How to Keep Your Windows Laptop On When It’s Closed

Windows puts your laptop into a power-saving mode when you close the lid, which usually means that your computer will power down when you close the lid, even when an external display is connected. To prevent this, you need to tell the computer not to go into low power mode. Going forward when you close the lid the computer will continue to run, and will not disconnect from your monitor.

Warnings About Keeping Your Laptop on When Closed

First and foremost, if you choose Do nothing under the On battery category, that is fraught with risk. When you close the lid and toss the computer in a bag, it will continue to run, and it can get very hot. Increased heat can damage your computer. Pressing the power button and putting the computer to sleep when you are not using it is vital. Also, depending on the monitor you’re using, your laptop may be powering the monitor as well, which can drain your battery a lot more quickly. For this reason, you can choose different settings for when your laptop is on battery and when it’s plugged in. Chances are if you’re using an external monitor, you’re probably near a power source, so it may be a good idea only to change the close lid behavior when your computer is plugged in.