How to Properly Use a Laptop with the Screen Closed

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One significant advantage of a laptop is its versatility for everyday use. For those who frequently travel, a laptop allows you to stay connected and productive no matter where life takes you. For others, using a laptop alongside a desktop setup can greatly boost productivity and enhance gaming experiences.

However, if you’re primarily using your laptop at home, often hooked up to an external monitor and find the laptop’s display unnecessary, operating in clamshell mode (with the laptop closed) is an excellent choice. This setup not only provides you with a larger monitor for a better viewing experience but also promotes better ergonomics. Additionally, your laptop will consume less power with its screen off.

A large external monitor can significantly enhance your visual workspace compared to a laptop display.

Photo by Thiago Trevisan / IDG

This article will guide you through the process of operating your laptop with the lid closed, discussing additional benefits and highlighting some important tips and tricks for optimal use.

Requirements for Running a Closed Laptop

To effectively use your laptop with the lid closed, you’ll need a few additional accessories. After all, closing the lid means you lose access to the built-in keyboard, trackpad, and display, requiring external alternatives.

Compact mechanical keyboard used as external input for laptop — You’ll need an external keyboard and mouse since your laptop’s keyboard won’t be accessible when the lid is closed.

Photo by Thiago Trevisan / IDG

Plan to invest in a separate keyboard (either wired or wireless) and a mouse (wired or wireless) that will connect via USB, Wi-Fi dongles, or Bluetooth.

Additionally, an external monitor is necessary, which can connect through HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C/Thunderbolt, depending on your laptop’s specifications. Make sure the monitor is compatible with the type of connection you choose; HDMI is the most common and often favored for laptop setups.

If you don’t have an external monitor, consider checking out our recommendations on the best home office monitors, USB-C monitors, 4K monitors, and gaming monitors. If you frequently work away from home, consider our top picks for portable monitors as well.

SonnetTech Thunderbolt dock close-up — A Thunderbolt dock can expand your connectivity options if your laptop supports it.

Photo by Thiago Trevisan / IDG

If your laptop has Thunderbolt capability, a Thunderbolt dock can provide a range of USB ports and other connectivity features, giving you a desktop-like environment. However, if your laptop lacks Thunderbolt support, a USB-C dock or hub is another alternative that can still expand your ports, albeit with less speed and power.

IETS laptop cooling pad next to MSI gaming laptop — Using a laptop cooling pad is highly advisable to maintain optimal temperature during closed-lid operations.

Photo by Thiago Trevisan / IDG

Lastly, even with your laptop closed, it requires space on your desk, so investing in a laptop stand or holder not only keeps your workspace organized but also helps improve airflow and reduces overheating risks.

Related: Are laptop cooling pads a worthy investment?

How to Keep Your Laptop Awake When Closed (Windows)

If you’d like your laptop to remain active even after closing the lid, but find it automatically sleeping instead, all you need to do is modify a setting in Windows.

Begin by opening the Start menu and typing in Control Panel, then launch it. In the Control Panel, navigate to Hardware and Sound and then select Power Options. From there, look for a link titled “Choose what closing the lid does” on the left sidebar and click it.

Windows 11 Control Panel settings screenshot — Modify the settings in Windows Control Panel to prevent your laptop from sleeping.

Photo by Thiago Trevisan / IDG

You will find options for configuring responses to the power button, sleep button, and lid closure. Change the settings for “When I close the lid” to Do nothing, then click Save changes. That’s it!

Your laptop will now remain awake even when closed, allowing for seamless use with an external monitor. These settings can be adjusted as needed later.

Key Considerations and Best Practices

Laptop power adapter close-up — It’s advisable to keep the power adapter connected to your laptop when using an external monitor to minimize battery drain.

Photo by Thiago Trevisan / IDG

First, it’s generally beneficial to have your laptop plugged into its AC power adapter when using an external monitor as it will use more power and potentially impact battery life.

Additionally, high-performance laptops, such as the Razer Blade 16, are often designed to exhaust hot air from the top. This can cause overheating issues when the lid is closed, particularly during long gaming sessions. If your laptop vents air from the bottom or sides, you should not encounter these issues.

Razer gaming laptop closed — Performance laptops may face thermal issues if used with the lid closed.

Photo by Thiago Trevisan / IDG

Finally, consider using a laptop stand or cooling pad when operating with a closed lid. This not only helps in saving space but also ensures adequate cooling, especially during resource-intensive tasks.