Many of us use a laptop as our primary workstation, enjoying its portability. However, when working from home or in a dedicated office space, connecting to an external monitor is a game-changer. It provides a larger screen, better ergonomics, and improved productivity. But what happens when you want to close your laptop lid and just use the external monitor? By default, closing the laptop lid usually puts the device to sleep, turning off your external display as well. Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent this and keep your monitor running even when your laptop is closed.
Understanding Power Management Settings
The core of the solution lies in understanding and adjusting your laptop’s power management settings. Both Windows and macOS have built-in configurations that determine what happens when you close the lid. These settings are designed to save power, but they can be customized to suit your workflow.
Windows Power Options
Windows offers granular control over power settings. You can access these settings through the Control Panel or the Settings app. The key area to focus on is the “Choose what closing the lid does” option.
To find this option, you can search for “Control Panel” in the Windows search bar, open it, and then navigate to “Hardware and Sound” followed by “Power Options.” On the left-hand side, you’ll see “Choose what closing the lid does.” Alternatively, you can directly search for “Choose what closing the lid does” in the Windows search bar.
Here, you’ll find two options for both “Plugged in” and “On battery”: “Do nothing,” “Sleep,” “Hibernate,” and “Shut down.”
Choosing “Do nothing” for “Plugged in” will ensure that your laptop remains active even when the lid is closed, as long as it’s connected to a power source. This is the most common and straightforward solution.
It is crucial to configure this setting separately for when your laptop is plugged in and when it is running on battery. If you want the monitor to stay on even when running on battery, selecting “Do nothing” for the “On battery” option is also necessary. Be aware, though, that this will significantly reduce your battery life.
Furthermore, examine the advanced power settings for more granular control. To access advanced settings, click “Change settings that are currently unavailable” on the “Choose what closing the lid does” page. Then, click “Change advanced power settings.” This opens a new window with a wealth of configurable options.
Within the advanced settings, look for the “Power buttons and lid” section and expand it. You will see “Lid close action.” Again, you will have separate settings for “On battery” and “Plugged in.” Ensure that both are set to “Do nothing” if that’s your desired behavior.
Remember to click “Apply” and then “OK” to save your changes. Restarting your laptop isn’t usually necessary, but it might be a good idea to ensure the settings are properly applied.
macOS Battery and Power Adapter Settings
macOS offers similar, although slightly less granular, power management options. You can access these settings through the System Preferences app.
Open System Preferences by clicking the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen and selecting “System Preferences.” Then, click on “Battery” (or “Energy Saver” in older versions of macOS).
In the Battery settings, you will find options for “Battery” and “Power Adapter.” The relevant setting is usually found under the “Power Adapter” tab. Look for a checkbox labeled “Prevent your Mac from automatically sleeping when the display is off.”
Checking this box will prevent your Mac from going to sleep when you close the lid while it’s connected to a power adapter. This essentially achieves the same result as setting “Do nothing” in Windows.
Older versions of macOS might have a slightly different interface, but the core principle remains the same: find the settings that control sleep behavior when the display is off or the lid is closed.
Unlike Windows, macOS doesn’t offer separate settings for battery power and plugged-in power in the same location. You might need to explore additional settings within the “Battery” tab to fine-tune behavior when running on battery. Be aware that keeping your Mac active with the lid closed will drain the battery faster.
Keep your macOS updated to ensure you have access to the latest power management features and bug fixes.
Using an External Keyboard and Mouse
Even with the power settings configured correctly, you might encounter situations where your laptop still goes to sleep when you close the lid. This can happen if the laptop doesn’t detect an external keyboard and mouse.
Ensure that you have an external keyboard and mouse connected to your laptop before closing the lid. This signals to the system that you intend to continue using the computer, even with the built-in display disabled.
Bluetooth keyboards and mice are convenient, but sometimes they can be unreliable, especially immediately after waking from sleep. Consider using a wired keyboard and mouse for a more stable connection, particularly if you experience issues with Bluetooth devices.
If you are using Bluetooth devices, make sure they are properly paired and connected before closing the laptop lid. You might need to wake the laptop slightly and give the Bluetooth devices a moment to reconnect before closing the lid completely.
