Closing Your Laptop and Using a Monitor on Windows 10
If you want to close your laptop but still use an external monitor, you can easily configure Windows 10 to keep things running smoothly. By tweaking a few settings, you can close your laptop lid without putting it to sleep or shutting it down, allowing you to continue working on your external monitor.
How to Close Laptop and Use Monitor Windows 10
By following these steps, you’ll be able to use an external monitor even while your laptop lid is closed.
Step 1: Open Control Panel
Go to the Start menu, type “Control Panel,” and hit Enter.
Opening the Control Panel is your gateway to tweaking many system settings. By searching for it in the Start menu, you ensure you are accessing the right configuration options.
Step 2: Navigate to Hardware and Sound
In the Control Panel, click on “Hardware and Sound.”
This section is where you’ll find all your device settings, from sound systems to power options. It’s like the central hub for hardware configurations.
Step 3: Click Power Options
Under “Hardware and Sound,” find and click “Power Options.”
Power Options is where you control how your laptop conserves energy, and it’s where you’ll configure what happens when you close the lid.
Step 4: Choose What Closing the Lid Does
On the left sidebar, click “Choose what closing the lid does.”
This menu allows you to specify the behavior of your laptop when you close the lid. It’s crucial for setting up your external monitor as your primary display.
Step 5: Change Settings for When I Close the Lid
Under "When I close the lid," select "Do nothing" from the dropdown menus for both "On battery" and "Plugged in."
Selecting "Do nothing" ensures that your laptop will keep running when you close the lid, without going to sleep or shutting down. This way, your external monitor stays active.
Step 6: Save Changes
Click “Save changes” to apply the new settings.
Saving changes is essential to make sure your configuration sticks. If you skip this step, you’ll find your laptop still behaves as it did before.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your laptop will continue to function even when the lid is closed, allowing you to use your external monitor without interruption.
Tips for Closing Laptop and Using Monitor Windows 10
- Use a cooling pad: Laptops can overheat when closed, so a cooling pad helps maintain airflow.
- Check lid sensors: Ensure your laptop doesn’t have lid sensors that force it into sleep mode.
- Keep your power settings optimized: Adjust settings to balance performance and energy consumption.
- Secure your laptop: Make sure the laptop is on a stable surface to prevent it from moving or overheating.
- Test your setup: Before starting important work, close the lid to see if everything works as expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use two monitors with my laptop closed?
Yes, as long as your laptop and graphics card support dual monitors, you can use two external monitors.
Will my laptop overheat if I close the lid?
It might, which is why it’s recommended to use a cooling pad for proper ventilation.
Do these settings work in all versions of Windows 10?
Yes, these steps are applicable across all versions of Windows 10.
What happens if I don’t save the settings?
If you don’t save, the laptop will revert to its default settings, usually putting it to sleep when the lid is closed.
Can I reverse these changes easily?
Yes, you can go back to the Power Options and change the settings back to their original state anytime.
Summary
- Open Control Panel
- Navigate to Hardware and Sound
- Click Power Options
- Choose what closing the lid does
- Change settings for when I close the lid
- Save changes
Conclusion
Knowing how to close your laptop and use an external monitor on Windows 10 can significantly enhance your productivity. It’s a handy trick for creating a streamlined workspace, especially if you prefer the comfort of a larger screen. By following the steps outlined above, you ensure your laptop continues to function seamlessly even with the lid closed.
If you want to dive deeper, you might consider exploring more advanced power settings or even creating custom power plans tailored to your specific needs. The key here is flexibility and making your tech work for you, not the other way around. Keep exploring, adjust as needed, and soon you’ll master the art of using your Windows 10 laptop in ways you never thought possible.
Matthew Burleigh is the head writer at solveyourtech.com, where he covers topics like the iPhone, Microsoft Office, and Google apps. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has over 15 years of IT experience.
He has been writing online since 2008 and has published thousands of articles that have been read millions of times.