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### Step-by-Step Guide to Close Your Laptop Lid While Using an External Monitor
To configure your laptop so you can close the lid while still using an external monitor, follow these straightforward steps:
1. Access Control Panel:
- Open the Control Panel by pressing the Windows key, typing "Control Panel," and selecting it from the list.
2. Select Hardware and Sound:
- In the Control Panel, navigate to "Hardware and Sound."
3. Open Power Options:
- From the options presented, click on "Power Options."
4. Choose Lid Closure Settings:
- On the left side of the window, you will find "Choose what closing the lid does." Click on it.
5. Adjust the Settings:
- Under the "When I close the lid:" section, modify both "On battery" and "Plugged in" settings to "Do nothing."
6. Save Changes:
- Make sure to click "Save changes" to apply your settings.
After completing these steps, you can close your laptop lid while using an external monitor without it going to sleep or shutting down. If you ever want to revert the settings back to default (where closing the lid puts the laptop to sleep), simply repeat the steps and select "Sleep" as needed.
### Why Would You Want to Close Your Laptop Lid?
The decision to close your laptop lid while using an external display comes with several benefits:
1. Increased Screen Real Estate:
- Utilizing a larger or dual-monitor setup immensely boosts your workspace. It provides more visual space to work on multiple tasks efficiently.
2. Tidy Desk Space:
- Closing the lid helps keep your workspace uncluttered. You can easily tuck away the laptop, creating a more organized environment.
3. Prolonged Laptop Lifespan:
- Keeping the lid closed can minimize wear and tear on the laptop screen and keyboard, leading to potential longevity.
4. Protection Against Spills and Debris:
- It covers the keyboard from crumbs and spills, which is especially advantageous if you often eat or drink near your workstation.
5. Flexibility in Usage:
- If connected to an external monitor, closing the lid can transform the laptop into a secondary screen if needed.
### Drawbacks and Considerations
While there are many pros to closing your laptop lid, some potential drawbacks include:
1. Keyboard and Mouse Accessibility:
- If you do not have an external keyboard and mouse, closing the lid can limit your ability to control the laptop easily.
2. Mobility:
- For users who frequently shift locations, having to open and close the laptop each time can become cumbersome. Keeping it open may provide easier access when moving between spaces.
3. Preferences:
- Some users prefer to keep their laptops open to access files on the laptop while utilizing the external monitor.
### Conclusion
Configuring your laptop to remain operational while the lid is closed is a relatively simple process that offers several advantages for those using external monitors. This setup can enhance workspace functionality, protect the laptop, and streamline work habits. However, it's essential to weigh these benefits against your personal work style and equipment setup. Adjusting the settings is quick and easy, so feel free to switch back and forth as your needs change.
Embracing this practice can transform your productivity and work environment, making it a worthwhile consideration for any Windows 11 user.
Source: XDA How to close your laptop lid while using an external monitor in Windows 11
To configure your laptop so you can close the lid while still using an external monitor, follow these straightforward steps:
1. Access Control Panel:
- Open the Control Panel by pressing the Windows key, typing "Control Panel," and selecting it from the list.
2. Select Hardware and Sound:
- In the Control Panel, navigate to "Hardware and Sound."
3. Open Power Options:
- From the options presented, click on "Power Options."
4. Choose Lid Closure Settings:
- On the left side of the window, you will find "Choose what closing the lid does." Click on it.
5. Adjust the Settings:
- Under the "When I close the lid:" section, modify both "On battery" and "Plugged in" settings to "Do nothing."
6. Save Changes:
- Make sure to click "Save changes" to apply your settings.
After completing these steps, you can close your laptop lid while using an external monitor without it going to sleep or shutting down. If you ever want to revert the settings back to default (where closing the lid puts the laptop to sleep), simply repeat the steps and select "Sleep" as needed.
### Why Would You Want to Close Your Laptop Lid?
The decision to close your laptop lid while using an external display comes with several benefits:
1. Increased Screen Real Estate:
- Utilizing a larger or dual-monitor setup immensely boosts your workspace. It provides more visual space to work on multiple tasks efficiently.
2. Tidy Desk Space:
- Closing the lid helps keep your workspace uncluttered. You can easily tuck away the laptop, creating a more organized environment.
3. Prolonged Laptop Lifespan:
- Keeping the lid closed can minimize wear and tear on the laptop screen and keyboard, leading to potential longevity.
4. Protection Against Spills and Debris:
- It covers the keyboard from crumbs and spills, which is especially advantageous if you often eat or drink near your workstation.
5. Flexibility in Usage:
- If connected to an external monitor, closing the lid can transform the laptop into a secondary screen if needed.
### Drawbacks and Considerations
While there are many pros to closing your laptop lid, some potential drawbacks include:
1. Keyboard and Mouse Accessibility:
- If you do not have an external keyboard and mouse, closing the lid can limit your ability to control the laptop easily.
2. Mobility:
- For users who frequently shift locations, having to open and close the laptop each time can become cumbersome. Keeping it open may provide easier access when moving between spaces.
3. Preferences:
- Some users prefer to keep their laptops open to access files on the laptop while utilizing the external monitor.
### Conclusion
Configuring your laptop to remain operational while the lid is closed is a relatively simple process that offers several advantages for those using external monitors. This setup can enhance workspace functionality, protect the laptop, and streamline work habits. However, it's essential to weigh these benefits against your personal work style and equipment setup. Adjusting the settings is quick and easy, so feel free to switch back and forth as your needs change.
Embracing this practice can transform your productivity and work environment, making it a worthwhile consideration for any Windows 11 user.
Source: XDA How to close your laptop lid while using an external monitor in Windows 11
