How to close your laptop and still work on monitor

(Image credit: Laptop Mag)

Closing the lid on your laptop usual means shutting it down or putting it to sleep, because what use is a laptop without a display to look at, right? Well, for those that own extra peripherals, such as a mouse, keyboard, monitor, and either a USB-C hub or docking station, you can easily transform your laptop into a desktop replacement — even with the lid closed. By default, Windows puts laptops to sleep when the lid is closed. Luckily, you can change these settings so your laptop stays on even when it's folded up. For those who prefer to use external monitors and PC accessories while hiding their laptop to save desk real estate, all it takes is a few tweaks in settings.

If you're looking to transform your desk setup with the power of a laptop without it even being open, here's how to use your laptop with the lid closed.

While "Sleep" will use a minimal amount of power but keep your laptop in a state that’s ready to go as soon as you open the lid, this isn't ideal if you're looking to use your laptop while it's closed. Changing this to "Do nothing" will fix this, but you can also control what happens when you close your laptop’s lid, such as shutting down or putting it into "Hibernate" mode.

The following steps will guide you in changing your laptop's power settings when you close the lid.

(Image credit: Future)

On your laptop, open the Control Panel and click on "Hardware and Sound." From there, navigate to "Power Options" and click on "Choose what closing the lid does" on the sidebar.
A much easier way is to type "Lid" in the search bar near the Start button. From there, it should show "Change what closing the lid does." Click on it.
Next to "When I close the lid," there are two drop-down menus for "On battery" and "Plugged in." Click on either or both and choose "Do nothing."
Make sure to click "Save changes" before exiting the window. To make sure the changes are applied, restart your laptop.

(Image credit: Future)

There you have it. You will now be able to use your laptop even if the lid is closed. Your laptop display can make for a great second monitor, but some may want to make space on their desk for monitors, a keyboard, mouse, docking station and other peripherals.

You can also use these settings to change what your laptop does when you press the power button or sleep button, such as shutting down or putting it into a hibernate state. For more ways on how to set up your new Windows laptop like a pro with out-of-the-box tips, we've got you covered.

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IMPORTANT: The steps below are a functionality of your computer, not your monitor. If this guide does not work or any of the options are grayed out, please contact your computer manufacturer for further troubleshooting.

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Normally, closing the lid of your laptop will make it go to sleep. But that might not be the best option if you connect your laptop to an external monitor or use your laptop for listening to music. Here’s everything you need to know about how to keep your Mac or Windows 10 laptop on when it’s closed.

How to Keep a Windows 10 Laptop On When It’s Closed

To keep your Windows 10 laptop on when you close the lid, press the Windows + I keys to open Settings. Then go to System > Power & sleep > Additional power settings and click Choose what closing the lid does. Finally, select Do nothing in both columns next to When I close the lid.

Press the Windows + I keys to open Settings. You can also click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of your screen and select the gear icon.
Then select System.
Next, click Power & sleep. You will see this in the left sidebar. If you don’t see the left sidebar, try clicking the box icon in the top-right corner to expand the window.
Then scroll down and click Additional power settings. You will see this under Related settings.
Next, click Choose what closing the lid does. You’ll find this in the left sidebar of the window.
Then, choose Do Nothing next to When I close the lid. Make sure to change the settings under both On battery and Plugged in.
Finally, click Save changes.

How to Keep a MacBook On When It’s Closed

To keep your MacBook on when you close the lid, click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Preferences. Then click Battery and select the Power Adapter from the left sidebar. Finally, move the slider under Turn display off after to Never.

Note: To keep your MacBook running when you close the lid, you have to plug it into an external monitor. In addition to this, you’ll also need an external keyboard and a mouse.

Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen.
Then select System Preferences.
Next, click Battery.
Then click Power Adapter. You will see this in the left sidebar of the window
Move the slider to Never. You will see this slider at the top of the window under Turn display off after.
Then check the box next to Prevent your Mac from automatically sleeping when the display is off.
Connect your MacBook to a power source, an external keyboard and mouse, and an external monitor.
Finally, close your MacBook lid.