Windows 10: Can I close my laptop and just use an external monitor?

I just want to use the new 24" screen I got and not have to leave my laptop 'open'.

:)

 

Monitor settings when close laptop lid

Hi,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

In order to get clarity and to assist you accordingly, we would need some information.

1. What is the version and
   build of you operating system? In the Search box, type
   winver to get this info.
   
2. May I know the Make and the model of the computer and external monitor?
   
3. Are you aware of any changes made on your computer before this issue occurred?
   

We also suggest following the steps below and check if it makes any difference.

Since you are facing issue with the Secondary monitor, I would suggest you to
Troubleshoot external monitor connections in Windows 10
and check if it fixes the issue.

Additionally refer this article on Second
screen or Projector mode does not persist after you close and reopen a laptop lid.

I look forward to your reply.

Thanks,

Suman.B

Microsoft Community – Moderator

 

Windows 10 sleeps when using external monitor and closing the laptop lid.

Hey Likitha

Thanks for your response.

Before we assist further, I would like to ask you a few questions:

• Have you set Sleep function to activate on closing the laptop lid?
• Did you check if the laptop goes to sleep when not connected to external monitor and lid closed?

To respond to your questions

(1) I have set the sleep function to operate on laptop lid close only when the laptop is on battery power. When it is plugged in I have set it to do not sleep ever.

(2) I have tested that it does *not* go to sleep when I the laptop is plugged in and I close the laptop lid

Further information:

(1) When I first turned the laptop on I attached it to the monitor and closed the lid. It then ran successfully for approximately an hour before hibernating.

(2) I then restarted the system, external monitor plugged in, lid closed and it went to hibernate after approximately 2 minutes.

 

Laptop suddenly stopped recognizing the external monitor

Hi,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

To assist you better, I would like to ask if the laptop is unable to recognize only the external monitor or other external devices also.

I suggest you to run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter by following the steps below:

• Click on the Start button, and type “Troubleshooting” on the search bar.
• Click on “Hardware and Devices”.
• A pop-up will appear, click on the “Next” button and your hardware troubleshooting will start.
  

Hope the information is helpful. Keep us posted on the status for further assistance.