Some users have reported that certain USB hubs or docking stations can interfere with the laptop’s ability to detect external peripherals. If you are using a hub or docking station, try connecting the keyboard and mouse directly to the laptop’s USB ports to see if that resolves the issue.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even after adjusting the power settings and connecting external peripherals, you might still encounter problems with keeping the monitor on when the laptop is closed. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
Laptop Still Goes to Sleep
If your laptop stubbornly refuses to stay awake when you close the lid, double-check all your power settings. Make sure you’ve configured both the “Plugged in” and “On battery” settings correctly, and that you’ve also checked the advanced power settings.
Also, look for any third-party power management software that might be overriding your system settings. Some laptops come pre-installed with power management utilities that can interfere with the standard Windows or macOS settings.
Another potential cause is outdated drivers. Make sure your graphics card drivers and chipset drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers can sometimes cause unexpected behavior with power management.
Monitor Doesn’t Wake Up Properly
Sometimes, the monitor might not wake up properly after you close and then open the laptop lid. This can be due to issues with the display connection, such as a loose cable or a faulty adapter.
Ensure that the cable connecting your laptop to the monitor is securely plugged in at both ends. Try using a different cable to rule out a faulty cable.
If you are using an adapter (e.g., HDMI to USB-C), make sure it is compatible with your laptop and monitor. Some adapters might not provide sufficient power or bandwidth for certain display resolutions or refresh rates.
Try restarting both your laptop and your monitor. This can sometimes resolve temporary glitches that might be preventing the monitor from waking up properly.
Brightness Issues
Some users have reported issues with the brightness of the external monitor after closing the laptop lid. The brightness might be too low or too high, and the brightness controls might not work correctly.
This can sometimes be resolved by adjusting the brightness settings on the monitor itself. Most monitors have physical buttons or on-screen menus that allow you to adjust the brightness.
You can also try adjusting the brightness settings in your laptop’s display settings. In Windows, go to “Settings” > “System” > “Display.” In macOS, go to “System Preferences” > “Displays.”
Make sure your graphics card drivers are up to date, as outdated drivers can sometimes cause issues with display settings.
Using Third-Party Software
While the built-in power management settings in Windows and macOS are usually sufficient, some users might prefer to use third-party software for more advanced control.
There are several utilities available that allow you to customize power management settings, monitor system activity, and prevent your laptop from going to sleep under specific conditions.
These utilities can be particularly useful if you need to keep your laptop awake for specific tasks, such as running background processes or downloading large files.
However, be cautious when installing third-party software, especially power management utilities. Make sure you download the software from a reputable source and that you understand the potential risks involved. Some utilities might consume excessive system resources or conflict with other software on your computer.
Checking BIOS/UEFI Settings
In rare cases, the power management settings in your laptop’s BIOS/UEFI firmware might be interfering with your ability to keep the monitor on when the lid is closed.
The BIOS/UEFI is a low-level software that controls the hardware components of your laptop. It contains settings that determine how your laptop behaves when it’s powered on or when certain events occur.
Accessing the BIOS/UEFI settings varies depending on the laptop manufacturer. Typically, you need to press a specific key (e.g., Delete, F2, F12) while the laptop is booting up. Consult your laptop’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for instructions on how to access the BIOS/UEFI.
Once you’re in the BIOS/UEFI, look for power management settings that relate to the lid switch or external displays. You might find options to disable the lid switch or to force the laptop to use the external display as the primary display.
Be extremely careful when modifying BIOS/UEFI settings. Incorrect settings can cause your laptop to malfunction or even become unusable. Only change settings if you are confident that you understand their purpose and potential consequences. If in doubt, consult a qualified technician.
Modifying BIOS/UEFI settings is an advanced procedure and should only be attempted by experienced users. Incorrect settings can render your system unusable.
Conclusion
Keeping your monitor on when you close your laptop is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your productivity and workflow. By understanding and adjusting your laptop’s power management settings, connecting external peripherals, and troubleshooting common issues, you can easily configure your system to behave exactly the way you want it to. Whether you’re using Windows or macOS, the key is to explore the available options and find the settings that best suit your needs. Always remember to double-check your settings and test them thoroughly to ensure that they are working as expected. This ensures a smooth transition to using your external monitor as your primary display.
Why would I want to keep my monitor on when I close my laptop?
