How to Wake a Windows Laptop with the Lid Closed

This guide shows you how to keep a Windows laptop running (and wake it from sleep) while the lid is closed, so you can use an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse without opening the screen. You’ll need to change a power setting and, depending on your setup, adjust a few BIOS options. The steps work for Windows 10 and 11 on most laptops.

What You’ll Need

A Windows laptop (Windows 10 or 11)
An external monitor, keyboard, and mouse (if you want to use the laptop as a desktop)
Administrator access to change power settings
Optional: a USB-C or HDMI cable to connect the monitor

Step-by-Step

Open Power Options. Press Win + R, type powercfg.cpl, and press Enter. Alternatively, go to Settings > System > Power & battery (Windows 11) or Settings > System > Power & sleep (Windows 10), then click “Additional power settings.”
Select your active power plan. In the Power Options window, you’ll see your current plan (e.g., Balanced). Click “Change plan settings” next to it.
Open advanced settings. Click “Change advanced power settings.”
Find the lid setting. Scroll down and expand “Power buttons and lid,” then expand “Lid close action.” There are two sub-options: “On battery” and “Plugged in.”
Set both to “Do nothing.” Click each one and select “Do nothing” from the dropdown. This tells Windows not to sleep or hibernate when you close the lid.
Apply and save. Click “Apply,” then “OK.” Close the Power Options window.
Connect your external devices. Plug in your monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Make sure the monitor is set to the correct input source.
Close the lid and test. Close the lid. Your laptop should stay on, and the external monitor should remain active. If the screen goes blank but the laptop is still running, you may need to adjust display settings (see Troubleshooting).

Common Mistakes

Changing the wrong plan. If you have multiple power plans, make sure you edit the one that is currently active. Otherwise, the setting won’t apply.
Forgetting the “Plugged in” option. Many people only change “On battery” and then close the lid while plugged in, which still puts the laptop to sleep.
Not applying the changes. If you close the Power Options window without clicking “Apply,” the changes are lost.
Assuming it works for all laptops. Some laptops (especially older ones) may still sleep despite the setting due to firmware or BIOS overrides.

Tips

Use an external keyboard and mouse. Once the lid is closed, the built-in keyboard and trackpad are inaccessible, so you’ll need external ones.
Adjust display sleep separately. The lid setting only controls what happens when you close the lid. Your screen may still turn off after a period of inactivity, which is fine if you’re using an external monitor.
Keep the laptop cool. With the lid closed, airflow may be restricted. Place it on a hard, flat surface and ensure vents are not blocked.
Use a docking station. If you frequently use your laptop with a closed lid, a docking station can make connecting peripherals easier.
Check for BIOS settings. Some laptops have a BIOS option like “Lid Sensor” or “Wake on Lid Open.” You may need to disable it to prevent the laptop from sleeping when the lid is closed.

Troubleshooting

Laptop still sleeps when lid is closed. First, double-check that you changed the correct power plan and both battery and plugged-in settings. If it still sleeps, your laptop’s BIOS may override the Windows setting. Restart, press the BIOS key (often F2, F10, or Del), and look for a “Lid” or “Power” section. Disable any lid-related sleep option there.
External monitor goes black. This can happen if the laptop doesn’t detect the monitor after the lid closes. Press Win + P and select “Extend” or “Second screen only.” If that doesn’t work, try disconnecting and reconnecting the monitor cable.
Laptop wakes but keyboard/mouse don’t work. Make sure the USB receivers are plugged in and the devices are powered on. Try a different USB port. If you’re using Bluetooth, check that Bluetooth is enabled and the devices are paired.
Laptop won’t wake from sleep at all. If you close the lid and it goes to sleep despite the setting, you can wake it by pressing a key on the external keyboard or moving the mouse. If that doesn’t work, you may need to open the lid briefly to wake it, then close it again.
Battery drains quickly. With the lid closed and the laptop running, it will use more power than in sleep. If you’re on battery, consider using the “Do nothing” setting only when plugged in, and set “On battery” to “Sleep” to save power.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing the lid damage my laptop?

No, but it can restrict airflow and cause overheating if the laptop is under heavy load. Ensure proper ventilation and avoid placing it on soft surfaces like a bed or couch.

Can I wake the laptop from sleep with the lid closed?

Yes, if you have a USB keyboard or mouse, you can wake it by pressing a key or moving the mouse. If that doesn’t work, check your device manager settings for the USB devices and enable “Allow this device to wake the computer.”

Does this work on all Windows laptops?

Most modern laptops respect the Windows power setting, but some manufacturers (like Lenovo, Dell, HP) may have additional BIOS settings that need to be changed. Check your laptop’s manual or support site for specifics.

Will my laptop overheat if I keep it closed all the time?

It can, especially if the vents are on the keyboard or bottom. Use a cooling pad and ensure the laptop is on a hard surface. If you notice high temperatures, consider opening the lid slightly or using a laptop stand.

Can I use the laptop’s built-in screen and an external monitor at the same time with the lid closed?

No, once the lid is closed, the built-in screen is off. You can still use the external monitor, but you cannot use both simultaneously unless you keep the lid open.

How do I reverse this setting?

Follow the same steps and set “Lid close action” back to “Sleep” (or “Hibernate”) for both battery and plugged in. Click Apply and OK to save.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →