One significant advantage of a laptop is its versatility for everyday use. For those who frequently travel, a laptop allows you to stay connected and productive no matter where life takes you. For others, using a laptop alongside a desktop setup can greatly boost productivity and enhance gaming experiences.
However, if you’re primarily using your laptop at home, often hooked up to an external monitor and find the laptop’s display unnecessary, operating in clamshell mode (with the laptop closed) is an excellent choice. This setup not only provides you with a larger monitor for a better viewing experience but also promotes better ergonomics. Additionally, your laptop will consume less power with its screen off.
Photo by Thiago Trevisan / IDG
This article will guide you through the process of operating your laptop with the lid closed, discussing additional benefits and highlighting some important tips and tricks for optimal use.
Requirements for Running a Closed Laptop
To effectively use your laptop with the lid closed, you’ll need a few additional accessories. After all, closing the lid means you lose access to the built-in keyboard, trackpad, and display, requiring external alternatives.
Photo by Thiago Trevisan / IDG
Plan to invest in a separate keyboard (either wired or wireless) and a mouse (wired or wireless) that will connect via USB, Wi-Fi dongles, or Bluetooth.
Additionally, an external monitor is necessary, which can connect through HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C/Thunderbolt, depending on your laptop’s specifications. Make sure the monitor is compatible with the type of connection you choose; HDMI is the most common and often favored for laptop setups.
If you don’t have an external monitor, consider checking out our recommendations on the best home office monitors, USB-C monitors, 4K monitors, and gaming monitors. If you frequently work away from home, consider our top picks for portable monitors as well.
Photo by Thiago Trevisan / IDG
If your laptop has Thunderbolt capability, a Thunderbolt dock can provide a range of USB ports and other connectivity features, giving you a desktop-like environment. However, if your laptop lacks Thunderbolt support, a USB-C dock or hub is another alternative that can still expand your ports, albeit with less speed and power.
Photo by Thiago Trevisan / IDG
Lastly, even with your laptop closed, it requires space on your desk, so investing in a laptop stand or holder not only keeps your workspace organized but also helps improve airflow and reduces overheating risks.
Related: Are laptop cooling pads a worthy investment?
How to Keep Your Laptop Awake When Closed (Windows)
If you’d like your laptop to remain active even after closing the lid, but find it automatically sleeping instead, all you need to do is modify a setting in Windows.
Begin by opening the Start menu and typing in Control Panel, then launch it. In the Control Panel, navigate to Hardware and Sound and then select Power Options. From there, look for a link titled “Choose what closing the lid does” on the left sidebar and click it.
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You will find options for configuring responses to the power button, sleep button, and lid closure. Change the settings for “When I close the lid” to Do nothing, then click Save changes. That’s it!
Your laptop will now remain awake even when closed, allowing for seamless use with an external monitor. These settings can be adjusted as needed later.
Key Considerations and Best Practices
Photo by Thiago Trevisan / IDG
First, it’s generally beneficial to have your laptop plugged into its AC power adapter when using an external monitor as it will use more power and potentially impact battery life.
Additionally, high-performance laptops, such as the Razer Blade 16, are often designed to exhaust hot air from the top. This can cause overheating issues when the lid is closed, particularly during long gaming sessions. If your laptop vents air from the bottom or sides, you should not encounter these issues.
Photo by Thiago Trevisan / IDG
Finally, consider using a laptop stand or cooling pad when operating with a closed lid. This not only helps in saving space but also ensures adequate cooling, especially during resource-intensive tasks.
