4 Steps to Switching to ‘Hibernate’ Mode in Windows 7

Windows 7 has options for power management in the form of hibernation and sleep in order that makes your computer easier to use.

But is there a difference between the two?

In sleep mode, the computer shuts down most of its components but still uses some power to keep Windows on, run programs and keep data in RAM. In hibernation mode, a PC copies everything to the RAM and shuts down completely. Even the latter takes longer to ‘wake up’ it manages to save more power this way.

Of the two options, hibernation is considered the better choice – in terms of saving power. According to experts, another big advantage especially if one encounters an instance where the desktop is unplugged, all one will have to do is to reboot their PC again.

So, here are simple steps to change the power settings to ‘hibernation’ in Windows 7:

#1: The first thing you need to do is hit ‘Start’ and type the word power. Select Power Options under Control Panel.

#2: Once you select Power Option, select “Change when the computer sleeps” in the resulting window. You’ll find yourself in the screen titled “Edit Plan Settings”.

#3: Look for “Change advanced power settings” at the bottom of the screen and open that screen to find a dialog box titled “Power Options”. Expand the “Sleep” section to find options such as Sleep after, allow hybrid sleep, hibernate after and allow wake timers.

#4: Now expand the option “Hibernate after” to find two options “On Battery” and “Plugged In” Choose the number of minutes for both states, by replacing “Never”. Interestingly, you can also select ‘Hybrid Sleep’ either on or off; and which will put Windows to sleep but hibernate at the same time.