One feature that many users appreciate about laptops is their portability and ease of use. However, there may be situations where you want to use an external monitor while your laptop is closed. This can be helpful if you want to save space on your desk or use a more ergonomic setup with an external keyboard and mouse. In this blog post, we will discuss how to keep the monitor on when your laptop is closed using Windows 11.
Adjusting Power Settings in Windows 11
To keep your monitor on when your laptop is closed, you need to adjust the power settings in Windows 11. Follow these steps:
-
Right-click the Start button or press Win + X to open the power user menu and click on Settings.
-
In the Settings window, click on System.
-
Scroll down and click on Power & battery.
-
Click on Advanced power settings to open the Power & sleep settings window.
-
Click on Additional power settings under Related settings.
-
This will open the Power Options window. Click on Choose what closing the lid does in the left-hand column.
-
In the “When I close the lid” section, select Do nothing from the drop-down menu for both “On battery” and “Plugged in” options. This will ensure that your external monitor stays on when the laptop is closed, regardless of whether it’s running on battery power or connected to a power outlet.
-
Click Save changes to apply the new settings.
Connect Your Laptop to an External Monitor
Now that you have configured the power settings, you can connect your laptop to an external monitor. To do this, you need an HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C cable, depending on the ports available on your laptop and monitor. Here’s how to connect your laptop to an external monitor:
-
Connect one end of the cable to your laptop and the other end to your monitor.
-
Turn on the monitor and ensure it’s set to the correct input source.
-
Press Win + P on your laptop to open the Project menu.
-
Select Extend or Second screen only to use your external monitor. Your laptop should now recognize the external monitor, and you can use it even when your laptop is closed.
Conclusion
By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can easily keep your monitor on when your laptop is closed in Windows 11. This setup allows you to enjoy a more ergonomic workstation with an external keyboard and mouse and a larger display. With the right power settings and a few simple connection steps, you’ll be well on your way to a more comfortable and productive workspace.
