A question that laptop users frequently ask has to do with the best way to “rest” their laptop when they are not actively using it. The two main options are: turn it off completely or put it to sleep. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages, so let’s see what is best to extend the life of your laptop and save battery.
What happens when you turn off your laptop?
Turning it off completely is quite simple. You only need to press the shutdown button on the Windows Start menu or alternatively press the power button for a few seconds until the laptop turns off completely. This stops all processes and functions, including power consumption. The advantage is that you save a lot of battery by turning it off. The downside is that it will take longer to turn it on and load the operating system again when you use it again.
What does the sleep mode of a laptop mean?
Putting your laptop to sleep or sleep means that the screen turns off and activity is suspended, but the operating system continues to run in the background. All you need to do is close the lid or press the Sleep button. This saves battery moderately. The advantage is that when you open the lid or press any key, the laptop “wakes up” almost instantly and you can continue where you left off without waiting. The disadvantage is the higher power consumption compared to turning it off.
General recommendations
As a general rule, if you are not going to use the laptop for a short period, during your rest hours, for example, it is better to choose the sleep option. And if you won’t use it for more hours than you usually rest or for several days, turning it off completely is ideal.
Also take into account other factors such as whether you have open programs with unsaved work. At rest you will not lose that, but when you turn it off you will, especially if you force it to shut down with the physical power button. Also consider the time it takes to restart all your programs and load jobs if you turn it off.
In conclusion, use the sleep mode for breaks of a few hours, and turn it off completely if you will not use it for several days. Choose the most comfortable option for your usage habits! This will help your laptop last longer and make better use of its energy.