Can I remove laptop screen and just use external monitor?

Answered by Randy McIntyre

It is possible to remove the laptop screen and use only an external monitor. This can be useful if your laptop screen is damaged or if you prefer to work with a larger display.

To start, you will need an external monitor that you can connect to your laptop. Most monitors have an HDMI port, so you will also need an HDMI cable to connect the laptop and the monitor. If your laptop and monitor have different ports, you may need an adapter to connect them.

Once you have the necessary equipment, follow these steps to remove the laptop screen and use the external monitor:

1. Power off your laptop and disconnect any external devices or cables.
2. Carefully close your laptop and turn it over so that the bottom is facing up.
3. Look for the screws or tabs that secure the bezel or frame of the laptop screen. These are usually located along the edges of the screen. Use a small screwdriver or a plastic opening tool to remove the screws or gently release the tabs.
4. Once the bezel is loose, you should see the screen connected to the laptop with a cable. This cable is called the video cable or display cable.
5. Disconnect the video cable from the back of the screen. You may need to unscrew it or release some clips to do this. Be gentle and avoid pulling forcefully to prevent any damage.
6. Now, carefully remove the screen from the laptop’s housing. Depending on the laptop model, there may be additional screws or connectors holding the screen in place. Refer to your laptop’s manual or search online for specific instructions for your model if needed.
7. Once the laptop screen is removed, connect one end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI port on your laptop.
8. Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI port on the external monitor.
9. Power on your laptop and the external monitor.
10. Your laptop should automatically detect the external monitor and display the desktop on it. If not, you may need to adjust the display settings on your laptop. On Windows, you can do this by right-clicking on the desktop, selecting “Display settings,” and choosing the appropriate options. On Mac, go to “System Preferences,” then “Displays,” and adjust the settings as needed.

Now you should be able to use the external monitor as your primary display. The laptop screen can be kept aside or stored safely.

It’s worth noting that removing the laptop screen and using only an external monitor may affect the portability and mobility of your laptop. Without the built-in screen, you will always need to connect to an external monitor to use your laptop. If you plan to use your laptop on the go frequently, you may want to consider getting the laptop screen repaired or replaced instead.

I hope this detailed explanation helps you in removing the laptop screen and using an external monitor successfully.