Closing your laptop lid is a convenient way to save space or move your workflow to an external monitor. However, by default, most laptops are configured to go to sleep or hibernate when the lid is closed. This can disrupt your work if you’re relying on an external display. Luckily, there are several ways to keep your external monitor active even when your laptop lid is shut. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to achieve this, covering various operating systems and potential issues.
Understanding Power Management Settings
The key to keeping your external monitor on lies in adjusting your laptop’s power management settings. These settings dictate how your computer behaves when idle, including when the lid is closed. Accessing and modifying these settings will allow you to override the default behavior and keep your laptop running, and your external monitor displaying, even with the lid closed.
Windows Power Options
Windows offers a straightforward interface for managing power settings. You can access these settings through the Control Panel or the Settings app. Here’s how:
First, open the Control Panel. You can search for it in the Windows search bar. Once the Control Panel is open, click on “Hardware and Sound,” and then select “Power Options.” Alternatively, you can search for “Power Options” directly in the Windows search bar.
In the Power Options window, you’ll see your preferred plan (e.g., Balanced, Power Saver, High Performance). Next to your selected plan, click on “Change plan settings.”
On the next screen, click on “Change advanced power settings.” This will open a new window with a detailed list of power options.
Scroll down to find “Power buttons and lid” (it might be labeled slightly differently depending on your Windows version). Expand this section. You’ll see an option labeled “Lid close action.” Here, you can specify what happens when you close the lid. There are usually two options: “On battery” and “Plugged in.” Set both of these to “Do nothing.” This is the crucial step that prevents your laptop from sleeping when the lid is closed.
Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save your changes. Now, when you close your laptop lid, it should continue running, and your external monitor should remain active.
macOS System Preferences
macOS also allows you to adjust power settings, although the options are presented differently than in Windows. You’ll need to use the Terminal application for some adjustments.
Open System Preferences. You can find it in the Dock or by searching using Spotlight (Command + Spacebar).
Click on “Battery.” In the Battery settings, you’ll see options for “Battery” and “Power Adapter” in the sidebar. Select “Power Adapter.”
Ensure that the “Prevent your Mac from automatically sleeping when the display is off” box is checked. This is the primary setting that will allow you to keep your external monitor running.
By default, macOS will still go to sleep when the lid is closed, even with the above setting checked, if the laptop is running solely on battery power. To prevent this, you might need to keep your MacBook plugged into a power source.
For more advanced control, you can use the Terminal application. Open Terminal (found in /Applications/Utilities/).
Type the following command and press Enter: sudo pmset -a lidwake 0
This command disables the “lid wake” feature, which is responsible for waking the laptop when the lid is opened. While this isn’t directly related to keeping the laptop awake when the lid is closed, it can prevent accidental waking of the laptop if the lid is slightly ajar. You will be prompted for your administrator password.
To revert this setting, use the following command: sudo pmset -a lidwake 1
It is also important to ensure that your macOS is not configured to sleep after a period of inactivity. In the Battery settings (as described earlier), you can adjust the “Turn display off after” slider to a longer duration or disable it completely.
Linux Power Management
Linux distributions offer various power management tools, depending on the desktop environment you’re using. The most common tools are typically found in the system settings or control panel.
For GNOME, open “Settings” and then navigate to “Power.” Here, you can find options for “Blank Screen” and “Automatic Suspend.” Adjust these settings to prevent the screen from turning off or the system from suspending after a period of inactivity.
For KDE Plasma, open “System Settings” and then navigate to “Power Management.” You’ll find options for “Energy Saving” and “Screen Energy Saving.” Configure these settings to prevent the screen from turning off or the system from suspending.
Most Linux distributions also use systemd for power management. You can configure the behavior of systemd by editing the /etc/systemd/logind.conf file. Open the file with a text editor as root (e.g., sudo nano /etc/systemd/logind.conf).
Find the line #HandleLidSwitch=suspend. Remove the # to uncomment the line, and change suspend to ignore. The line should now read HandleLidSwitch=ignore.
Save the file and restart the systemd-logind service by running sudo systemctl restart systemd-logind.service. This will tell the system to ignore the lid switch, preventing it from suspending when the lid is closed.
Ensuring Proper External Monitor Connection
Beyond power management settings, the type of connection you’re using for your external monitor can also influence whether it stays active when the laptop lid is closed.
Using the Correct Cables and Ports
Different cables and ports have different capabilities. HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C are the most common options for connecting external monitors.
HDMI is a widely supported standard and generally works well. However, ensure that your HDMI cable and port support the resolution and refresh rate you desire. Older HDMI versions might be limited to lower resolutions or refresh rates.
