Want to keep using your external monitor while your Windows 11 laptop is closed? With a few simple tweaks to your power settings, you can do just that. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.
Changing Power Settings in Windows 11
To keep your monitor on when your laptop lid is closed, you’ll need to adjust your power options in Windows 11. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Click the Start button and type “Control Panel” in the search bar. Click on the Control Panel app when it appears in the results.
Step 2: In the Control Panel, find and click on “Hardware and Sound”, then select “Power Options”.
Step 3: On the left side of the Power Options window, click on “Choose what closing the lid does”.
Step 4: You’ll see two dropdown menus next to “When I close the lid” – one for “On battery” and one for “Plugged in”. Set both of these to “Do nothing”.
Step 5: Click “Save changes” at the bottom of the window to apply your new settings.
After completing these steps, your laptop will continue to run and output to your external monitor even when you close the lid. This is particularly useful for those using a laptop with a docking station or as part of a multi-monitor setup.
Tips for Using Your Laptop with the Lid Closed
While this setting can be convenient, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Ventilation: Ensure your laptop has proper airflow to prevent overheating. Consider using a laptop stand for better circulation.
- Power management: Be aware that your laptop will continue to use power as if it were open. This can drain the battery quickly if you’re not plugged in.
- Updates: Occasionally check your power settings, as Windows updates may sometimes reset these preferences.
- Peripherals: Use a wireless keyboard and mouse for easier navigation when your laptop is closed.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you’re having trouble getting this to work, try these solutions:
Step 1: Make sure your external monitor is properly connected and recognized by Windows. You can check this in Settings > System > Display.
Step 2: If your laptop still goes to sleep when closed, check your advanced power settings. In Power Options, click “Change plan settings” next to your current plan, then “Change advanced power settings”. Look for “Power buttons and lid” and ensure “Lid close action” is set to “Do nothing”.
Step 3: Some laptops have a function key that toggles external display modes. Look for a key with a monitor icon and press it in combination with the Fn key to cycle through display options.
Customizing Display Settings
Once you’ve set up your laptop to work with the lid closed, you might want to adjust your display settings for optimal use:
Step 1: Right-click on your desktop and select “Display settings”.
Step 2: In the Display settings window, you can arrange your monitors, choose which one is your main display, and adjust resolution and scaling for each screen.
Step 3: If you want your external monitor to be the only active display, select “Show only on 2” (assuming your external monitor is labeled as display 2) from the “Multiple displays” dropdown menu.
With these settings in place, you can now use your external monitor while keeping your laptop closed, saving desk space and potentially creating a cleaner, more organized workspace. Just remember to keep an eye on your laptop’s temperature and ensure it has proper ventilation for long-term use in this configuration.