Difference between hibernating and waiting

Many computer and laptop users are familiar with the term hibernation and standby. Basically, these are the two different sleep options of the Windows operating system, which are basically used to save battery power. Many people are not familiar with the differences between them and are often confused by these two options. Although it sounds good that by using these options, you can save energy. But it is worth understanding the difference because it would help in choosing the best energy saving plan.

What is Hibernate?

Hibernate is that Microsoft Windows operating system sleep option, which saves the desktop image by keeping all files and documents in an open state, and then shuts down the computer. After that, every time you turn on the power, all your files and documents, which were in the open state on the desktop, are presented earlier just as you left them. Hibernating is the best technique to save power because it first saves your RAM to the hard drive and then shuts down the entire system and saves as much power as it can. But there will be no effect on your open files and documents because due to the hibernate function, all the memory in RAM will go to the hard drive and your files and documents will remain open when you return.

What is Standby?

Standby mode is also a Microsoft Windows operating system sleep mode option and does the same job as hibernation but in a different style. Unlike hibernation, it does not shut down the entire computer. In fact, it reduces the power of peripheral devices, which are not in the operating state along with the monitor and hard drive, but maintains the power of the CPU and RAM. So, with this option, the system keeps all open files and documents on the desktop in the default state and stays open when you return to your system again. After pressing any key or system power button, your system will wake up in one second. Standby mode is the most suitable option to boot.

1. The first difference is in power. Hibernate consumes zero power because the entire system shuts down while in standby, except the CPU and RAM, the entire system shuts down. However, the CPU and RAM consume some power (1 to 6 watts) to stay in an operational state.
2. The risk of data loss in standby mode is high because it can happen that after a gradual decrease in power, the system automatically turns off. Therefore, all unsaved data will be lost. There is no such risk of data compromise in case of hibernation.
3. In system startup backup, standby is much faster than hibernation.
4. In standby sleep mode, the system wakes up within one second after pressing any key or power button, while hibernation takes some time (30 seconds to 2 minutes) to return to the original state.