Recommended Free Tools
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Do you want to connect an external monitor to your laptop, close the laptop, and use the monitor? This guide teaches you a step-by-step guide to achieving this.
Step 1: Modify Power Options
The first step to set up your laptop so that you can use an external monitor when you close the laptop’s lid is to modify Power Options.
Follow the steps below to configure Power management so that when you close the lid of your windows 11 laptop, you can use an external monitor.
- Open the Windows 11 search tool. Then, type control panel.
From the search results, click Control Panel.
- On the search box of Control Panel (top right), type power. Then, from the search results, under Power Options, click Change what closing the lid does.
- When the Define power buttons and turn on password protection screen opens, modify the When I close the lid settings.
Specifically, click the two drop-downs for “On battery” and “Plugged in” and select Do nothing. See the second screenshot below…
- Finally, to save your changes, click the Save changes button.
Step 2: Connect an External Monitor to Your Laptop
Once you have modified the Power Options such that when you close your laptop’s lid, it does not Sleep, Hibernate or Shut down, connect your external monitor.
Popular on Amazon
- CRISP CLARITY: This 23.8″ Philips V line monitor delivers crisp Full HD 1920x1080 visuals. Enjoy movies, shows and videos with remarkable detail
- INCREDIBLE CONTRAST: The VA panel produces brighter whites and deeper blacks. You get true-to-life images and more gradients with 16.7 million colors
- THE PERFECT VIEW: The 178/178 degree extra wide viewing angle prevents the shifting of colors when viewed from an offset angle, so you always get consistent colors
- WORK SEAMLESSLY: This sleek monitor is virtually bezel-free on three sides, so the screen looks even bigger for the viewer. This minimalistic design also allows for seamless multi-monitor setups that enhance your workflow and boost productivity
- A BETTER READING EXPERIENCE: For busy office workers, EasyRead mode provides a more paper-like experience for when viewing lengthy documents
There is not much work here.
All you need do is connect the external monitor to your laptop via the port that the monitor supports. Most modern monitors will likely connect to a laptop via an HDMI port.
Finally, for this second step, power the external monitor. At this point, your Windows 11 desktop will display both on your laptop and on the external monitor.
Step 3: Close the Lid of your Laptop and use the External Monitor
This is the final step.
After you have modified your Windows 11 laptop to “Do nothing” when you close the lid and have connected the external monitor, here is the final step.
Also popular on Amazon
- Full HD Portable Monitor - MNN 15.6inch portable laptop monitor with 1920*1080 resolution, advanced IPS glossy screen support 178° full viewing angle, it renders accurate and bright color, draws you into the video or game with lifelike colors and amazing detail.It can effectively reduce blue light radiation damage, no flickering, eye-care, and make it easier to watch for a long time.A second monitor for working from home.
- Double Type-C Port -For Plug & Play, the MNN monitor provides 2 Full Feature Type-C ports. Only One USB Type-C Cable is required to connect to the power supply & display signal transmission. NOTE: Your device should support thunderbolt 3.0 or USB 3.1 Type C DP ALT-MODE.which supports multiple connect ways to your laptops, PC, Phones, Macbooks, PS5/PS4, Xbox, and Switch.
- Lightweight Ultra Slim for Travel - As a portable external monitor,MNN portable laptop monitor easily accommodate to every suitcase and backpack and stress-free when you are holding it for a long time. They are truly portable computer monitors for travelers, students, gamers,engineers, and everyone.
- Give consideration to work and games - through multiple display modes [Copy Mode/Extended Mode/Second Screen Mode/Portrait Mode], we can bring you a clear second screen in the meeting, and expand the screen anytime and anywhere to improve work efficiency and improve the quality of life. Adjusting to HDR mode can upgrade the image to a new level, providing you with brighter highlights,deeper and more realistic colors, more realistic images, and amazing viewing/gaming experience.
- Powerful Smart Cover - MNN portable external monitor can work in both landscape and portrait mode, can be used as a gaming monitor, screen extender for laptop or phone. Comes with a scratch-proof smart cover made of durable PU leather exterior, doubles as a stand, provides comprehensive protection for this portable computer monitor.
Simply close the lid of your Windows 11 laptop. Once you close the lid, you can continue using the external monitor as normal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can. The first step is to modify the Power Options (Change what closing the lid does) to “Do nothing.”
This first step ensures that when you close the lid of your laptop, it does not Sleep, Hibernate or Shut down. Once the first step is done, connect the external monitor and then close the lid of your laptop.
