Keeping your laptop on when it’s closed might sound like a magic trick, but it’s actually a simple setting change in Windows 11. By adjusting the power settings, you can easily keep your laptop running even when the lid is shut. This can be handy if you’re using an external monitor or just want to keep downloads going while the laptop is tucked away.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Keep Laptop On When Closed Windows 11
Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what we’re going to achieve here. By changing a few settings, your laptop won’t go to sleep or shut down when you close the lid. This means you can continue to use your laptop with an external display, keyboard, and mouse, or keep your programs running in the background.
Step 1: Open Power Options
Go to the Start menu, search for ‘Control Panel’, and select ‘Power Options’.
Power Options is the control hub for all things energy related on your laptop. Here, you can tweak settings that determine how your laptop uses power and how it behaves when on battery or plugged in.
Step 2: Change What Closing the Lid Does
Click on ‘Choose what closing the lid does’ from the options on the left side of the window.
This section allows you to customize the actions your laptop takes when you close the lid. By default, it’s set to either sleep, hibernate, or shut down, depending on your current power plan.
Step 3: Adjust Settings
Under ‘When I close the lid’, change the settings for ‘Plugged in’ to ‘Do nothing’.
By selecting ‘Do nothing’, you’re instructing Windows 11 to keep the laptop running regardless of the lid position when it’s connected to a power source. Remember, this setting won’t affect the laptop’s behavior when it’s on battery power unless you change that setting as well.
After completing these steps, your laptop will stay on even when the lid is closed, as long as it’s plugged in. This is perfect for those who want to use their laptop with an external monitor or just don’t want their laptop to enter sleep mode while they step away for a bit.
Tips: Keeping Your Laptop On When Closed in Windows 11
- Make sure your laptop is properly ventilated when in use with the lid closed to avoid overheating.
- If you want your laptop to stay on when running on battery, change the ‘On battery’ setting to ‘Do nothing’ as well.
- Always monitor your laptop’s temperature to prevent any hardware damage.
- Consider adjusting your power plan settings for optimal performance when using the laptop closed.
- Remember to change the settings back if you no longer need the laptop to stay on with the lid closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this setting affect my laptop’s battery life?
Yes, keeping your laptop running with the lid closed may consume more battery power, especially if it’s not plugged in.
Can I still use my laptop’s keyboard and touchpad with the lid closed?
Typically, the laptop’s built-in keyboard and touchpad will be disabled when the lid is closed. You’ll need to use external devices.
What if my laptop doesn’t have the ‘Do nothing’ option?
Some laptops, especially older models, might not have this option available. In this case, you might need to look into third-party software solutions.
Is it safe to keep the laptop running with the lid closed?
As long as your laptop is properly ventilated and not overheating, it’s generally safe to keep it running with the lid closed.
Can I set my laptop to only stay on when closed if it’s plugged into an external monitor?
Windows 11 doesn’t have a specific setting for this scenario, but you can manually change the lid-closing action when you’re using an external monitor.
Summary
- Open Power Options from the Control Panel.
- Select ‘Choose what closing the lid does’.
- Change ‘Plugged in’ settings to ‘Do nothing’.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Keeping your laptop on when closed in Windows 11 is as easy as pie. Whether you’re a multitasking wizard looking to extend your screen real estate or simply someone who wants to keep their laptop running at all times, the steps outlined above will help you achieve just that. Just remember to keep an eye on your laptop’s ventilation and temperature to prevent any unwanted hardware issues. And don’t forget, this small tweak can have a big impact on how you use your device, making it a powerhouse of productivity and convenience. So go ahead, close that lid, and let your laptop shine in its full, uninterrupted glory!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.