How to Make a Monitor Stay On When a Laptop Is Shut

Reasons Why the Monitor Turns Off When the Laptop is Shut

When you close the lid of your laptop, it’s common for the monitor to turn off as well. This is a default setting in most laptops and is designed to conserve power and extend battery life. However, there may be situations where you want to keep the monitor on even when the laptop is shut. Understanding the reasons why the monitor turns off can help you find a solution to this issue.

One of the primary reasons why the monitor turns off when the laptop is shut is to prevent unnecessary power consumption. When the lid is closed, the laptop enters sleep or hibernate mode, which disables various components to save energy. Since the monitor is one of the power-hungry components, it is automatically turned off to conserve battery life.

Another reason is to prevent damage to the laptop’s screen. When the lid is closed, there is a possibility of pressure being applied to the screen, which can lead to scratches or cracks. By turning off the monitor, the laptop ensures that the screen remains protected while it’s not in use.

Additionally, closing the lid of the laptop triggers a signal to the operating system that the user intends to stop using the device. As a result, the system initiates various power-saving measures, including turning off the display. This behavior is intended to provide a seamless transition between using the laptop and putting it to sleep or hibernate mode.

While these reasons may be valid for most users, there are situations where you may require the monitor to stay on even when the laptop is shut. This could be when you connect an external display or use the laptop as a secondary screen for multitasking. In such cases, knowing how to change the power settings or utilize alternative methods can be beneficial.

In the following sections, we will explore some methods that can help you keep the monitor on even when the laptop is shut. These methods range from adjusting power settings to using third-party software or hardware solutions. By implementing these techniques, you can customize your laptop’s behavior to meet your specific requirements.

Changing Power Settings to Keep the Monitor On

If you want to keep the monitor on when your laptop is shut, you can start by adjusting the power settings. By customizing the power options, you can override the default behavior and ensure that the monitor remains active even when the lid is closed.

To change the power settings, follow these steps:

Open the Control Panel on your laptop. You can usually access it through the Start menu or by searching for “Control Panel” in the search bar.
Click on the “Power Options” or “System and Security” section.
Look for the power plan that is currently in use. It is usually indicated by a selected radio button or highlighted text.
Click on “Change plan settings” next to the selected power plan.
In the new window, you will see options to adjust the power settings for both “On battery” and “Plugged in” states. Select the appropriate option based on your current power source.
Click on “Change advanced power settings.”
In the Advanced Power Options window, expand the “Power buttons and lid” section.
Look for the “Lid close action” setting and click on it.
Select the desired action for when the lid is closed. Choose the option that keeps the laptop awake, such as “Do nothing” or “Hibernate.”

After making these changes, your laptop will no longer turn off the monitor when the lid is closed. Instead, it will continue displaying content on the screen, allowing you to use your laptop as a secondary display or external monitor.

Keep in mind that changing the power settings may have an impact on your laptop’s battery life. Since the monitor will remain active, it will consume more power, which can potentially reduce the overall battery runtime. Therefore, it’s essential to strike a balance between keeping the monitor on and preserving battery life, depending on your specific needs and usage patterns.

Now that you have learned how to change the power settings, let’s explore other methods to enable the monitor to stay on when the laptop is shut.

Adjusting Power Plans for the Monitor

In addition to changing the power settings, adjusting the power plans for the monitor can be another effective method to keep the monitor on when the laptop is shut. By customizing the power plan specifically for the monitor, you can ensure that it stays active even if the laptop enters sleep or hibernate mode.

Here’s how you can adjust the power plans for the monitor:

Go to the Control Panel and navigate to the “Power Options” or “System and Security” section.
Identify the power plan that is currently active and click on “Change plan settings” next to it.
In the new window, click on “Change advanced power settings.”
A dialog box labeled “Power Options” will appear.
Scroll down and look for the “Display” or “Graphics” section.
Expand the section and find the settings related to power-saving or display timeout.
Modify these settings to extend the time before the display turns off or set it to “Never” to keep the monitor on indefinitely.
Click “Apply” or “OK” to save your changes.

By adjusting the power plans, you are instructing the laptop to prioritize the monitor’s power consumption over other components. This ensures that the monitor remains active, providing you with uninterrupted access to the display even when the laptop’s lid is closed.

It’s important to note that adjusting the power plans might affect the overall power usage and battery life of your laptop. Keeping the monitor on for extended periods can drain the battery more quickly, so it’s essential to find a balance between keeping the monitor active and conserving battery power.

Now that you know how to adjust the power plans for the monitor, let’s explore additional methods to keep the monitor on when the laptop is shut.

Using a Shortcut Key to Keep the Monitor On

If you’re looking for a quick and convenient way to keep the monitor on when your laptop is shut, using a shortcut key can be an effective solution. Some laptops have dedicated shortcut keys or function keys that allow you to toggle the monitor on and off independently of the lid’s position.

To use a shortcut key to keep the monitor on, follow these steps:

Check your laptop’s keyboard for any function keys that have monitor icons or symbols on them. These keys are usually labeled with “Fn” or “Function” and are located along the top row of your keyboard.
Press the “Fn” key along with the function key that corresponds to the monitor (e.g., F5, F7, or F8). This combination of keys is different for each laptop model, so refer to your laptop’s user manual or manufacturer’s website for the exact key combination.

