How To Stop Your Laptop From Turning Off When You Close The Screen

Closing your laptop lid seems like a straightforward action, but what happens under the hood can vary significantly depending on your settings. By default, most laptops are configured to either sleep, hibernate, or completely shut down when the lid is closed. While this conserves battery and is convenient for quickly pausing your work, there are times when you might want your laptop to keep running with the screen closed. Perhaps you’re using it as a server, streaming music to external speakers, or downloading a large file. Whatever the reason, preventing your laptop from turning off when you close the lid is a relatively simple process that can be tailored to your specific needs.

Table of Contents

Understanding Power Management Settings

Before diving into the how-to, it’s essential to understand the underlying principles that govern your laptop’s behavior. The power management settings within your operating system are responsible for controlling how your laptop responds to various events, including closing the lid, pressing the power button, or being idle for a certain period. These settings are designed to optimize battery life and provide a seamless user experience. However, they can be customized to suit individual preferences and usage scenarios.

The primary power states you’ll encounter are:

Sleep: This is a low-power state where your laptop suspends most operations but keeps the system memory (RAM) powered. This allows for a quick resume, but if power is lost, you’ll lose any unsaved work.
Hibernate: This state saves the contents of your RAM to your hard drive and then completely shuts down the laptop. When you resume, the system restores everything from the hard drive, allowing you to pick up where you left off. Hibernation uses less power than sleep but takes longer to resume.
Shut Down: This is a complete power-off state. All programs are closed, and data is not retained in memory.

Knowing the difference between these states is crucial for understanding how to configure your laptop correctly. Choosing the appropriate settings will depend on how you intend to use your laptop with the lid closed.

Changing the Lid Closure Behavior on Windows

Windows provides a straightforward interface for modifying the lid closure behavior. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Access the Power Options: The quickest way is to search for “Control Panel” in the Windows search bar and open it. Then, navigate to “Hardware and Sound” and select “Power Options.” Alternatively, you can directly search for “Power Options” in the Windows search bar.
Choose What Closing the Lid Does: In the Power Options window, look for the link that says “Choose what closing the lid does” on the left-hand side. Clicking this link will take you to the system settings where you can modify the behavior.
Configure Lid Closure Settings: You will see two options: “When I press the power button” and “When I close the lid.” Each option has two drop-down menus: “On battery” and “Plugged in.” These settings allow you to define different behaviors based on whether your laptop is running on battery power or connected to a power outlet.
Select “Do Nothing”: For both “On battery” and “Plugged in” options under “When I close the lid,” select “Do nothing” from the drop-down menu. This will instruct your laptop to continue running even when the lid is closed.
Save Changes: Click the “Save changes” button at the bottom of the window. You may need administrative privileges to make these changes.

Once you’ve completed these steps, your laptop will no longer automatically sleep, hibernate, or shut down when you close the lid. It will continue to run as if the lid were open, although the screen will be off. Remember that this can significantly impact battery life if you’re running on battery power.

Adjusting Advanced Power Settings

For more granular control, you can delve into the advanced power settings.

Access Advanced Settings: In the Power Options window, click on “Change plan settings” next to your currently selected power plan. Then, click on “Change advanced power settings.”
Explore Power Options: A new window will open with a list of advanced power options. You can expand various categories, such as “Hard disk,” “Sleep,” “Battery,” and “Power buttons and lid.”
Lid Open Action: Within the “Power buttons and lid” category, you should find “Lid open action.” Expand this option to reveal the “On battery” and “Plugged in” settings. Ensure that these are also set to “Do nothing” for consistency.
Further Customization: Explore other settings to fine-tune your power management. For instance, you can adjust the “Sleep after” and “Hibernate after” settings under the “Sleep” category to control when your laptop goes to sleep or hibernates after a period of inactivity.

By adjusting these advanced settings, you can create a customized power management profile that perfectly suits your needs. Consider the impact of each setting on battery life and performance.

Changing the Lid Closure Behavior on macOS

macOS offers a slightly different approach to managing lid closure behavior. By default, macOS puts your laptop to sleep when you close the lid. While there isn’t a direct setting in the System Preferences to change this, you can use the Terminal application to achieve the desired result.