DisplayPort is another excellent option, often offering better performance than HDMI, especially for high resolutions and refresh rates. DisplayPort also supports features like daisy-chaining multiple monitors.
USB-C is becoming increasingly popular, especially for newer laptops. USB-C ports can support DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode), which allows them to transmit video signals. USB-C hubs and docks can also provide multiple display outputs.
Ensure that your cable is securely connected to both your laptop and your external monitor. A loose connection can cause intermittent display issues or prevent the monitor from working altogether.
Display Settings Configuration
After connecting your external monitor, you might need to configure your display settings to ensure that it’s properly recognized and set as the primary display.
In Windows, right-click on the desktop and select “Display settings.” Here, you can choose how to use your multiple displays. You can “Duplicate these displays,” “Extend these displays,” or “Show only on [external monitor number].” Select “Show only on [external monitor number]” to make the external monitor your primary display.
You may also need to adjust the resolution and refresh rate of your external monitor in the Display settings. Ensure that these settings are appropriate for your monitor’s capabilities.
In macOS, open System Preferences and click on “Displays.” Here, you can arrange your displays, set the primary display, and adjust the resolution and refresh rate. Drag the white bar (representing the menu bar) to the external monitor to make it the primary display.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even after adjusting the power management settings and ensuring a proper connection, you might still encounter issues with keeping your external monitor on when the laptop lid is closed. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Laptop Still Sleeps
If your laptop still goes to sleep when you close the lid, double-check your power management settings. Make sure that “Lid close action” is set to “Do nothing” for both “On battery” and “Plugged in” in Windows. In macOS, ensure that the “Prevent your Mac from automatically sleeping when the display is off” box is checked and that your laptop is plugged in. If using Linux, review the systemd settings described earlier.
Monitor Goes Black Intermittently
If your external monitor goes black intermittently, the issue might be related to the display driver. Try updating your display driver to the latest version. You can download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website (e.g., Intel, NVIDIA, AMD).
Another possibility is that the issue is related to the cable or port. Try using a different cable or port to see if the problem persists.
Laptop Overheating
Keeping your laptop running with the lid closed can sometimes lead to overheating, especially if the laptop’s cooling system relies on air circulation through the keyboard area.
Ensure that your laptop has adequate ventilation when the lid is closed. Avoid placing it on soft surfaces like blankets or pillows, which can block the vents. Consider using a laptop cooling pad to improve airflow. Monitor your laptop’s temperature using system monitoring tools. If the temperature consistently exceeds safe levels, you might need to reconsider keeping the lid closed for extended periods.
External Devices Malfunctioning
Sometimes, closing the lid and keeping the laptop running can affect the functionality of external devices connected to the laptop, such as USB drives or external hard drives.
This can be due to power management settings that are designed to conserve energy by turning off power to USB ports when the system is idle. Check your power management settings and ensure that USB selective suspend is disabled. This setting allows Windows to turn off power to USB devices that are not in use. Disabling this feature can prevent your external devices from malfunctioning when the lid is closed.
BIOS Settings Interference
In rare cases, BIOS settings can interfere with the ability to keep the external monitor on. Some BIOS settings might override the operating system’s power management settings.
Check your BIOS settings for any options related to power management or lid switch behavior. If you find any such options, experiment with different settings to see if they resolve the issue. However, be careful when modifying BIOS settings, as incorrect settings can cause system instability. Refer to your laptop’s manual for information on accessing and modifying BIOS settings.
Using a Docking Station
A docking station can provide a more robust and reliable solution for using an external monitor with your laptop. Docking stations offer several advantages:
They provide multiple ports, including display outputs (HDMI, DisplayPort), USB ports, and Ethernet ports.
They can provide power to your laptop, eliminating the need for a separate power adapter.
They can simplify cable management, as you only need to connect a single cable to your laptop.
When using a docking station, ensure that the docking station is compatible with your laptop and supports the resolution and refresh rate of your external monitor. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for connecting and configuring the docking station.
Conclusion
Keeping your external monitor on when you close your laptop is a simple but essential tweak for many users. By understanding and adjusting your operating system’s power management settings, ensuring proper connections, and troubleshooting common issues, you can create a seamless workflow that allows you to maximize your productivity with an external display. Remember to prioritize proper ventilation to avoid overheating and consider a docking station for a more comprehensive solution. Experiment with different settings to find the configuration that works best for your specific laptop and usage scenario.
Why does my external monitor turn off when I close my laptop?
The primary reason your external monitor shuts off when you close your laptop is due to a power management setting in your operating system. By default, most laptops are configured to enter a sleep or hibernate state when the lid is closed to conserve battery power. This action suspends all operations, including the display output to external monitors, effectively turning them off.
