up processes in the RAM.

As a result, the RAM doesn’t get a break from the running processes, slowing down the PC in the long run.

Shutting down the PC will give a fresh start to the PC components and allow them to go through the POST tests upon startup.

These tests are critical in ensuring all the components are functioning without issues.

Still, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the benefits of sleep mode.

Most modern PCs can work properly even if you don’t reboot them daily.

You’ll be fine as long as you perform occasional, weekly reboots of complete shutdowns.

 

4. Faster Bootup

That’s one of the most important reasons people put their PCs in sleep mode.

Since the PC doesn’t fully shut down and all the processes are in the RAM, you can boot up your computer much faster.

That’s particularly the case when you have a low-spec PC or need to use your computer constantly.

In such cases, putting the PC in sleep mode is beneficial.

It’s the perfect choice when you have short breaks and want to return to work quickly.

This way, you don’t need to reload and reopen all the running programs.

As soon as you wake up the PC, you can get back to work from where you left off.

In addition, since the mouse and keyboard get some power in the sleep mode, you can wake up the PC by moving the mouse or pressing a key.

It helps with your workflow because you don’t need to figure out what you were doing before turning off the PC.

 

What Happens When You Put It Into Sleep?

Office workplace with modern computer

 

When you put your PC into sleep mode, it tries to consume the least amount of power but will not completely shut down the PC.

To do so, it takes a virtual image of the PC’s current state, including all the running programs and processes, saves it on the RAM, and shuts off all the other components.

The only component that’s awake and receiving power is the RAM.

Unlike a full shutdown, you don’t need to close your current programs and windows, allowing you to resume your work instantly.

All you need to do is close the laptop’s lid or click the option in the start menu of your desktop PC.

 

Hibernation Vs. Sleep

Group of young in training course desktop computer

 

Hibernation and sleep are both power-saving modes great for users who want to resume their work as soon as waking their computers.

The only difference is that hibernation shuts down all the components, including the RAM.

Hibernation saves the PC’s current state, including all the running processes, on the HDD or SSD instead of the RAM.

Since these components don’t require electricity to keep going, the computer can enter hibernation with the power entirely cut off.

As a result, you can save more energy, especially on a laptop.

In other words, your PC’s energy consumption will equal a complete shutdown, but you don’t need to boot up from zero because you have all your current work saved on the HDD.

That’s a significant advantage, especially when you don’t plan to use your PC for a long time.

Some laptops automatically go into hibernate mode after they’ve been in sleep mode long enough while unplugged.

This way, the device can stay alert while consuming zero power, extending battery life.

The wake-up time is a little longer than the sleep mode, but there’s no considerable difference.

However, many experts believe that hibernation can hurt your HDD or SSD because it affects the components’ read/write cycle.

The more you write to the hard drive, the shorter its life cycle.

In addition, since the keyboard and mouse don’t have power in hibernate mode, you need to wake the PC using the power button.

It can increase the wear on your power button if you use the hibernate mode frequently.

 

Which Power Mode Is The Best?

Desktop computer with blank screen

 

Now it’s clear that putting your computer into sleep mode won’t harm it.

It’s a useful power mode that can save you the trouble of closing all the programs and shutting down your PC.

It’s so convenient and harmless that average users and experts spend weeks and months without shutting down their systems.

However, computers have two other power modes: shutdown and hibernate.

Although all of them are legitimate use cases for every PC, they serve different purposes and match different situations.

 

1. Sleep

Put your computer in sleep mode when:

  • You want to access your computer remotely.
  • You run a server.
  • You want fast startups
  • Your laptop is plugged in and has a reliable power source.
  • You take breaks from work.
  • Have an old PC with components near the end of their life cycles.

 

2. Hibernate

You can benefit from all the perks of sleep mode with hibernation, but it’s the preferred option in these situations:

  • You don’t have access to a power source but can’t turn off the PC.
  • You don’t mind the slow bootup time compared to the sleep mode.
  • You’re concerned about your desktop PC’s power consumption.

 

3. Shutdown

Although hibernate and sleep modes are convenient harmless power modes, you may need to shut down your PC in the following situations:

  • You don’t want to use your PC for a long time.
  • After you finish work at night (optional).
  • You feel your computer has slowed down because of the clogged-down RAM, and you think it can benefit from a reboot.
  • You have no critical work that requires instant bootup.
  • You have an SSD giving you fast bootup.

Note. If you shut down your computer only because you’re concerned about the energy bill, you may want to think twice.

Compared to the sleep mode, the power saving rates are minimal and may not be worth the stress on the hardware upon bootup.

 

Leaving A PC On

Custom gaming computer

 

Sometimes, shutting down a PC isn’t a superior power mode.

If you plan on using your computer for a couple of hours, and even overnight, you don’t need to turn it off.

What about leaving your PC on all the time?

Is it okay not to put your PC in sleep or hibernate mode and keep it running all the time?

Although this topic isn’t as controversial as using sleep mode, people have different reasons to go for or avoid this option.

Generally, keeping your PC on for a long time isn’t recommended.

The main reason is that your PC components will be under massive stress, not having enough time to cool down and rest.

Heat can lead to component wear and tear and other issues like reduced performance.

The fans must work harder to keep the PC cool, producing excessive noise.

This noise can be even higher when the PC starts a new process, like updating.

It can be disturbing when it happens in the middle of the night while you’re sleeping.

In a nutshell, this always-on state will have few benefits and will wear down your PC quickly.

