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 doesn’t sleep when the lid is shut. Then connect your monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

 

 

Here’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 → 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 → 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 Microsoft’s official guide or follow this step-by-step tutorial.