Prevent Monitors from Shutting Off When Closing Laptop

Environment

Windows Laptops

Issue

I have a Windows laptop that is connected to external monitors. The monitors shut off when closing the laptop.

Resolution

External monitors will shut off automatically when the computer is powered off, hibernated, or goes to sleep. Windows computers tend to go to sleep by default when closing the laptop, so the "Power Options" will need to be modified to prevent this from happening. Please follow the steps below to change the "Power Options" as needed.

1. Open the Power Options setting
   1. The multiple ways to open "Power Options" are noted below
      • Right-click on the battery icon in the taskbar on the bottom-right corner near the date and time and select Power Options from the menu
      • Open Control Panel
        • Select the Hardware and Sound category
        • Then select Power Options
      • Open the Windows Settings and select System
        • Next, select the Power & sleep settings from the list on the left-side of the window. Select the "Additional power settings" link under "Related settings." (This will be shown on the right-side of the window if the window is maximized; otherwise this will be shown at the bottom of the window)
2. Select Choose what closing the lid does from the list on the left-side of the window
3. Change the When I close the lid setting to Do nothing under the Plugged in column
   1. It is recommended to have the computer connected to a power source when using external monitors
   2. If running off the laptop's battery, then the above change should be applied under the "On battery" column
4. Click the "Save changes" button at the bottom of the window

Additional Information

Need additional information or other assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.