There are instances when you’ll wish to use an external monitor instead of your laptop’s lid. Here’s how to use a monitor on Windows while closing a laptop.

When you shut the laptop’s lid, Windows often switches to a low power mode. Through the power settings, you may also program it to completely shut off.

However, what if you have it plugged into a monitor and don’t want it to shut off or go to sleep? On Windows 11 and 10, we’ll demonstrate how to close a laptop while using a display in this article.

On Windows 11 and Windows 10, changing power settings through Control Panel is necessary for this process. For instance, if your laptop is configured to operate with a monitor when closed, you’ll need to manually shut it off before putting it in a bag. If you don’t, the laptop can get too hot and cease working.

How to Use an External Monitor and Close the Laptop Lid in Windows 11

Your workspace will have more room if you use a laptop. You want to utilize it with your external monitor, but you want to keep the power on.

Follow these steps to utilize a laptop with an external monitor on Windows 11:

To open the Start menu, use the Windows key or click the Start button.
Click Control Panel in the Best match section at the top of the search results for cpl.

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Make sure View by is set to Large Icons when Control Panel appears, then click Power Options.

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Select what closing the lid does by clicking the link on the left-hand side.

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Choose Do nothing from the dropdown selections under On battery and Plugged in in the When I close the lid column.

Click the Save changes button at the bottom of the page.

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You can close your lid after making the necessary adjustments and continue using your external monitor.

How to Use an External Monitor and Close the Laptop Lid in Windows 10

When you close the lid on Windows 10, setting your laptop to use an external monitor is much the same.

After closing the lid on Windows 10, carry out the following actions to use an external monitor:

Select Cpl from the Start menu or by pressing the Windows key.
At the top of the search results, under the Best match category, click Control Panel.

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Click Power Options, then double-check that View by is set to Large Icons.

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Click the Choose what closing the lid does link on the left pane.

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Choose Do nothing from the dropdown selections under On battery and Plugged in in the When I close the lid column.

For the changes to take effect, be sure to click the Save changes button at the bottom of the page.

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Power Options for Windows

Setting your laptop to work with an external monitor when you close the lid is simple if you need more space for a cleaner workstation. When traveling with it, don’t forget to turn it off or put it in sleep mode. If not, the laptop will continue to run and potentially have overheating problems.

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