By pressing the shortcut key combination, you can toggle the monitor on or off independent of the laptop’s lid position. This allows you to keep the monitor active even when the laptop is closed, providing you with continuous access to the display.

If your laptop doesn’t have a dedicated shortcut key for the monitor, you can try searching for third-party software or utilities that allow you to customize shortcut keys for specific functions. These utilities often offer more flexibility and options for customizing key combinations to suit your preferences.

Using a shortcut key is a convenient method to quickly enable or disable the monitor without the need to navigate through settings or menus. However, keep in mind that this method may not be available on all laptop models. Therefore, it’s essential to check your laptop’s documentation or do some online research to determine if your laptop supports this feature.

Now that you know how to use a shortcut key to keep the monitor on, let’s explore other methods to ensure the monitor remains active when the laptop is shut.

Tweaking Power Options in the Control Panel

If you’re unable to adjust the power settings or power plans for your laptop’s monitor, another method to keep the monitor on when the laptop is shut is by tweaking the power options in the Control Panel. This allows for further customization and control over how the laptop handles power management.

Follow these steps to tweak the power options in the Control Panel:

Open the Control Panel on your laptop by searching for it in the Start menu or using the search bar.
Navigate to the “Power Options” or “System and Security” section.
Click on “Change plan settings” next to the currently active power plan.
In the new window, click on “Change advanced power settings.”
A dialogue box titled “Power Options” will appear with various power management settings.
Scroll through the settings and look for options related to the display or monitor power management.
Modify these settings according to your preference to ensure that the display remains active even when the laptop is closed.
Click “Apply” or “OK” to save the changes.

Tweaking the power options in the Control Panel provides you with more granular control over the power management settings of your laptop’s monitor. By customizing these settings, you can keep the display active and prevent it from turning off when the laptop lid is shut.

Remember to strike a balance between keeping the monitor on and conserving battery life. Keeping the monitor active for extended periods may drain the battery more quickly, so it’s crucial to adjust the power options according to your specific needs and usage patterns.

If you encounter any difficulties or prefer a more user-friendly interface, there are also third-party applications available that provide advanced power management features. These applications often offer additional customization options and may provide a simpler way to keep the monitor on when the laptop is shut.

Now that you know how to tweak power options in the Control Panel, let’s explore other methods to ensure the monitor remains active when the laptop is shut.

Utilizing Third-Party Software to Prevent Monitor Shutdown

If you’re unable to achieve the desired results with the built-in power management settings on your laptop, utilizing third-party software can be an effective way to prevent the monitor from shutting down when the laptop is closed. These software solutions offer more advanced features and customization options for managing the power settings of your monitor.

To utilize third-party software to prevent monitor shutdown, follow these steps:

Research and identify reputable third-party software that specializes in power management or screen control.
Download and install the software on your laptop.
Launch the software and navigate to the power management or display settings.
Look for options or settings that allow you to override the default behavior of the monitor when the laptop is shut.
Configure the software according to your preference to ensure that the monitor remains active even when the laptop lid is closed.
Save the changes and exit the software.

Third-party software provides additional flexibility and control over the power management settings of your monitor. These applications often offer features such as screen lock, stay-awake mode, or custom power profiles, allowing you to keep the monitor on even when the laptop is shut.

When using third-party software, it’s important to choose reputable applications from trusted sources. Reading reviews, checking user ratings, and verifying the software’s compatibility with your laptop model are crucial steps to ensure a reliable and secure software installation.

Keep in mind that while third-party software can enhance your control over the monitor’s power management, it may come at the cost of additional system resources or even a purchase fee in some cases. Therefore, it’s essential to consider these factors before opting for this solution.

Now that you know how to utilize third-party software to prevent monitor shutdown, let’s explore other methods to ensure the monitor remains active when the laptop is shut.

Utilizing a Docking Station to Keep the Monitor Active

If you frequently use your laptop with an external monitor or other peripherals, utilizing a docking station can be an excellent solution to keep the monitor active even when the laptop is shut. A docking station provides a convenient way to connect multiple external devices to your laptop and maintain their functionality regardless of the lid’s position.

Here’s how you can utilize a docking station to keep the monitor active:

Purchase a compatible docking station that matches your laptop’s model and port requirements.
Connect the docking station to your laptop by plugging it into the appropriate port (usually USB-C, Thunderbolt, or a proprietary docking connector).
Connect the external monitor(s) to the docking station using the available video ports (such as HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA).
Ensure that the power cable for the docking station is connected and providing sufficient power to all connected devices.
Close the laptop’s lid, and the external monitor(s) should remain active.

When using a docking station, it bypasses the laptop’s lid position detection and allows the connected external monitor(s) to function independently. This means that even when the laptop is closed, the monitor will continue to display content as long as the docking station is powered on.

