Problems Solved
PROBLEM OF THE FORTNIGHT
Can I use my laptop with the lid shut?
Q I really need to replace my old desktop PC. I keep it under my desk, so there’s enough room for a 24in monitor, keyboard and mouse on the desk. It’s not a very big desk, and I don’t have room for a bigger one. I could buy another desktop PC, but a laptop seems to make more sense, not least because I’d like to be able to use it elsewhere in the house. I sit possible to use a laptop with the lid closed so I can keep it under my desk as I do my desktop PC?
Simon Hannigan
A Yes, this is possible, but there are a few practical and technical considerations. First, you’ll need to change your laptop’s settings so that closing the lid doesn’t shut it down or put it to sleep. In Windows 10 or 11, click Start, type control and then click Control Panel. Now select ‘System and Security’ followed by Power Options, then ‘Choose what closing the lid does’ (see screenshot 1). Look for the option ‘When I close the lid’ (see screenshot 2). Click to open the dropdown menu in the ‘Plugged in’ column and choose ‘Do nothing’, then click the ‘Save changes’ button.
Next, make sure your mouse and keyboard can wake your laptop from sleep. To do this, press Windows key+X to open the Quick Link menu, then choose Device Manager. Click to expand the ‘Mice and other pointing devices’ heading, then right-click your mouse and choose Properties (see screenshot ). Now select the Power Management tab and make sure there’s a tick in the box
