Do you ever feel like your laptop screen is just a little too small, especially when you’re trying to be productive? You might have a beautiful, large external monitor sitting on your desk, but your laptop is still open, taking up valuable space. What if you could use that big screen all by itself?
The good news is that you can easily close your laptop lid and continue working solely on your external monitor. This setup creates a cleaner, more focused workspace and can even help your laptop run a bit cooler. Let’s walk through how to make it happen on both Windows and Mac computers.
Adjusting Your Laptop’s Lid Settings
The key to this whole process lies in your computer’s power settings. By default, most laptops are set to go to sleep or hibernate when you close the lid, which is the opposite of what we want. A quick trip to your control panel or system preferences is all it takes to change this behavior.
For Windows Users
On a Windows PC, you’ll need to access the Power Options. You can usually find this by searching for “Choose what closing the lid does” in the Start Menu. This will open a window where you can specify different actions for when you press the power button or close the lid. Look for the option that says “When I close the lid”. For both “On battery” and “Plugged in,” change the setting from “Sleep” to “Do nothing”. Don’t forget to save your changes. Now, when you connect your external monitor and close the lid, your laptop will keep running.
For Mac Users
If you’re using a Mac, the process is similar but located in a different spot. First, ensure your Mac is connected to a power source, as this feature requires power. Then, open System Preferences (or System Settings on newer macOS versions) and go to “Battery”. In the sidebar, select “Power Adapter” and then look for a setting called “Prevent your Mac from sleeping automatically when the display is off.” You may need to click the options or advanced settings to find it. Once this is enabled, you can close your laptop lid while it’s plugged in, and it will continue to output to your external display.
A Quick Checklist Before You Close the Lid
Before you shut that laptop, make sure everything is ready. First, connect your external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Second, ensure your laptop is plugged into power, as this prevents the battery from draining. Finally, test that your external display is the primary screen. You can do this in your display settings to make sure all your windows open on the correct monitor.
And that’s it! With just a few simple settings adjustments, you can enjoy a spacious, single-screen setup that maximizes your desk space and helps you focus. It’s a small change that makes a big difference in your daily workflow.
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