How to Use an External Monitor with a Closed Laptop on Windows 11

Patrick_Yu

If you want to use an external monitor while keeping your laptop fully closed on Windows 11, you’ll need to adjust a few settings to prevent the laptop from sleeping or shutting down. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to keep your laptop running with the lid closed and display output directed to the external monitor. 

Why use an external monitor with a closed laptop? 

Using an external monitor with a closed laptop can provide several benefits: 

• Improved ergonomics – Positioning an external monitor at eye level helps reduce neck and back strain. 
• Maximized screen space – A larger or multiple external monitors allow for a more efficient workspace. 
• Decluttered setup – Closing the laptop lid keeps your desk clean and organized. 
• Better performance – Running a laptop with an external monitor can help maintain a cooler system temperature if paired with a cooling pad. 
• Optimized docking station use – Many professionals use docking stations to create a desktop-like experience while keeping their laptop closed.

A step-by-step guide to using an external monitor with a closed laptop on Windows 11 

Step 1: Connect the external monitor 

1. Use the right cable – Depending on your laptop’s ports, use HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, or Thunderbolt to connect your external monitor. 
2. Power on the monitor – Ensure your external display is powered on and set to the correct input source. 

Step 2: Configure display settings

1. Right-click on the desktop and select Display settings. 
2. Scroll to Multiple displays and ensure the external monitor is detected. 
3. Choose Show only on 2 if you want to use just the external monitor. 
4. Click Apply to save changes. 

Step 3: Change laptop lid settings

By default, closing the laptop lid puts it to sleep. To keep it running: 

Method 1: Using Windows Settings

1. Open Settings and go to System > Power & battery. 
2. Scroll down and select Lid, power & sleep button controls. 
3. Under both Plugged in and On battery, find the option labeled Closing the lid will make my PC. 
4. Toggle the setting to Do nothing to keep your computer running when the lid is closed. 

Method 2: Using Control Panel

1. Open the Control Panel. 
2. Navigate to Hardware and Sound > Power Options. 
3. Click Choose what closing the lid does from the left panel. 
4. Under When I close the lid, select Do nothing for both On battery and Plugged in. 
5. Click Save changes. 

Step 4: Ensure proper power settings

• Under System > Power & Battery set your laptop to Best performance mode in Power Mode. 
• Ensure USB devices and external peripherals stay powered if using a docking station. 

Step 5: Adjust external monitor settings

• Right-click the desktop and open Display settings. 
• Set the external monitor as Primary display for optimal performance. 
• Adjust Resolution and Scaling for better clarity and usability. 

Step 6: Close the laptop and start working 

• After setting up, simply close the laptop lid. 
• Your external monitor should remain active and function as your primary display. 
• If the laptop shuts down or sleeps, double-check the lid close action settings in Power Options. 

Troubleshooting tips 

• Monitor not detecting? Ensure the correct input source is selected on the monitor. 
• Laptop goes to sleep? Revisit the lid close settings in Power Options. 
• Performance issues? Update graphics drivers and adjust power settings. 
• Black screen on external monitor? Disconnect and reconnect the cable or try a different port. 

Conclusion 

Setting up an external monitor with a closed laptop on Windows 11 requires adjusting power and display settings to ensure the laptop remains on. By following these steps, you can create a seamless and efficient external monitor setup for work, gaming, or productivity.

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