Many users prefer to use their laptop in a desktop-like setup, leveraging a larger external monitor for improved screen real estate and ergonomics. Closing the laptop while still using the external monitor creates a more streamlined and organized workspace. This setup is particularly beneficial for tasks requiring extensive screen viewing, such as graphic design, video editing, coding, or simply multitasking with numerous applications open simultaneously.
Furthermore, keeping the laptop closed can help reduce clutter on your desk, as the laptop’s screen and keyboard are no longer in use. This frees up space for other peripherals or simply provides a cleaner aesthetic. It also helps to extend the lifespan of your laptop screen, as it remains powered off and protected from potential damage when not in use.
How do I configure my laptop to keep the external monitor active when the lid is closed?
The process of configuring your laptop to use an external monitor while the lid is closed typically involves adjusting the power management settings in your operating system. Navigate to the control panel or settings menu, usually under “Power Options” or “Battery Settings.” Look for an option related to “Choose what closing the lid does” or similar phrasing.
Within this section, you should find a dropdown menu where you can specify the desired action when the lid is closed while plugged into power. Choose “Do nothing” to ensure that the laptop remains powered on and the external monitor continues to display the output. Remember to save the changes you’ve made to ensure the new setting takes effect.
Will keeping my laptop on while closed overheat it?
Overheating is a potential concern when operating a laptop with the lid closed for extended periods. Laptops are often designed with ventilation systems that rely on airflow around the keyboard area. Closing the lid can restrict this airflow, potentially leading to higher internal temperatures.
To mitigate this risk, ensure that your laptop has adequate ventilation even when closed. Consider using a laptop stand or cooling pad to elevate the device and allow for better airflow. Monitor your laptop’s temperature periodically, especially during resource-intensive tasks. If you notice consistently high temperatures, consider adjusting your usage patterns or investing in a more effective cooling solution.
Does this work with all types of monitors and connection types (HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.)?
The ability to keep your monitor on when the laptop is closed is generally independent of the specific monitor type or connection type used (HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, etc.). The key factor is the operating system setting that dictates what happens when the lid is closed. As long as the laptop is configured to “Do nothing” when the lid is closed, the external display should continue to function regardless of the connection method.
However, ensure that the connected monitor is properly detected by your operating system. You may need to adjust display settings within your operating system to ensure the external monitor is set as the primary or extended display. If the monitor is not recognized, try updating your graphics drivers or checking the cable connections.
What if my laptop goes to sleep even with the “Do nothing” setting enabled?
If your laptop still enters sleep mode despite setting the “Do nothing” option for lid closure, several factors could be interfering with the intended behavior. One possibility is that another power setting, such as inactivity timeouts, is overriding the lid closure setting. Check your power management settings for options related to sleep or hibernation after a certain period of inactivity and adjust them accordingly.
Another potential cause could be conflicting software or drivers. Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can sometimes cause unexpected sleep behavior. Ensure your drivers are up to date. Also, some third-party applications may have their own power management settings that can interfere with the system’s settings. Review any installed applications that may have such functionalities.
Will this drain my battery faster if my laptop is not plugged in?
Yes, keeping your laptop running with the lid closed, especially while driving an external monitor, will significantly drain the battery faster than if it were in sleep or hibernation mode. The laptop is still actively processing tasks and powering the external display, consuming considerable energy.
If you intend to use this setup while running on battery power, be mindful of the remaining battery life and consider adjusting power-saving settings to prolong the usage time. Lowering the screen brightness of the external monitor (if possible) and closing unnecessary applications can also help conserve battery power. For extended use, it is recommended to keep the laptop plugged into a power source.
Is there a way to quickly switch between using the external monitor and the laptop screen without unplugging anything?
Yes, there are several methods to quickly switch between using the external monitor and the laptop screen without needing to physically unplug any cables. One common approach is to use the display settings in your operating system. In Windows, you can press the Windows key + P to bring up a quick projection menu. This menu offers options like “PC screen only,” “Duplicate,” “Extend,” and “Second screen only,” allowing you to easily select the desired display configuration.
Alternatively, many laptops have dedicated function keys that control display output. Look for a key with an icon that resembles two screens, often labeled “F4” or “F8” (the specific key may vary depending on the laptop manufacturer). Pressing this key (often in combination with the “Fn” key) will cycle through the available display modes, allowing you to quickly switch between the laptop screen, the external monitor, or a combination of both.