If you’re tired of your laptop turning off every time you close the lid on Windows 11, you’re in luck. This step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to adjust your settings so your laptop stays on even when you shut the lid.
How to Stop Laptop Turning Off When Closing Lid Windows 11
This guide will help you configure your laptop to stay on when you close the lid. Whether you want it to keep running while you walk from room to room, or simply to save power without shutting down, follow these steps to get it set up.
Step 1: Open the Control Panel
Open your Start menu and type "Control Panel," then click on it to open.
The Control Panel is your gateway to all sorts of system settings, including the ones we need to tweak to stop your laptop from turning off when you close the lid.
Step 2: Go to Hardware and Sound
Click on "Hardware and Sound" once you’re in the Control Panel.
This section contains all the settings for your laptop’s hardware, including power options.
Step 3: Open Power Options
Under "Hardware and Sound," click on "Power Options."
This will take you to a screen where you can adjust your laptop’s power settings, including what happens when you close the lid.
Step 4: Choose What Closing the Lid Does
In the Power Options window, click on "Choose what closing the lid does" in the left-hand sidebar.
Here, you can specify what you want your laptop to do when you close the lid.
Step 5: Adjust Lid Closing Settings
Under "When I close the lid," select the desired action for both "On battery" and "Plugged in" options. Choose either "Do nothing," "Sleep," "Hibernate," or "Shut down."
Select "Do nothing" if you want your laptop to stay on when you close the lid. This way, your laptop will keep running in the background.
Step 6: Save Changes
Click "Save changes" at the bottom to apply your new settings.
Make sure to save your changes so your laptop knows to follow these new instructions when you close the lid.
Once you’ve adjusted these settings, your laptop will no longer shut down or sleep when you close the lid. Instead, it will continue running normally, whether you’re on battery power or plugged into an outlet.
Tips to Stop Laptop Turning Off When Closing Lid Windows 11
- Check Power Plan Settings: Sometimes, different power plans have different lid closing actions. Make sure you’re adjusting the right plan.
- Battery Considerations: If you’re running on battery, keep an eye on your battery life. Leaving the laptop on could drain it faster.
- External Monitors: If you use an external monitor, setting the laptop to "Do nothing" can help keep the display on your monitor active.
- Transporting Your Laptop: If you carry your laptop around a lot, you might want to set it to sleep instead of doing nothing to protect it from damage.
- Regular Checks: Periodically review your settings to ensure they still meet your needs, especially after system updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set different actions for when my laptop is plugged in versus on battery?
Yes, you can set different actions for "On battery" and "Plugged in" in the Power Options.
Will changing the lid settings affect my laptop’s performance?
No, changing the lid settings won’t affect performance. It only changes what happens when you close the lid.
Can I revert the settings if I change my mind?
Absolutely, you can always go back to the Power Options and adjust the settings again.
Is it safe to keep my laptop on when I close the lid?
Yes, it’s generally safe, but be cautious of overheating. Ensure your laptop is on a flat, hard surface.
What should I do if my settings don’t save?
Double-check you’re clicking "Save changes." If they still don’t save, you might need to update your Windows system or restart your laptop.
Summary of Steps
- Open the Control Panel.
- Go to Hardware and Sound.
- Open Power Options.
- Choose what closing the lid does.
- Adjust lid closing settings.
- Save changes.
Conclusion
And that’s it! Now you know how to stop your laptop from turning off when you close the lid on Windows 11. By following these simple steps, you can ensure your laptop stays active and ready to go whenever you are. Remember to periodically check your settings, especially after system updates, to ensure they still meet your needs.
If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring more of our articles to get the most out of your Windows 11 experience. Whether you’re a student, professional, or tech enthusiast, these small tweaks can make a big difference in your daily workflow. So go ahead, give it a try, and keep that laptop running smoothly!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.