The only case when you need to keep your PC on is when you want to install a huge OS update or software like a game.

In such cases, you’re better off leaving the computer on overnight so that it can perform the operations when you don’t need it.

In other cases, you can use better options like sleep and hibernate to avoid shutting the PC off while leaving it in a power-saving state.

 

How To Customize The Sleep Mode

Man sitting and working with computer in dark office

 

Now that you know the sleep mode is harmless, you may want to reap its benefits by enabling it.

Fortunately, today’s computers go into sleep mode after a certain amount of time, so you may not need to enable it.

This time can vary depending on the default settings determined by the manufacturer.

You can customize these settings according to your preferences and daily usage.

To access these settings, right-click the Start button and go to Settings.

Select System and click Power & Sleep from the list on the left side of the window.

In the new window, you can determine when the screen turns off, or the PC goes into sleep mode after the PC has been idle.

If you have a laptop, you can adjust the setting for plugged and unplugged states.

Then click Additional power settings to further customize the sleep options.

Click Change when the computer sleeps to set additional settings.

For example, if you have a laptop, you can determine what action initiates with closing the lid.

Expand the menu in front of When I close the lid and select your desired action.

The power modes are also available in the start menu.

However, some options, especially hibernating, may not be available.

You can activate them in the power options menu.

Click Change settings that are currently unavailable, and check the box next to Hibernate.

 

Putting Your Mac Into The Sleep Mode

Mock up work space, wooden wall background

 

The sleep mode in Windows and Mac computers is the same.

It has the same pros and cons and can be used in the same situations.

In addition, Mac computers have a feature that enables them to run critical operations even in sleep mode.

This mode, called Power Nap, wakes the system to update your mail, reminders, notes, location, and many others.

In addition, if the Macbook is plugged in, it can perform software updates, download items from the App store, back up Time Machines, and much more.

If you have an Intel chip, you need to enable it, but M1 chips have it enabled by default.

As a result, the sleep mode is even better on a Mac because it can perform many tasks while asleep.

Filed Under: PC's

Avatar photo

About Casper Feeney

I've always had a passion for everything related to technology and innovation. I have a bachelor's degree in Information technology, and I built my first PC when I was 12. I enjoy riding my bike, cooking, and reading business books.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More News

mechanical keyboard with keycaps missing

Are Keycaps Universal? (Explained)

2 weeks ago

Blank screen display computer pc with gaming gear joystick mouse keyboard mouse. Gamer gadget background in game station.

How Big Is A 27-Inch Monitor? (Explained)

2 weeks ago

Modern workplace with a blank computer monitor, keyboard and mouse in front of the window

How Big Is A 24-Inch Monitor? (Explained)

2 weeks ago

Thermal Paste Vs. Thermal Pad

Top 5 Best Thermal Paste For A Laptop (Updated 2023)

1 year ago

Malwarebytes Security Virus Cleaner, Anti-Malware dev application on Smartphone screen

Is Malwarebytes Safe? (2023 Updated Guide)

2 years ago

New Macbook Air Silicon M1 with light reflections

How Long Do MacBook Airs Last? (Updated 2023)

12 months ago

Open midi tower computer case with red and blue lighting effects

How Long Does A CPU Last? (Updated 2023)

10 months ago

Bored female gamer playing video games on computer

30 Games To Play When Bored With Your PC (2023 Updated)

6 months ago

Computer repairman repairing desktop computer

How Much Should I Charge To Build A PC? (2023 Updated)

5 months ago

Close up view of hand with smartphone and Snapchat ​logo on display

Can You Log In To Snapchat On A Computer? (2023 Updated)

5 months ago

Online education course

20 Best Books On Computer Networking (2023 Updated)

5 months ago

Modern workplace with computer monitor

Do All Monitors Have HDMI? (2023 Updated)

5 months ago

Restart text on red keyboard button - financial, business, online and data concept

Is Restarting Your PC Bad? (Everything To Know)

1 month ago

View of Heatsink Fan For CPU on Computer Motherboard

Should I Run My PC Fans At Full Speed? (Explained)

1 month ago

Are CPU Coolers Universal? (Explained)

2 months ago

Installation of computer processor in the socket

Is 60 Degrees Celsius Hot For A CPU? (Explained)

2 months ago

man having virtual team meeting on video conference call using computer

Do Monitors Have Cameras? (Explained)

3 months ago

green computer display

Computer Screen Turns Green (Causes, Fixes)

3 months ago

Written word IP Address on blue keyboard button. Internet Protocol Concept

Does IP Address Change With Wi-Fi? (Explained)

3 months ago

Solid State Drive (SSD)

Does SSD Make The Computer Faster? (Explained)

3 months ago

First running of PC, Bios, firmware program of motherboard

Where Is The BIOS Stored? (Explained)

3 months ago

ClipConverter website on the display of PC

Is ClipConverter Safe? (Everything To Know)

2 years ago

Binary code on pixellated screen

Why Do Computers Use Binary? (Explained)

10 months ago

Male hand holding 6tb wd disk drive upgrade

WD Black Vs. Caviar Black (What’s the Difference?)

9 months ago

Primary Sidebar

Search The Tech Wire

Footer

Privacy Policy

Terms And Conditions

Editorial Guidelines

Contact

Advertise

Sitemap

 

Follow us on

Copyright © 2023  ColdWireMedia · ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ·TheTechWire.com

[suggest-correction-form]