To use an external monitor with your laptop lid closed in Windows 10 or Windows 11, you’ll need to adjust the power settings. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve that:
1. Start by connecting your external monitor to your laptop using the appropriate cable (HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort, etc.). Make sure the monitor is turned on and functioning properly.
2. Once the external monitor is connected, go to the Windows Start menu and click on the Settings icon (it looks like a gear).
3. In the Settings window, click on the System option.
4. In the System settings, click on the Display option on the left-hand side.
5. On the right-hand side, you’ll see the Multiple Displays section. Here, you can choose how you want to use your displays. Click on the drop-down menu under “Multiple displays” and select “Extend these displays.”
6. Now, scroll down a bit and locate the “Advanced display settings” link. Click on it to open the advanced display settings.
7. In the advanced display settings, you’ll see a section for each connected display. Identify the external monitor you want to use with the lid closed. Click on that display.
8. Under the selected display, you’ll find a checkbox labeled “Make this my main display.” Check this box to set the external monitor as the primary display.
9. Once you’ve made the external monitor your main display, scroll down further and click on the “Display adapter properties” link.
10. In the adapter properties window, go to the “Monitor” tab.
11. Under the “Monitor” tab, you’ll find a checkbox labeled “Hide modes that this monitor cannot display.” Uncheck this box to access additional display options.
12. Now, scroll down and select the desired screen refresh rate and screen resolution for your external monitor. Make sure these settings are compatible with your monitor.
13. Click on the “Apply” button to save the changes.
14. Now, you can close the adapter properties window and the advanced display settings window.
15. go to the Windows Start menu and click on the Control Panel option.
16. In the Control Panel, click on the Hardware and Sound option.
17. Under the Hardware and Sound section, click on Power Options.
18. In the Power Options window, you’ll see a list of power plans. Find the active power plan (usually marked as “Balanced”) and click on the “Change plan settings” link next to it.
19. On the next screen, click on the “Change advanced power settings” link.
20. In the advanced power settings window, scroll down until you find the “Power buttons and lid” option. Expand it by clicking on the plus sign (+) next to it.
21. Expand the “Lid close action” option and select “Do nothing” from the drop-down menu.
22. Click on the “Apply” button and then click on “OK” to save the changes.
Now, when you close the laptop lid, your external monitor should continue to display the desktop without any interruption. You can use your laptop as a desktop setup with the lid closed, maximizing your screen real estate.
It’s worth noting that some laptops may have specific hardware limitations that prevent them from using an external monitor with the lid closed. In such cases, you may need to consult your laptop’s documentation or contact the manufacturer for further assistance.
I hope this detailed guide helps you successfully use an external monitor with your laptop lid closed!