Although laptops are ideal for working while on the road, there are situations where a larger screen makes things simpler. Setting up a gaming station, increasing productivity, or simply making multitasking less of a hassle can all be achieved by connecting an additional monitor.
It’s not as hard as you may think to utilize just the display and keep your laptop closed. You can seamlessly convert your laptop into a small desktop configuration with a few simple settings changes.
The essentials are a mouse, keyboard, and monitor. To connect your laptop’s display output to your monitor, you’ll also need the appropriate cable. Consider purchasing a USB hub or dock if your laptop lacks ports or if you want a neater configuration. We’ve created this article on how to shut down your laptop and utilize just the monitor to help you set up your workstation perfectly.
How to turn off a Windows laptop so that you may utilize the screen
If you wish to use a Windows laptop with the lid closed, you will need to adjust some settings. To utilize the monitor and close the lid of your Windows laptop, follow these instructions.
1. Locate and launch the Control Panel using Windows search. After choosing Hardware and Sound > Power Options, click Choose what occurs when the lid is closed in the left pane. You may also look for this option in Windows search to get the settings right away.
Even with Windows 11, several of the important settings are still available in the Control Panel.
2. Select the drop-down menus under “On battery” and “Plugged in” when I close the lid. Choose “Do nothing” for each.
Unless these settings are altered, Windows laptops go into sleep mode when the lid is closed.
3. To use your updated lid settings, click Save changes.
4. Attach your external keyboard and mouse to your laptop’s appropriate ports or to a USB hub or dock. You may also use a USB dongle or Bluetooth settings to connect a wireless keyboard and mouse, depending on your hardware.
5. Attach your external monitor to a USB hub or dock that is connected, or to the appropriate display output connection on your laptop.
6. Shut the lid and use your keyboard and mouse on the monitor.
7. Go to Settings > System > Display to make any necessary adjustments if your monitor’s resolution, refresh rate, or display scaling seem odd after shutting the lid. It’s possible that certain settings are on advanced display.
To suit your tastes, you may wish to adjust the display scale settings.
How to utilize the monitor when closing a MacBook
MacOS’s display behavior differs slightly from Windows’. You may leave your lid settings alone. You must, however, connect your MacBook in; otherwise, it will probably go into sleep mode when you shut the lid.
1. Connect your MacBook to the power adapter.
2. Attach your external keyboard and mouse to your MacBook’s appropriate ports or to a dock or USB hub that is connected. Connect the USB dongle or configure the devices using Bluetooth settings if you have a wireless keyboard and mouse.
3. Attach your external monitor to your MacBook, attached USB hub, or dock via the HDMI or USB-C Thunderbolt connector (or another accessible display output port).
4. Shut the lid once the external monitor displays your MacBook’s desktop.
5. Press a key on the keyboard and use the mouse to wake your Mac if the macOS desktop is not visible on your monitor.
6. Apple recommends adjusting display settings as well. Select System Settings (or System Preferences) by clicking the Apple menu in the upper-right corner of the screen, then select Displays. Here, you may change the refresh rate, display resolution, and other settings.
In the MacOS Display options, you may change the resolution, refresh rate, and other aspects.
A laptop with the lid closed at your desk
There are a few things to consider even if using a laptop with the lid closed is a fantastic method to get the most out of it. To avoid having to plug in every device each time you connect your laptop, it’s a smart idea to get a USB hub or dock if you often use your MacBook or laptop with the lid closed.
Furthermore, a laptop may overheat if you use it with the lid closed. Make sure your laptop is situated correctly with adequate space for air circulation and keep an eye on the temperature. If you use your laptop for extended periods of time, it can be best to leave the lid open.
Check out our list of the top home office necessities if you want to maximize the functionality of your desk arrangement. We also have a list of the greatest desks available, including the best-selling desks on the market, if you’d want to upgrade your workspace.