Open Terminal: You can find Terminal in the /Applications/Utilities/ folder, or simply search for “Terminal” using Spotlight search (Command + Space).
Use the pmset Command: The pmset (Power Management Settings) command allows you to control various power management aspects of your Mac. To prevent your Mac from sleeping when the lid is closed, use the following command:

bash sudo pmset -a lidwake 0 sudo pmset -a disablesleep 1

The sudo command requires you to enter your administrator password.
- sudo pmset -a lidwake 0: This command disables waking the Mac when the lid is opened. While not directly related to preventing sleep on lid closure, it’s often used in conjunction with disabling sleep to avoid unexpected wake-ups.
- sudo pmset -a disablesleep 1: This is the key command. Setting disablesleep to 1 tells the system to prevent sleep, regardless of lid closure or inactivity. The -a flag applies this setting to all power sources (battery and plugged in).
Reverse the Changes: If you want to revert to the default behavior (i.e., putting your Mac to sleep when the lid is closed), use the following commands:

bash sudo pmset -a lidwake 1 sudo pmset -a disablesleep 0
Verify the Settings: You can verify the current settings using the command:

bash pmset -g custom

This command will display a list of power management settings, including lidwake and disablesleep.

Using the Terminal requires caution. Always double-check the commands before executing them.

Important Considerations for macOS

Security: Disabling sleep can potentially pose a security risk, especially if you leave your laptop unattended in a public place. Consider enabling the screen saver with a password to mitigate this risk.
Heat: Running your laptop with the lid closed can lead to increased heat buildup, especially if you’re performing demanding tasks. Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent overheating. A laptop cooling pad can be beneficial in such situations.
Energy Consumption: Disabling sleep will result in higher energy consumption, even when the laptop is idle. This can significantly reduce battery life if you’re not plugged in.
Third-Party Applications: Some third-party applications might interfere with the pmset settings. If you encounter issues, try disabling or uninstalling these applications to see if it resolves the problem.

Potential Issues and Troubleshooting

Even with the correct settings, you might encounter situations where your laptop still behaves unexpectedly when you close the lid. Here are some common issues and troubleshooting tips:

Driver Issues: Outdated or corrupted drivers, especially display drivers, can sometimes cause unexpected behavior. Make sure your drivers are up to date. You can usually update drivers through the Device Manager in Windows or the System Preferences in macOS.
Conflicting Software: Certain software applications, especially those related to power management or system utilities, might override your settings. Try temporarily disabling these applications to see if it resolves the issue.
BIOS/UEFI Settings: In rare cases, the BIOS/UEFI settings of your laptop might be interfering with the operating system’s power management. Consult your laptop’s manual or manufacturer’s website for information on how to access and modify the BIOS/UEFI settings. Be extremely cautious when modifying BIOS/UEFI settings, as incorrect changes can render your laptop unusable.
Hardware Problems: Although less likely, hardware problems, such as a faulty lid sensor, can also cause issues. If you suspect a hardware problem, contact your laptop manufacturer or a qualified technician for assistance.
Operating System Bugs: Sometimes, the issue might be due to a bug in the operating system. Make sure your operating system is up to date with the latest patches and updates.
Power Plan Corruption: Windows power plans can sometimes become corrupted. You can try restoring the default power plans by opening Command Prompt as administrator and running the command: powercfg -restoredefaultschemes

By systematically troubleshooting these potential issues, you can usually identify and resolve the problem.

Alternatives to Disabling Lid Closure Behavior

If you’re concerned about the potential drawbacks of disabling lid closure behavior (e.g., battery drain, heat buildup), consider these alternatives:

External Monitor: Connect your laptop to an external monitor and use it as the primary display. This allows you to close the lid without interrupting your work.
Virtual Machine: Run the desired application or service within a virtual machine. You can then close the lid without affecting the host operating system.
Remote Access: Access your laptop remotely from another device using software like TeamViewer or Remote Desktop. This allows you to control your laptop even when the lid is closed and it’s located elsewhere.
Specific Application Settings: Some applications have their own settings that prevent the system from sleeping while the application is running. Check the settings of the specific application you’re using to see if it has such an option.

Choosing the right approach depends on your specific needs and priorities. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.

Disabling your laptop from turning off when the screen is closed is a simple but powerful customization that can greatly enhance its utility. By understanding power management principles, carefully adjusting settings, and troubleshooting potential issues, you can tailor your laptop’s behavior to perfectly suit your workflow. Remember to consider the trade-offs, especially regarding battery life and security, and choose the solution that best meets your needs.

