Introduction
When you close the lid of your laptop, it typically goes into sleep mode or hibernation to conserve power. However, there are times when you may want to keep your laptop running even when the lid is closed. Whether you want to continue downloads, run programs in the background, or simply use an external monitor, there are ways to achieve this. In this article, we will discuss various methods on how to keep your laptop on when closed.
Method 1: Adjust Power Settings
One of the easiest ways to keep your laptop on when closed is by adjusting the power settings in the control panel. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open Control Panel: Go to the control panel on your laptop.
- Select Power Options: Click on “Power Options” to open the power settings.
- Choose What Closing the Lid Does: Click on “Choose what closing the lid does” on the left-hand side of the screen.
- Change Settings: From the drop-down menu, select “Do Nothing” for both “On battery” and “Plugged in” options when the lid is closed.
Method 2: Use External Monitor
If you want to keep your laptop running but still need to use an external monitor, you can follow these steps:
- Connect External Monitor: Connect your laptop to an external monitor using an HDMI or VGA cable.
- Set External Display as Primary: Right-click on your desktop and select “Display settings.” Set the external display as the primary monitor.
- Close the Lid: Close the lid of your laptop, and it should continue running while displaying on the external monitor.
Method 3: Use Desktop Software
There are desktop software programs available that can help you keep your laptop on when closed. One popular software is InsomniaX. Here’s how you can use it:
- Download InsomniaX: Go to the InsomniaX website and download the software.
- Install and Run: Install the software on your laptop and run it.
- Enable Insomnia Mode: Click on the InsomniaX icon in the menu bar and enable “Insomnia Mode.” Your laptop should now stay awake even when the lid is closed.
Method 4: Update Drivers
Outdated drivers can sometimes cause your laptop to go into sleep mode when the lid is closed. To prevent this from happening, you should update your drivers regularly. Here’s how:
- Check for Updates: Go to the device manager on your laptop and check for any driver updates.
- Update Drivers: If there are any updates available, download and install them to ensure smooth functioning of your laptop.
Method 5: Use Registry Editor (Advanced Method)
If you’re comfortable with advanced settings, you can use the Registry Editor to keep your laptop on when closed. Here’s how:
- Open Registry Editor: Press Windows Key + R, type “regedit,” and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to Power Settings: Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power and click on “CsEnabled.”
- Change Value Data: Double-click on CsEnabled and change the value data to 0 to enable the feature that keeps your laptop running when closed.
- Restart Laptop: Restart your laptop for the changes to take effect.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are multiple ways to keep your laptop on when closed, ranging from simple power settings adjustments to more advanced methods using software or the Registry Editor. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can ensure that your laptop stays awake even when the lid is closed, allowing you to continue your work uninterrupted. Remember to choose the method that best suits your needs and technical expertise. With these tips, you can make the most out of your laptop’s capabilities.
