Hibernate vs. Standby — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 17, 2024
Hibernate saves the current state of your computer to the hard disk and powers down completely, while Standby keeps the computer in a low-power state with the current session in RAM for quick resumption.
Difference Between Hibernate and Standby
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Hibernate is a power-saving state designed to save the current state of your computer to the hard disk, allowing the machine to power down completely. Standby, also known as Sleep mode, keeps your computer in a low-power state, preserving the current session in RAM while most other components are powered down.
In Hibernate, the complete shutdown ensures that no power is used, which is beneficial for long periods of inactivity or if the device is unplugged. In contrast, Standby mode is more suitable for shorter breaks, where the user can quickly resume work without a full reboot.
Hibernate is ideal for saving your work during long absences or when you need to conserve battery power. Standby is preferred for short breaks or when you need immediate access to your work with minimal delay.
Comparison Chart
Power Consumption
No power consumption
Low power consumption
Resume Speed
Slower resume time
Faster resume time
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Data Storage
Saves state to hard disk
Saves state in RAM
Use Case
Long periods of inactivity
Short breaks
Battery Usage
No battery drain
Minimal battery drain
Compare with Definitions
Hibernate
A power-saving state that saves the current session to the hard disk and powers down completely.
Before leaving for vacation, she put her laptop into hibernate mode.
Standby
A state where most components are powered down but RAM remains active.
The desktop enters standby after 10 minutes of inactivity.
Hibernate
A function that allows a computer to turn off without losing the current session.
Hibernate mode is useful when you won't use your computer for a while.
Standby
A low-power state that keeps the computer's session in RAM.
She put her computer on standby during the meeting break.
Hibernate
A shutdown process that preserves all open documents and applications.
Hibernate ensures that you can pick up exactly where you left off.
Standby
A mode that allows for quick resumption of activity.
Standby mode is convenient for short pauses in work.
Hibernate
To be in a dormant or torpid state during a cold period, especially during the winter.
Standby
A mode that suspends system activity but allows for immediate reactivation.
He uses standby to quickly resume working after lunch.
Hibernate
To be in an inactive or dormant state or period
"In Lawrenceville people hibernated and life passed them by" (Jacqueline Susann).
Standby
One that can always be relied on, as in an emergency.
Hibernate
To spend the winter in a dormant or inactive state of minimal activity, low body temperature, slow breathing and heart rate, and low metabolic rate; to go through a winter sleep.
Hedgehogs and bears are two of the many mammals that hibernate in winter.
Standby
One kept in readiness to serve as a substitute.
Hibernate
(intransitive) To live in seclusion.
Standby
A mode of operation for a computer, television, or other electronic device in which the power is on and the device is ready for immediate use.
Hibernate
To enter a standby state which conserves power without losing the contents of memory.
Standby
Kept in reserve for use when needed
A standby generator.
Hibernate
To winter; to pass the season of winter in close quarters, in a torpid or lethargic state, as certain mammals, reptiles, and insects.
Inclination would lead me to hibernate, during half the year, in this uncomfortable climate of Great Britain.
Standby
Of, relating to, or waiting for unreserved travel space that is made available by an airline only shortly before departure
Standby passengers.
Hibernate
Sleep during winter;
Bears must eat a lot of food before they hibernate in their caves
Certain animals estivate
Standby
On a standby basis
Flew standby to New York.
Hibernate
Be in an inactive or dormant state
Standby
A state of readiness without immediate involvement; remaining in preparation for (a sudden or unforeseen event or situation).
The troops were on standby in case of an attack.
Hibernate
A feature that conserves power by saving the system state to disk.
He enabled hibernate to save battery life overnight.
Standby
(electronics) sleep mode
Hibernate
A mode that writes the contents of RAM to the hard drive before turning off.
The laptop entered hibernate to prevent data loss during power failure.
Standby
(travel) Waiting at the airport in the hope of getting a seat on a flight that is already booked out.
Standby
Something that is standard, well-tested, or frequently used.
That recipe is an old standby, and she keeps the ingredients around in case of unexpected guests.
Standby
To wait briefly, as for additional communication by radio or telephone; stand by
Standby while I check that for you.
Standby
Something that can be relied on when needed
Standby
An actor able to replace a regular performer when required
Standby
Ready for emergency use;
A standby generator
A standby crew
Standby
A feature that reduces power consumption while maintaining session readiness.
Standby helps conserve energy without closing applications.
Common Curiosities
How does Hibernate save power?
Hibernate saves power by shutting down the computer completely after saving the session to the hard disk.
Which mode resumes faster, Hibernate or Standby?
Standby resumes faster than Hibernate because it keeps the session in RAM.
When should I use Hibernate?
Hibernate is ideal for long periods of inactivity or when conserving battery power is crucial.
Can Hibernate prevent data loss during a power outage?
Yes, because the session is saved to the hard disk, Hibernate can prevent data loss during a power outage.
What is Hibernate?
Hibernate is a power-saving state that saves your computer's current session to the hard disk and powers down completely.
How does Standby save power?
Standby saves power by reducing the power consumption of most components while keeping the session in RAM active.
Is Standby suitable for conserving battery on laptops?
Standby conserves some battery but not as much as Hibernate, as it still consumes a small amount of power.
Which mode consumes less power, Hibernate or Standby?
Hibernate consumes less power because the computer is completely off.
What is Standby?
Standby, also known as Sleep mode, keeps your computer in a low-power state, preserving the current session in RAM for quick resumption.
Which mode is better for quick resumption of work?
Standby is better for quick resumption of work due to its faster resume time.
Can Standby prevent data loss during a power outage?
No, Standby cannot prevent data loss during a power outage since the session is stored in RAM, which requires power.
When should I use Standby?
Standby is suitable for short breaks when you need to resume work quickly.
Does Hibernate use any power?
No, Hibernate does not use any power once the computer is turned off.
Is Hibernate suitable for conserving battery on laptops?
Yes, Hibernate is suitable for conserving battery as it completely powers down the laptop.
Does Standby use any power?
Yes, Standby uses a small amount of power to keep the RAM active.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
