sleepstandby

Sleepstandby is a power management mode used by computers and consumer electronics to reduce energy use while preserving a user session. In sleepstandby, the device largely suspends active processing and turns off many subsystems, while keeping the current state in memory so that the user can resume quickly without reopening files or applications.

Implementation varies by device and standard, but many systems rely on ACPI sleep states. In traditional terms, suspend-to-RAM (often called sleep or sleep/standby) keeps a session in RAM with most hardware powered down except for memory. Modern or connected standby variants allow background tasks and network activity to continue at a minimal level while the system appears asleep, enabling faster resume and continued updates.

Sleepstandby is distinct from hibernation, which stores the session to non-volatile storage and powers the system off, and from a full shutdown. Resume from sleep is usually instantaneous or near-instant, while resume from hibernate takes longer and requires reloading memory. Device design and regional standards determine exact power draw during sleep.

Common in laptops, desktops, televisions, and set-top boxes, sleepstandby offers a balance between quick accessibility and energy savings. Some devices implement modern standby or connected standby to keep network connectivity during sleep, enabling notifications while conserving power. Users should configure sleep intervals to suit usage patterns and consider longer-term states (hibernate) for extended inactivity.

See also: sleep mode, standby, hibernate, ACPI.