Your laptop’s display (monitor) turns off when you close the lid because of the settings in the Power Options.
To ensure that when you close your laptop’s lid, the display does not turn off, modify the Power Options:
a) Open Control Panel, then search Power Options.
b) Under Power Options, click Change what closing the lid does
c) Finally, on the When I close the lid settings, select Do nothing both for the “On battery” and “Plugged in”
Once you complete this, the display will not turn off when you close your laptop’s lid.
Also popular on Amazon
- CRISP CLARITY: This 22 inch class (21.5″ viewable) Philips V line monitor delivers crisp Full HD 1920x1080 visuals. Enjoy movies, shows and videos with remarkable detail
- 100HZ FAST REFRESH RATE: 100Hz brings your favorite movies and video games to life. Stream, binge, and play effortlessly
- SMOOTH ACTION WITH ADAPTIVE-SYNC: Adaptive-Sync technology ensures fluid action sequences and rapid response time. Every frame will be rendered smoothly with crystal clarity and without stutter
- INCREDIBLE CONTRAST: The VA panel produces brighter whites and deeper blacks. You get true-to-life images and more gradients with 16.7 million colors
- THE PERFECT VIEW: The 178/178 degree extra wide viewing angle prevents the shifting of colors when viewed from an offset angle, so you always get consistent colors
Yes, you can use a docking station with the laptop closed. To be able to do this, though, you need to configure When I close the lid settings in Power Options to Do nothing for both the “On battery” and “Plugged in.”
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Before you close your laptop’s lid, it is recommended to shut it down first.
However, if you configured your Windows Power settings to shut down when you close the lid, you can simply close the lid, and the laptop will shut down.
See Step 1 of this guide – Modify Power Options. When you get to step 3, select Shut down instead of selecting Do nothing.
Nope, shutting down a laptop does not damage it! Rather, shutting down your laptop frequently helps keep it healthy.
To ensure that your laptop restart from time to time, it is good to schedule them to restart. For steps on how to do this, read our guide – How To Schedule Windows 11 Shutdown Or Restart (link opens in a new browser tab)
Also popular on Amazon
- CURVED FOR ENHANCED ENGAGEMENT: An immersive viewing experience with a curved monitor that wraps more closely around your field of vision; It creates a wider view, enhancing depth perception and minimizing peripheral distraction
- SMOOTH PERFORMANCE FOR SEAMLESS CONTENT: Stay in the action when playing games, watching videos, or working on creative projects; The 100Hz refresh rate reduces lag and motion blur so you don't miss a thing in fast-paced moments¹
- MORE GAMING POWER: Gain the edge with optimizable game settings; Color and image contrast can be adjusted to see scenes more vividly and spot enemies hiding in the dark; Game Mode adjusts any game to fill the screen so you can view every detail²
- KEEP IT EASY ON THE EYES: Care for your eyes and stay comfortable, even during long sessions; Advanced eye comfort technology certified by TÜV reduces eye strain by minimizing blue light and reducing irritating screen flicker²
- INCREASED VERSATILITY: Connect to more; Plug devices straight into your monitor for increased flexibility, making your computing environment even more convenient
Conclusion
If you want to use an external monitor, you may want to close your laptop’s lid. However, by default, Windows 11 is configured to “Sleep” when you close the laptop’s lid.
So, how do you change this behavior?
That is what I covered in this guide. The first step is to modify the Windows 11 Power Options to tell the laptop to Do nothing when you close the lid.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Finally, connect your external monitor, power it up, and then, close the laptop’s lid.
Also popular on Amazon
- 【INTEGRATED SPEAKERS】Whether you're at work or in the midst of an intense gaming session, our built-in speakers provide rich and seamless audio, all while keeping your desk clutter-free.
- 【EASY ON THE EYES】 Protect your eyes and enhance your comfort with Blue-Light Shift technology. This feature reduces harmful blue light emissions from your screen, helping to alleviate eye strain during long hours of use and promoting healthier viewing habits.
- 【WIDEN YOUR PERSPECTIVE】Our sleek minimal bezel design ensures undivided attention. The nearly bezel-free display seamlessly connects in a dual monitor arrangement, delivering an unobstructed view that lets you focus on more at once, completely distraction-free.
I hope you found this Itechguide easy to understand and beneficial. If you did, kindly let us know by using the comment form at the bottom of this page.
Alternatively, you can respond to the “Was this page helpful?” question below.
Finally, for more Windows 11 Itechguides, visit our Windows 11 How-To page. You may likewise find our Windows 10 How-To guides valuable.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