Why does my laptop turn off when I close the lid?

This is typically the default power management setting on most laptops. The operating system, whether it’s Windows, macOS, or Linux, is configured to initiate a specific action when the lid is closed to conserve battery power and prevent unnecessary processing. The default action is often set to “Sleep,” “Hibernate,” or “Shut Down,” which effectively turns off the laptop screen and may also suspend or terminate running programs.

The rationale behind this setting is to reduce power consumption and prevent overheating when the laptop is not actively being used. By turning off the screen and possibly other components, the laptop can conserve battery life and remain cooler, especially if it’s stored in a bag or case. This setting is particularly useful for users who frequently move their laptops and want to quickly pause their work without manually shutting down.

How do I change the lid-close behavior in Windows?

To change the lid-close behavior in Windows, navigate to the Power Options settings. You can find this by searching for “Control Panel” in the Windows search bar, then selecting “Hardware and Sound,” and finally “Power Options.” Alternatively, you can search directly for “Choose what closing the lid does” in the Windows search bar.

Once in the Power Options settings, you’ll see options for both “On battery” and “Plugged in.” Under each, you can choose from actions like “Do Nothing,” “Sleep,” “Hibernate,” or “Shut Down.” Select your desired action for both scenarios (battery and plugged in) and click “Save changes.” Remember to test the setting by closing the lid to ensure it behaves as expected.

How do I change the lid-close behavior in macOS?

macOS handles lid-close behavior slightly differently. By default, closing the lid puts the MacBook into sleep mode. While macOS doesn’t offer a direct setting to completely disable this, you can prevent sleep by using a third-party application designed to keep the system active, especially when connected to an external display.

Alternatively, macOS is designed to support using a closed MacBook with an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. When these peripherals are connected before closing the lid, and the laptop is plugged into power, macOS should remain active and display only on the external monitor. Ensure that “Prevent your Mac from automatically sleeping when the display is off” is checked in Battery preferences (System Preferences > Battery > Battery).

What are the risks of preventing my laptop from sleeping when the lid is closed?

Preventing your laptop from sleeping when the lid is closed can lead to increased power consumption. The screen remains off, but internal components may still be active, draining the battery more quickly than in sleep mode. This can be particularly problematic if you frequently rely on battery power and are away from a power source.

Furthermore, keeping the laptop running with the lid closed can contribute to increased heat buildup, especially in models with inadequate cooling. This can potentially shorten the lifespan of internal components and lead to performance issues. It’s crucial to ensure adequate ventilation and avoid placing the closed laptop on soft surfaces like blankets or pillows that can obstruct airflow.

Will changing the lid-close behavior affect my battery life?

Yes, changing the lid-close behavior will definitely affect your battery life. If you set the laptop to “Do Nothing” when the lid is closed, it continues running, consuming power even with the screen off. This dramatically reduces battery life compared to putting the laptop to sleep or hibernating, as these states suspend most operations.

Consider your typical usage patterns when deciding on a lid-close action. If you often work on the go and need to conserve battery, choosing “Sleep” or “Hibernate” is generally preferable. If you mostly use your laptop plugged in and prefer instant resumption, then “Do Nothing” might be more suitable. However, be mindful of the increased energy consumption.

Can I set different behaviors for when my laptop is plugged in versus on battery?

Absolutely, both Windows and macOS allow you to configure different behaviors for when your laptop is plugged in versus when it’s running on battery power. This is a crucial feature that allows you to optimize your laptop’s performance and battery life based on your specific needs and circumstances.

For example, you might choose to have your laptop “Sleep” when the lid is closed while on battery to conserve power, but “Do Nothing” when plugged in so you can instantly resume work by opening the lid. This provides flexibility and helps you manage power consumption effectively in various scenarios.

What is the difference between “Sleep,” “Hibernate,” and “Shut Down” when choosing a lid-close action?

“Sleep” puts your laptop into a low-power state where it quickly resumes operation. It saves your current session to RAM, allowing for fast startup but requiring some power to maintain. This is generally the fastest way to pause and resume your work but consumes more battery than other options.

“Hibernate” saves your current session to the hard drive and completely powers down the laptop. This uses virtually no power but takes longer to resume than sleep. “Shut Down” completely closes all programs and turns off the laptop, requiring a full boot sequence when restarted. It uses no power when off but takes the longest to resume.