What to Know

• Open Control Panel toPower Options>Choose what closing the lid does.
• FindWhen I close the lidunderPlugged in; selectDo nothing.The monitor will stay on from now on.
• Important: Picking this option forOn battery will drain the battery quicker when you're not plugged in.

This article explains how to set up your computer so that you can close the laptop and still use your external monitor.

How to Keep Using the Monitor When You Close Your Windows Laptop

Normally, when you close your laptop, the external monitor shuts off.Your laptop is configured this way by default.It happens because the laptop goes into a power-saving mode when the lid is closed.

To prevent this from happening, follow these steps to set up your computer tonotpower down when the laptop lid is shut. This will let you continue to use the other monitor.

1. Open Control Panel and go toHardware and Sound>Power Options.

   

2. SelectChoose what closing the lid does.

   

3. Find the drop-down menu under thePlugged incolumn and in theWhen I close the lidrow.
   

   If you want to be able to close the laptop and use the monitor when you're not attached to a power source, open the menu underOn batteryinstead (or do it for both), but be mindful of our warning at the bottom of this page.

4. ChooseDo nothing.

   

5. SelectSave changes. Now, your monitor will remain on when you close the laptop.

A Warning About Keeping Your Laptop on When Closed

Your computer will use more power than you're used to it using if you let it remain on when you close the lid. This usually isn't a problem for most people. However, if your laptop stays on even when it's on battery, you risk your laptop dying on you.

The choice is yours, but consider that most people don't use their second monitor unless they're at a desk. When at a desk, the laptop is usually plugged in, meaning it won't run out of battery when the lid is closed.

Our advice is to select 'Do nothing' only for the 'Plugged in' option. If you find it necessary to do so for 'On battery' as well, just keep that in mind as you use your laptop.

FAQ

• How do you connect a Dell laptop to a monitor?

  To connect your Dell laptop to an external monitor, identify your computer's ports and connect your laptop to the monitor using the appropriate cable. Go toSettings>System>Displayto adjust the video settings for each display.

• How do you clean a computer monitor?

  To clean your computer monitor, power down the device and wipe gently using a soft, dry cloth. If necessary, you can dampen the cloth with distilled water or a mixture of water and white vinegar.