Geek Rewind

Keep Laptop Awake When Lid Closes in Windows 11

Richard

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This article details how to configure the laptop lid’s close action in Windows 11 to do nothing, preventing the laptop from entering sleep mode. Users must navigate through the Control Panel, specifically the Hardware and Sound and Power Options sections, allowing for uninterrupted tasks while the lid is closed, enhancing productivity.

This article explains how to set the laptop lid’s close action to do nothing when it is closed in Windows 11.

Windows 11 is set to automatically enter sleep mode when the laptop lid is closed to conserve power. This feature has long been a part of the Windows operating system and can be easily disabled.

When Windows enters suspend mode, it isn’t fully turned off; it simply goes to sleep. You can resume your session by opening the lid, and it will continue from where you left off.

When the action is set to do nothing, you can close the lid without putting the laptop to sleep while work continues.

How to keep the laptop on when the screen is closed

Windows 11 centralizes most of its settings in one location. Users can manage everything from system configurations to creating new accounts and updating Windows through the System Settings pane.

However, many advanced settings can still be done in the old Control Panel. Changing the lid open actions is one of the changes you’ll need to go to the Control Panel for.

Open the Control Panel in Windows 11 by going to the Start Menu and searching for and selecting Control Panel under Best Match.

When the Control Panel app opens, go to the Hardware and Sound category group highlighted below.

windows 11 contorl panel hardware and sound group

Select the Power Options settings group highlighted below in the Hardware and Sound category.

Select the Change Plan settings link in the Power Options pane, as highlighted below.

Next, click Change advanced power settings link as highlighted below.

Expand the Power buttons and lid and Lid close action settings as highlighted below. Under Lid close action, choose what action to take when the laptop lid close:

  • On battery:
    • Do nothing
    • Sleep
    • Hibernate
    • Shutdown
  • Plugged in:
    • Do nothing
    • Sleep
    • Hibernate
    • Shutdown

Make your selection and click OK to save your settings.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

  • Setting the laptop lid’s close action to “do nothing” allows for uninterrupted work.
  • Users can choose different settings based on whether they are on battery or plugged in.
  • This feature provides flexibility and control over how your laptop behaves when the lid is closed.
  • Accessing the setting requires navigating through the Control Panel, emphasizing the importance of understanding both Windows 11’s System Settings and the classic Control Panel.
  • Following the steps outlined ensures that your laptop meets your specific needs for productivity and convenience.

Feel free to adjust any preferences within the Power Options to optimize your laptop usage!

Richard Avatar
Richard
Richard, the owner and lead writer at Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast passionate about simplifying complex IT topics. His years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations have honed his ability to provide practical insights and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He’s deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions. He enjoys watching football, cheering for the Minnesota Vikings, and spending time with his family when he’s not writing or managing Geek Rewind.

Comments

  1. reyhan Avatar
    reyhan

    thanks alot of information

    Reply
  2. Aaron Avatar
    Aaron

    Mine does not have a lid close action option

    Reply
  3. anthony giovannetti Avatar
    anthony giovannetti

    what if the advanced settings does not show the Power buttons and Lid option?

    Reply
  4. basheer Avatar
    basheer

    1 – lid close does nothing (in the setting – do nothing) – it is not working. my laptop switch off once the lid was closed for some time. if I leave the laptop for some time untouched, then it goes off, and when touching the mouse pad the display appears to be a blank full black color display and then needs to switch off manually and switch on manually.

    2 – Wifi disconnects sometimes and the wifi symbol disappears. need to restart the laptop to connect again.

    Reply
  5. Gabor Toth Avatar
    Gabor Toth

    Jesus..those pictures from win 98? Definitely not Win 11….Totally useless, as Win 11 looks absoluletly differently with different options

    Reply
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    […] Lid close settings in Windows refer to the settings that control what happens when you close the lid of your laptop. By default, most laptops are set to sleep mode when the lid is closed. However, you can customize these settings to have your laptop stay awake, shut down, or hibernate when the lid is closed. […]

    Reply
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    […] previous post showed you how to change the Lid Close Action in Windows 11. When Windows goes to suspend mode, it’s not turned off – just go to sleep. You can resume by […]

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