How to Close Your Laptop and Use an External Monitor

To use an external monitor with your laptop closed, you need to change your power settings so the laptop doesnโ€™t sleep when the lid is shut. Then connect your monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

 

 

Hereโ€™s a step-by-step guide for Windows 11:

Step-by-Step Setup

 

  1. Open Control Panel
    • Type Control Panel in the Windows search bar and open it.
  2. Go to Power Options
    • Click Hardware and Sound โ†’ Power Options.
  3. Change Lid Close Behavior
    • On the left sidebar, click Choose what closing the lid does.
    • Under When I close the lid, change the setting to Do nothing for both On battery and Plugged in.
    • Click Save changes.
  4. Connect Your External Monitor
    • Plug in your monitor using HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, or VGA.
    • Make sure the monitor is powered on.
  5. Connect Keyboard and Mouse
    • Use USB or Bluetooth to connect your external input devices.
  6. Close Your Laptop
    • Your laptop screen will turn off, but the system will stay awake and output to the external monitor.
  7. Adjust Display Settings (Optional)
    • Right-click on the desktop โ†’ Display settings.
    • Choose your external monitor as the primary display if needed.

 

 

Tips for Smooth Operation

  • Use a cooling pad if your laptop gets warm while closed.
  • Keep the laptop plugged in for best performance.
  • Disable sleep timers under Power Options if you want uninterrupted use.

 

 

You can find more details in Microsoftโ€™s official guide or follow this step-by-step tutorial.