Keep Monitor On When Laptop is Closed Windows 10 – Have you ever tried closing your laptop lid but wanted your external monitor to stay on? Well, I’ve been there too! I remember setting up my big, beautiful screen, feeling all productive, and then—boom! Everything went black the moment I shut my laptop. Honestly, it was so frustrating! But, after struggling for a while, I finally figured out how to fix it. So, let me share my personal experience with you!
Now, let’s jump right into it and learn how to keep the monitor on when the laptop is closed in Windows 10 without going crazy. 😂
1. Why Would You Want to Keep the Monitor On?
Before we get into the steps, let’s talk about why you might need this setting:
- Bigger Screen Setup – It’s way more comfortable to work on a larger visual.
- Meetings & Presentations – Keeping your laptop open can be awkward.
- Entertainment – Watching Netflix on a bigger screen just hits different. 🎬
- Desk Space – A closed laptop makes everything look neat and tidy.
- Less Distraction – With the laptop out of sight, you stay focused.
Alright, now let’s move on to fixing this issue once and for all! 🚀
2. Changing Windows 10 Power Settings
Luckily, Windows 10 has a setting that lets you prevent your laptop from sleeping when you close the lid. You just need to know where to find it! 🤦♂️
Control Panel Method
- Press
Win + R, typecontrol, and hit Enter. - Click Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
- Look for Choose what closing the lid does in the left panel.
- Find the When I close the lid section.
- Set both On Battery and Plugged In to Do Nothing.
- Click Save changes and you’re done! 🎉
Windows Settings Method
- Press
Win + Ito open Settings. - Select System > Power & sleep.
- Click Additional power settings (this opens Control Panel, but hey, more options!).
- Follow the same steps as in the Control Panel method above.
Now, your external monitor won’t turn off when you close your laptop! But if that doesn’t work, don’t panic. Let’s try something else. 😉
3. Advanced Power Tweaks
Even after changing the settings, some laptops just refuse to cooperate. So, here’s what you can do:
- Modify Power Plan Settings – Open Power Options > Change plan settings, then tweak sleep mode settings.
- Check BIOS/UEFI Settings – Some laptops have a hidden setting for external display mode (press
F2orDELwhile booting up). - Deactivate Sleep Mode Completely – Open Device Manager, find Network Adapters, and deactivate “Allow this device to turn off to save power”.
If this still doesn’t work, no worries! We have more tricks to try. 😏
4. Check Your Hardware & Drivers
Sometimes, Windows isn’t even the problem. Instead, outdated drivers or bad cables are causing the issue!
- Ensure Proper Connection – Try using a different HDMI or DisplayPort cable.
- Update Graphics Drivers – Open Device Manager > Display Adapters, right-click your GPU, and select Update driver.
- Set External Display as Primary – Right-click on the desktop, go to Display settings, and choose “Make this my main screen”.
If nothing changes, don’t lose hope! Let’s explore some third-party solutions. 😎
5. Use Third-Party Software to Keep the Screen On
Windows settings are great, but sometimes you need extra help. So, here are some cool apps that can do the job:
- Keep Display On – Stops Windows from sleeping when the lid is closed.
- NoSleep – Ensures your laptop stays awake even when idle.
- Caffeine – Simulates keypresses to prevent Windows from going to sleep.
Personally, these apps have saved me from many frustrating moments! 🙌
6. Fixing Common Issues
Even after doing everything right, things can still go wrong. So, let’s talk about common issues and how to fix them!
Laptop Still Sleeps When Lid is Closed?
- Double-check your Power Options settings.
- Restart your laptop after making changes.
- Deactivate “Fast Startup” in Control Panel > Power Options.
External Monitor Flickers or Disconnects?
- Update your graphics drivers.
- Use a high-quality HDMI/DisplayPort cable.
- Make sure your power source is stable.
Laptop Overheating?
- Use a cooling pad (trust me, your laptop will love you for this!).
- Adjust power settings to lower performance mode.
7. Pro Tips for the Best Experience
Now that your external monitor stays on, here are some final tips to make your setup even better:
- Use a Docking Station – Makes connecting everything much easier.
- Optimize Display Settings – Adjust resolution and scaling for better clarity.
- Monitor Power Consumption – Laptops in lid-closed mode can drain power quickly.
Also Read: How to Record Audio on Chromebook – Quick & Easy!
FAQ: Keep Monitor On When Laptop is Closed Windows 10
Q1: Will keeping my laptop on with the lid closed cause damage?
No, as long as you ensure proper ventilation! Just don’t put it in an enclosed space. 😅
Q2: My laptop doesn’t have a “Do Nothing” option. What should I do?
Try updating your power drivers or using a third-party app like NoSleep.
Q3: Can I close my laptop and still use an external keyboard and mouse?
Yes! Just make sure “USB Selective Suspend” is deactivate in Power Options.
Q4: My monitor turns off after a while, even with the settings changed. Why?
Check your display timeout settings in Power Options and set them to “Never”.
Q5: Can I apply these settings to Windows 11 too?
Yes, the steps are almost the same in Windows 11!
