Are you tired of your external monitor turning off every time you close your laptop? This can be frustrating, especially if you’re in the middle of a project or watching a movie. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep your external monitor on even when your laptop is closed. In this article, we’ll explore the different methods to achieve this, including adjusting your laptop’s settings, using third-party software, and considering hardware solutions.
Understanding the Problem
Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand why your external monitor turns off when you close your laptop. This is usually due to the laptop’s power-saving features, which are designed to conserve battery life. When you close your laptop, it goes into sleep mode, and the external monitor is not receiving any signal, causing it to turn off.
Laptop Settings: The First Line of Defense
The first step in keeping your external monitor on is to adjust your laptop’s settings. The process may vary depending on your laptop’s operating system and model, but here are the general steps:
- For Windows laptops:
- Go to the Start menu and select Settings.
- Click on System and then Power & sleep.
- Under the “Sleep” section, click on the dropdown menu and select “Allow wake timers.”
- This will allow your laptop to wake up from sleep mode when it receives a signal from the external monitor.
- For Mac laptops:
- Go to System Preferences and select Energy Saver.
- Click on the “Options” tab and select “Wake for Wi-Fi network access.”
- This will allow your laptop to wake up from sleep mode when it receives a signal from the external monitor.
Third-Party Software: A Viable Solution
If adjusting your laptop’s settings doesn’t work, you can try using third-party software to keep your external monitor on. There are several options available, including:
- MonitorES: This software allows you to keep your external monitor on even when your laptop is closed. It works by simulating a keyboard and mouse activity, which keeps the laptop awake.
- Keep Alive: This software is designed to keep your laptop awake by simulating a network activity. It can also keep your external monitor on even when your laptop is closed.
How to Use Third-Party Software
Using third-party software is relatively straightforward. Here are the general steps:
- Download and install the software on your laptop.
- Launch the software and follow the instructions to configure it.
- Once configured, the software will keep your external monitor on even when your laptop is closed.
Hardware Solutions: A More Permanent Fix
If you’re not comfortable using software solutions, you can consider hardware solutions to keep your external monitor on. One option is to use a USB docking station with a built-in power supply. This will allow you to keep your external monitor on even when your laptop is closed.
USB Docking Stations: A Convenient Solution
USB docking stations are a convenient solution to keep your external monitor on. They work by providing a separate power supply to the monitor, which keeps it on even when the laptop is closed. Here are some benefits of using a USB docking station:
- Convenience: USB docking stations are easy to use and require minimal setup.
- Reliability: They provide a reliable power supply to the monitor, keeping it on even when the laptop is closed.
- Flexibility: USB docking stations can be used with multiple monitors and laptops.
How to Choose a USB Docking Station
Choosing a USB docking station can be overwhelming, especially with the numerous options available. Here are some factors to consider:
- Power supply: Look for a docking station with a built-in power supply that can handle the power requirements of your monitor.
- Connectivity options: Consider a docking station with multiple connectivity options, such as USB, HDMI, and DisplayPort.
- Compatibility: Ensure the docking station is compatible with your laptop and monitor.
Conclusion
Keeping your external monitor on when you close your laptop can be a challenge, but there are several solutions available. By adjusting your laptop’s settings, using third-party software, or considering hardware solutions, you can keep your external monitor on and enjoy a seamless computing experience. Remember to choose a solution that works best for your needs and preferences.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop Settings | Easy to configure, free | May not work for all laptops, limited customization options |
| Third-Party Software | Easy to use, customizable, affordable | May require subscription, compatibility issues with some laptops |
| Hardware Solutions (USB Docking Stations) | Convenient, reliable, flexible | May require additional power supply, expensive |
By considering these factors and choosing the right solution, you can keep your external monitor on and enjoy a seamless computing experience.
What are the benefits of keeping my external monitor on?
Keeping your external monitor on can have several benefits. For one, it can help to prolong the lifespan of the monitor by reducing the wear and tear caused by frequent turning on and off. This is because the monitor’s backlight and other components are subject to stress every time it is turned on, and minimizing this stress can help to extend its lifespan.
Additionally, keeping your external monitor on can also help to improve your productivity and workflow. By having multiple screens available at all times, you can multitask more easily and have access to more information without having to constantly switch between windows or tabs.
Will keeping my external monitor on consume a lot of power?
The amount of power consumed by an external monitor can vary depending on the type and size of the monitor, as well as its settings and usage patterns. However, in general, modern monitors are designed to be energy-efficient and consume relatively little power, especially when compared to other computer components such as the CPU and GPU.
To give you a better idea, a typical 24-inch LED monitor might consume around 20-30 watts of power when in use, while a larger 32-inch monitor might consume around 40-50 watts. This is relatively negligible compared to the power consumption of other computer components, and can be further reduced by adjusting the monitor’s brightness and turning off unnecessary features.
How can I reduce the power consumption of my external monitor?
There are several ways to reduce the power consumption of your external monitor. One of the simplest ways is to adjust the brightness of the monitor, as a brighter screen consumes more power. You can also turn off unnecessary features such as the monitor’s built-in speakers or USB ports when not in use.
Another way to reduce power consumption is to use the monitor’s power-saving features, such as the “eco-mode” or “low power mode”. These features can help to reduce the monitor’s power consumption by adjusting the brightness, contrast, and other settings. You can also consider using a monitor with an auto-switching feature, which can automatically turn off the monitor when it is not in use.
Can I keep my external monitor on all the time without damaging it?
In general, it is safe to keep your external monitor on for extended periods of time without damaging it. Modern monitors are designed to operate continuously for thousands of hours without any issues. However, it’s still important to follow some basic precautions to ensure the longevity of your monitor.
For example, you should make sure that your monitor is placed in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating, and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or humidity. You should also avoid touching the screen or exposing it to direct sunlight, as this can cause damage to the display.
Will keeping my external monitor on affect my computer’s performance?
Keeping your external monitor on should not have a significant impact on your computer’s performance. The monitor is a separate device from your computer, and it does not consume any of the computer’s processing power or memory.
However, if you are using a laptop or a computer with limited resources, having multiple monitors connected can potentially consume more power and affect the computer’s battery life. But in general, the impact on performance should be negligible, and you can safely keep your external monitor on without worrying about affecting your computer’s performance.
Can I keep my external monitor on when I’m not using my computer?
Yes, you can keep your external monitor on even when you’re not using your computer. However, you should make sure that the monitor is not receiving any signal from the computer, as this can cause the monitor to stay on unnecessarily.
To avoid this, you can set your computer to turn off the monitor signal when it goes to sleep or is shut down. You can also consider using a monitor with a built-in feature that allows it to automatically turn off when it is not receiving a signal.
Are there any situations where I should turn off my external monitor?
While it’s generally safe to keep your external monitor on, there are some situations where it’s recommended to turn it off. For example, if you’re going to be away from your computer for an extended period of time, it’s a good idea to turn off the monitor to conserve energy and prolong its lifespan.
You should also turn off your monitor if you’re experiencing any issues with it, such as a faulty backlight or a malfunctioning display. Additionally, if you’re planning to move or transport your monitor, it’s a good idea to turn it off and unplug it to prevent any damage during transit.