Computing

How to Keep Your Laptop Closed and Use a Monitor

Ufuoma Harrison Oghwie By Ufuoma Harrison Oghwie 6 Min Read

Keep Your Laptop Closed and Use a Monitor

Using a laptop closed with an external monitor can be a fantastic way to save space and stay productive. This guide explains how to configure your laptop to function in “closed-display mode” on both Windows and Mac platforms, ensuring that your laptop stays powered on and connected to your external monitor even when closed.

Why Use a Laptop Closed with an External Monitor?

Keeping your laptop closed while using an external monitor offers several benefits:

  • Better Ergonomics: An external monitor is often more adjustable, allowing for better posture and reduced eye strain.
  • Improved Workspace Efficiency: Reducing desk clutter creates a clean, distraction-free workspace.
  • Enhanced Cooling: Many monitors have ventilation features that help manage laptop temperatures when running in closed mode.

Setting Up Closed-Display Mode on Windows

Step 1: Connect Your Laptop to the Monitor

  1. Choose a connection method: Use HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C depending on what ports are available on your laptop and monitor.
  2. Connect the laptop to the monitor: Plug one end of the cable into your monitor and the other into your laptop.

Step 2: Configure Power Settings

To keep your laptop on while closed, adjust the power settings:

  1. Open Power Options:
    • Go to the Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
  2. Choose what closing the lid does:
    • On the left sidebar, click Choose what closing the lid does.
  3. Set actions when lid is closed:
    • Under When I close the lid, select Do nothing for both On battery and Plugged in.
    • Click Save changes to apply these settings.

This change keeps your laptop active while closed, allowing your external monitor to continue displaying.

Step 3: Set the Monitor as the Primary Display

  1. Right-click on your desktop and select Display settings.
  2. Choose the monitor you want as the primary display.
  3. Check “Make this my main display” to set it as the primary output.
  4. Adjust the resolution if necessary for the best display quality.

Step 4: Close the Laptop and Test the Setup

With the display configured, gently close the laptop. Your external monitor should now be active and responsive. If the monitor does not display, double-check the lid settings in the power options and make sure the cable connection is secure.

Related; Should I Get an SSD or HDD? Which is Right for You

Setting Up Closed-Display Mode on macOS

Step 1: Connect Your MacBook to the Monitor

  1. Select the appropriate cable for your MacBook model, such as HDMI, USB-C, or Thunderbolt.
  2. Connect to the monitor by plugging in one end of the cable to your monitor and the other end to your MacBook.

Step 2: Ensure You Have an External Keyboard and Mouse

With the MacBook closed, you’ll need an external keyboard and mouse to interact with the display. Bluetooth or wired options are both suitable.

Step 3: Adjust the Display Settings

  1. Open System Preferences:
    • Go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Displays.
  2. Arrange displays:
    • Select Arrangement and drag the displays to set your preferred layout.
    • If you want the external monitor to act as the main screen, drag the menu bar to that monitor in the arrangement window.

Step 4: Enable “Closed-Display Mode”

To enable your MacBook to stay active while closed:

  1. Connect your power adapter: Closed-display mode requires the MacBook to be connected to power.
  2. Close the MacBook lid: The MacBook’s display will turn off, and the external monitor will become the primary screen.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • If the display doesn’t show up when you close your MacBook, ensure it’s connected to power and that the monitor is correctly detected in Displays.
  • Lag or disconnects might occur with older Bluetooth devices; in this case, consider switching to a wired connection.

Additional Tips for Both Platforms

  • Disable Sleep Mode: Make sure your laptop doesn’t automatically go to sleep, which could disrupt your monitor setup. Go to Power Options (Windows) or Energy Saver (Mac) to adjust sleep preferences.
  • Optimize Display Quality: Adjust the resolution and scaling for better visibility on the larger screen.
  • Check Temperature: Some laptops can overheat more quickly in closed-display mode. A laptop stand can help with ventilation.

Using a monitor with your laptop closed

Using an external monitor while your laptop is closed allows you to enjoy a streamlined workspace and a comfortable viewing experience. The steps vary slightly between Windows and Mac, but both are straightforward with a bit of setup in the display and power options. Now, you can enjoy your external monitor setup with your laptop neatly tucked away!

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