If you want to keep your Windows 11 laptop on when closed, you can change a few settings to prevent it from going to sleep. This involves tweaking your power options to ensure your laptop stays awake even when the lid is closed. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this.
How to Keep Laptop On When Closed in Windows 11
Adjusting these settings will keep your laptop running even when you close the lid. Follow these steps carefully to modify your power options.
Step 1: Open the Control Panel
First, go to the Control Panel by typing “Control Panel” in the search bar and selecting the app.
You can also access the Control Panel by pressing the Windows key and ‘R’ simultaneously, typing “Control Panel,” and hitting Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to Hardware and Sound
In the Control Panel, click on “Hardware and Sound” to find power options.
This section is where you can adjust settings related to your laptop’s hardware, including how it behaves when you close the lid.
Step 3: Select Power Options
Next, click on “Power Options.”
This will take you to a menu where you can change various power settings, including those for the lid.
Step 4: Choose What Closing the Lid Does
On the left-hand side, you’ll see an option to “Choose what closing the lid does.” Click on this.
This will direct you to a screen where you can set the laptop’s behavior for when the lid is closed.
Step 5: Modify Lid Close Action
Under “When I close the lid,” select “Do nothing” for both “On battery” and “Plugged in” options. Then, click “Save changes.”
By selecting “Do nothing,” your laptop will remain on even when the lid is closed, regardless of whether it’s running on battery or plugged in.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your laptop will stay on when you close the lid, allowing you to continue downloads, stream music, or run any tasks without interruption.
Tips for How to Keep Laptop On When Closed in Windows 11
- Check Power Settings Regularly: Ensure your settings haven’t reverted back to their defaults after updates.
- Monitor Battery Life: Keeping the laptop on while closed can drain the battery more quickly.
- Use a Cooling Pad: Prevent overheating by placing your laptop on a cooling pad.
- External Monitor: If you’re using an external monitor, make sure it’s properly connected and configured.
- Backup Important Data: Always have a backup in case the laptop overheats or runs into issues being on for extended periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I want to keep my laptop on when closed?
You might need to keep your laptop running for downloads, background tasks, or when using it with an external monitor.
Can this affect my laptop’s performance?
It could, especially if the laptop overheats. Use a cooling pad to help manage the temperature.
Will this drain my battery?
Yes, keeping your laptop running while the lid is closed can drain the battery faster. Plugging it in helps mitigate this.
Is it safe to keep the laptop on while closed?
As long as the laptop is well-ventilated and not overheating, it should be safe.
Can I easily revert back if I change my mind?
Yes, just follow the steps again and select a different option under “When I close the lid.”
Summary
- Open the Control Panel.
- Navigate to Hardware and Sound.
- Select Power Options.
- Choose what closing the lid does.
- Modify lid close action to “Do nothing.”
Conclusion
Changing your laptop’s settings to stay on when closed can be incredibly useful for various tasks like running long downloads or using an external monitor. Just follow the simple steps outlined above, and you’ll have it set up in no time. Remember to monitor your laptop’s temperature and battery life to avoid any issues.
For further reading, check out more advanced power settings or consider using third-party software for detailed power management. Keeping your laptop on when closed can be convenient, but it’s essential to balance convenience with care to maintain your device’s longevity. So, go ahead and tweak those settings to keep your laptop running smoothly, even when the lid is closed!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.