9 Ways to Put a Windows Computer to Sleep

Putting your Windows computer to sleep is a great way to save energy when you’re not using it. It’s sometimes better than shutting down, as it lets you resume your work with minimal delay.

If you’d rather put your computer to sleep than shut it down, there are several ways to do that. Let’s explore all the different ways to make your Windows computer fall asleep.

4

1. Putting a Windows PC to Sleep via the Start Menu

The most well-known method to put a Windows computer to sleep is through the Start menu. Here are the steps for the same.

Can’t find the sleep option in the Start menu? Check our guide onhow to restore a missing Sleep option on Windows.

A surface laptop on a table

2. Putting a Windows PC to Sleep With the Power User Menu

The Windows Power User menu gives you quick access to a number of system tools and settings. Here’s how you can use it to put your computer to sleep.

3. Using the Sleep Key on Your Keyboard

Many Windows laptops and computers come with a dedicated sleep key that allows you to enter sleep mode quickly. The exact location of this key can vary depending on the make and model of your computer.

The sleep key is usually labeled with acrescent moonor aZzicon. You can press that key while holding theFunctionorFnkey to put Windows into sleep mode.

Put Windows Computer to Sleep From Start Menu

4. Converting the Power Button Into a Sleep Button

Is your keyboard lacking a dedicated sleep button? Why not use the power button on your desktop or laptop to put Windows to sleep? To do so, you’ll have to access your PC’s power settings and configure the Power key to function as a Sleep key. Here’s how to do it.

Now, when you press the physical Power button on your machine, your PC will fall asleep instantly.

Put Windows Computer to Sleep From Power User Menu

5. Use the Ctrl + Alt + Delete Menu

Another way to put your Windows computer to sleep is through the Ctrl + Alt + Delete menu. To do so, use the following steps:

6. Use the Alt + F4 Keyboard Shortcut

The Shut Down Windows dialog makes it simple to shut down or restart your Windows computer. But did you know you could also use it to put your computer to sleep? We’ll show you how.

7. Use the Command Prompt or PowerShell

Another way to put your Windows computer to sleep is via a command-line utility. For this to work, you’ll need to disable hibernation mode on your computer. Here’s how to do that.

Once you’ve disabled hibernation mode, you can put your computer to sleep with a text command. To do so,open Command Prompt or PowerShellon your PC. Type the following command in the console and pressEnter.

Put Windows Computer to Sleep Using Power Button

As soon as you run the above command, your PC will enter sleep mode.

8. Set Up Automatic Sleep Mode on Windows

you may also configure your Windows computer to enter sleep mode automatically after a certain period of inactivity. Here are the steps for the same.

9. Create a Desktop Shortcut to Put Windows to Sleep

If you would rather not go through lengthy procedures, you may create and use a desktop shortcut to put your computer into sleep mode.

For this to work, you’ll need todisable hibernation mode on your Windows computer. Once you’ve done that, use the following steps to create a desktop shortcut to put your computer to sleep.

Now when you double-click on that shortcut, your computer will enter sleep mode.

Conveniently, you may also put your computer to sleep with a keyboard shortcut. If you’re interested in doing that, check our guide onhow to shut down or sleep Windows with a keyboard shortcutand follow the steps outlined there.

The Many Ways to Put a Windows Computer to Sleep

Whether you use the sleep option in the Start menu, a command-line method, or a keyboard shortcut, putting a Windows computer to sleep is fairly straightforward.

That said, putting your Windows computer to sleep may not always be the best option. Sometimes it’s better to completely shut down your computer, especially if you’re not going to use it for an extended period of time.

Is it better to shut down your computer? Or is using sleep mode fine? What’s the best option for your laptop?

Freeing up vital memory on Windows only takes a moment, and your computer will feel much faster once you’re done.

So much time invested, and for what?

These films will leave you questioning humanity, but also wanting more.

Anyone with more than a passing interest in motorsports must see these films.

You’re not getting the most out of what you pay for iCloud+.

Technology Explained

PC & Mobile