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Sleep mode vs. shutdown: Which is better to use daily for your MacBook?

Engadget
1 min read Rewritten in plain language

TechnologyLaptopsBig TechApple

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  • Your Mac can take a nap in between sessions.
  • At a high level, these are self-explanatory, but you might wonder when to use each mode and what exactly is going on during both of them.
  • Using the "wrong" mode will almost never cause a problem, but it's best to be as efficient as you can.
  • To ensure a proper shutdown on your MacBook, don't close the lid until the screen is off.
  • The easiest way to put your MacBook to sleep is by closing the lid, though you can also select Sleep from the Apple menu.

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Your Mac can take a nap in between sessions.

MacOS offers two main options when you're done using your Mac or MacBook: sleep and shutdown. At a high level, these are self-explanatory, but you might wonder when to use each mode and what exactly is going on during both of them.

As with most computing matters, the right option to use depends on the circumstances. Using the "wrong" mode will almost never cause a problem, but it's best to be as efficient as you can.

Shutting down your Mac is like turning off any other computer. To ensure a proper shutdown on your MacBook, don't close the lid until the screen is off. Apple's guidance states that closing the lid during the shutdown process can cause it to start more slowly next time.

When you do a normal shutdown by clicking Shut Down from the Apple menu at the top-left, a one-minute countdown runs to allow you to cancel the action if you change your mind. If you're sure you want to shut down, hold the Option key when you click Shut Down to bypass the countdown.

Thus, if you need to cut power to troubleshoot accessories or similar, a full shutdown is better.

On your MacBook, the Touch ID button at the top-right will lock your computer if you press it quickly while the computer is on.

The easiest way to put your MacBook to sleep is by closing the lid, though you can also select Sleep from the Apple menu.

Shortened to 1 minute of reading, this version reads 12.6 on the Niral Score.

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Engadgetas they published this story 15.9 23 50
Mundane Readneutralized from Engadget 14.5 22 50

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