In today\’s fast-paced world, the ability to use your laptop while its lid is closed can enhance your productivity, save desktop space, and enable seamless use of external monitors or peripherals. Whether you\’re using a Windows-based PC laptop or a MacBook, this guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions to achieve just that.
Using a Windows PC Laptop when the Lid is Closed
Step 1: Access Power Options
Firstly, open the Power Options menu. This can be done by:
- Right-clicking on the battery icon in the system tray
- Selecting \”Power Options\” from the context menu
Step 2: Choose What Closing the Lid Does
Within the Power Options window:
- Click on the \”Choose what closing the lid does\” link on the left sidebar
Step 3: Customize Lid Close Action
In the next screen, you\’ll see options for \”When I close the lid\” under both Battery and Plugged in columns. Set these to \”Do nothing\” from their respective dropdown menus.
Step 4: Save Changes
After setting the preferred action, ensure you click \”Save changes\” to apply the new settings.
| Action | Battery | Plugged in |
|---|---|---|
| When I close the lid | Do nothing | Do nothing |
Using a MacBook with Lid Closed
Step 1: Prepare External Peripherals
Ensure you have the following peripherals ready:
- External monitor
- External keyboard
- External mouse
Step 2: Connect External Monitor
Connect your MacBook to an external monitor using the appropriate adapter or cable. Make sure the monitor is turned on and properly connected.
Step 3: Power Settings
On your MacBook:
- Go to \”System Preferences\”
- Select \”Energy Saver\”
- Check \”Prevent computer from sleeping automatically when the display is off\”
Step 4: Close the Lid
Once your external monitor and peripherals are set up, simply close your MacBook\’s lid. The monitor should immediately start displaying your MacBook\’s screen.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Windows Laptop
Issue: Laptop doesn\’t respond after closing lid.
- Ensure your power settings are correct
- Update your laptop\’s drivers
MacBook
Issue: External monitor not showing display.
- Check connections and ensure the monitor is powered on
- Restart your MacBook
Conclusion
Using your PC laptop or MacBook with the lid closed can be a game-changer for your workflow, especially when working with external monitors or keyboards. By following these simple steps, you can easily customize your device\’s settings and enhance your productivity.