A docking station offers additional benefits aside from keeping the monitor active. It provides a clutter-free workspace, since you can connect multiple devices (such as a keyboard, mouse, speakers, and USB peripherals) to the docking station, eliminating the need to connect and disconnect them individually whenever you want to use your laptop.

Keep in mind that while utilizing a docking station can keep the monitor active, it does require additional hardware and may come at a cost. Ensure that the docking station you choose is compatible with your laptop and meets your specific needs in terms of ports and features.

Now that you know how to utilize a docking station to keep the monitor active, let’s explore other methods to ensure the monitor remains on when the laptop is shut.

Configuring Device Manager Settings to Keep the Monitor On

Configuring the Device Manager settings can be another option to keep the monitor on when the laptop is shut. Device Manager is a built-in Windows tool that allows you to manage and control the hardware devices connected to your laptop.

Follow these steps to configure the Device Manager settings:

Open the Start menu and search for “Device Manager.”
Click on the Device Manager app to launch it.
In the Device Manager window, locate the “Monitors” category.
Click the arrow next to it to expand the category and display the connected monitors.
Right-click on the monitor you want to keep active when the laptop is shut and select “Properties.”
In the Properties window, go to the “Power Management” tab.
Uncheck the option that says “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”
Click “OK” to save the changes.

By disabling the power-saving option for the monitor in the Device Manager settings, you instruct your laptop not to turn off the specific monitor, even when the laptop lid is closed. This ensures that the monitor remains active and displays content continuously.

Keep in mind that the Device Manager settings are applied to individual hardware devices. Therefore, if you have multiple monitors connected to your laptop, you will need to repeat this process for each monitor you want to keep active when the laptop is shut.

Note that the availability and options in the Device Manager may vary depending on your laptop’s hardware and the version of Windows you are using. If you are unable to find the appropriate settings or the power management tab in the Device Manager, consult your laptop’s user manual or the manufacturer’s support website for more information.

Now that you know how to configure the Device Manager settings to keep the monitor on, let’s explore other methods to ensure the monitor remains active when the laptop is shut.

Keeping the Monitor On with a USB Adapter

If you want to keep the monitor on when your laptop is shut but are unable to utilize other methods, using a USB adapter can be a viable solution. A USB adapter allows you to connect an external monitor to your laptop via a USB port while bypassing the laptop’s power management settings.

Here’s how you can keep the monitor on with a USB adapter:

Purchase a USB to VGA, USB to HDMI, or USB to DisplayPort adapter that matches your laptop’s USB port and the monitor’s input port.
Connect one end of the USB adapter to a vacant USB port on your laptop.
Connect the other end of the adapter to the appropriate input port on the external monitor.
Ensure that the monitor is powered on and set to the correct input source.
Close the laptop’s lid, and the external monitor should remain active.

Using a USB adapter allows the external monitor to function independently from the laptop’s lid position. As a result, even when the laptop is closed, the USB adapter ensures that the monitor continues to display content.

It’s important to select the right type of USB adapter based on the available ports on your laptop and the input ports on the external monitor. USB to VGA adapters are commonly used for older monitors, while USB to HDMI or USB to DisplayPort adapters are suitable for newer monitors.

Keep in mind that the performance and display quality may vary depending on the USB adapter and the specifications of your laptop and monitor. USB adapters may not support all resolutions or refresh rates, so it’s essential to verify compatibility and consider any potential limitations before making a purchase.

Now that you know how to keep the monitor on with a USB adapter, let’s explore other methods to ensure the monitor remains active when the laptop is shut.

Checking BIOS Settings to Keep the Monitor On

If you are unable to change the power settings or find suitable options in the operating system, checking the BIOS settings can be a useful approach to keep the monitor on when the laptop is shut. The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is firmware embedded in your laptop’s motherboard that manages hardware initialization and the booting process.

Here’s how you can check the BIOS settings to keep the monitor on:

Turn off your laptop completely and restart it.
During the startup process, look for the key displayed on the screen that allows you to access the BIOS settings. Common keys include Del, F2, F10, or Esc. Refer to your laptop’s documentation or manufacturer’s website to identify the specific key.
Press the designated key repeatedly until the BIOS setup utility opens.
Navigate through the BIOS menus using the arrow keys on your keyboard.
Look for a section or option related to power management or display settings.
Depending on your laptop’s BIOS, you may find options such as “Power Management,” “Power Options,” or “Display Settings.”
Explore the available settings and look for options that control the behavior of the monitor when the laptop is shut.
Make sure that the setting is configured to keep the monitor on even when the lid is closed.
Save the changes and exit the BIOS setup utility.

By checking and configuring the BIOS settings appropriately, you can override the default power management behavior and keep the monitor on when the laptop is shut. The BIOS settings take precedence over the operating system’s settings and can provide a robust solution to ensure the monitor remains active.

It’s important to exercise caution when modifying the BIOS settings, as any incorrect changes may cause instability or hardware issues. If you are unsure about specific BIOS settings or their implications, consult your laptop’s user manual or contact the manufacturer’s customer support for assistance.

Now that you know how to check the BIOS settings to keep the monitor on, let’s explore other methods to ensure the monitor remains active when the laptop is shut.