[Article] Quick Tip: How to Use External Monitor with Laptop Lid Closed in Windows 10 or Windows 11

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Mobile users who are some times stationary might need to connect to an larger external display. Depending on your needs, you might just want to use larger display for all your on screen work, especially if you have two of them connected. Out of the box though, connecting those external monitors then closing the lid might not work as desired. With the exception of a docking station, users will need to first configure settings in the Control Panel > Power Options to make this work. Here is how you do that.

Press Windows key + R then type control

Hit Enter or click OK

Click Hardware and Sound

Click Power Options

Under Control Panel Home, click the link 'Choose what closing the lid does'

Under the section 'When I close the lid' choose the appropriate action in the list box if the laptop is plugged in or in battery power. Since my laptop is plugged in, I chose the option 'Do nothing'

Whenever you close your laptop, your monitors should remain active. Keep in mind, for this setup, you will need to have an external keyboard and mouse so you can use Windows.