How to keep a laptop from going to sleep when the lid is closed. This is helpful for when the laptop is connected to external monitors and there is not enough space for the laptop to stay open.
Instructions
Windows (Control Panel)
- Open the Control Panel.
- Select "Hardware and Sound", then "Power Options".
- Select "Choose what closing the lid does" from the left side.
- Select "Change settings that are currently unavailable" to enable editing.
- Set "When I close the lid" to "Do nothing" under the "On battery" and/or "Plugged in" headings.
- Select "Save changes".
Windows (Settings app)
- Open the Settings app.
- Select "System" from the list on the left, then "Power & battery".
- Find the section that says "Lid, power & sleep button controls" at the bottom of the page. Select it to show the options.
- Under the "Plugged in" and/or "On battery" headings, set "Closing the lid will make my PC" to "Do nothing".
macOS
- Ensure the Mac is connected to power and has an external monitor connected.
- Open System Settings (macOS 13+) or System Preferences.
- Select "Battery" or "Power", then "Options".
- Ensure the toggle next to "Prevent automatic sleeping on power adapter when the display is off" is enabled.
- Select "Done".
Environment
- Windows 10
- Windows 11
- macOS