This behavior is designed for mobile use, allowing you to quickly resume work when you open the laptop. However, when you intend to use the laptop as a desktop replacement with an external monitor, you need to override this default setting to keep the external display active even with the lid closed. The specific steps to achieve this vary depending on your operating system, but it generally involves adjusting power settings in the control panel or system preferences.
How do I prevent my laptop from sleeping when I close the lid in Windows?
To prevent your laptop from sleeping when the lid is closed in Windows, navigate to the Control Panel and select “Hardware and Sound,” then “Power Options.” In the left-hand menu, click on “Choose what closing the lid does.” You’ll see options for “When I press the power button” and “When I close the lid,” each with dropdown menus for “On battery” and “Plugged in.”
For both “On battery” and “Plugged in” under “When I close the lid,” select “Do nothing” from the dropdown menus. This tells Windows to ignore the lid closure event and continue running as if the lid were open. Remember to click the “Save changes” button to apply your new settings. Now, closing your laptop lid will not trigger sleep, allowing your external monitor to remain active.
What are the steps to keep my external monitor on when closing my MacBook?
On a macOS system, to keep your external monitor on when closing your MacBook, open System Preferences and navigate to “Battery.” In the left-hand sidebar, select “Power Adapter.” Ensure that the option “Prevent computer from sleeping automatically when the display is off” is checked. This setting will keep your MacBook running even when the lid is closed, as long as it’s connected to a power source.
It’s crucial to have your MacBook connected to a power adapter, as macOS usually requires a power connection to maintain display output to an external monitor with the lid closed. If you are running on battery, even with the setting mentioned above checked, macOS might still enter sleep mode to conserve power. If the issue persists, double check your energy saver settings and disable any conflicting settings.
Will keeping my laptop on with the lid closed overheat it?
Keeping your laptop running with the lid closed can potentially lead to overheating, especially during resource-intensive tasks. Laptops often rely on the space between the keyboard and the screen for ventilation, and closing the lid obstructs this airflow. Prolonged operation in a closed state, particularly under heavy load, can cause heat to build up within the device.
To mitigate this risk, consider elevating your laptop to improve airflow beneath the chassis. You can use a laptop stand or even simple objects to create space for ventilation. Also, regularly monitor the laptop’s temperature using monitoring software. If you notice excessive heat, consider opening the lid periodically to allow for better cooling or reducing the workload on the laptop.
Does using an external monitor while the laptop is closed drain the battery faster?
Yes, using an external monitor while your laptop is closed can indeed drain the battery faster, especially if the laptop is not plugged into a power source. Even though the laptop screen is off, the internal components are still actively running to process information and output it to the external display. This continued operation consumes power, leading to quicker battery depletion compared to when the laptop is in sleep mode or completely turned off.
The extent of the battery drain depends on several factors, including the laptop’s specifications, the brightness and resolution of the external monitor, and the types of tasks you are performing. To minimize battery drain, try reducing the brightness of the external monitor, closing unnecessary applications, and optimizing your workflow. The best approach is to keep your laptop plugged in when using it with a closed lid to avoid battery drain altogether.
What if the power settings don’t allow me to keep the monitor on?
If the standard power settings in your operating system don’t allow you to keep the monitor on when the laptop is closed, there might be other factors at play, such as driver issues or specific hardware limitations. First, ensure that your graphics card drivers are up to date, as outdated drivers can sometimes interfere with power management settings and display output. Visit the manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest drivers for your specific graphics card model.
If updating the drivers doesn’t resolve the issue, investigate whether your laptop’s BIOS or UEFI settings have any power-saving configurations that might be overriding the operating system’s settings. Some BIOS settings allow you to customize power behavior at a lower level. Additionally, certain third-party power management utilities may be interfering with the intended behavior; try temporarily disabling or uninstalling them to see if the problem persists.
Can I use a docking station to keep my external monitor on when closing my laptop?
Yes, using a docking station is a highly effective way to ensure your external monitor remains on when you close your laptop. Docking stations are designed to provide a consistent power supply and maintain connections to peripherals, including external displays, even when the laptop lid is closed. This bypasses the default power management behavior that would typically trigger sleep mode upon lid closure.
When your laptop is connected to a docking station, it often recognizes the external display as the primary display, allowing you to seamlessly transition to a desktop-like setup with the lid closed. Ensure that the docking station is properly connected to a power source and that the necessary drivers are installed for optimal performance. Also, double-check that your laptop’s power settings are configured to “Do nothing” when the lid is closed, as explained earlier, to fully utilize the docking station’s capabilities.