Keep Laptop On When Closed Windows 8

Have you ever wondered if it's possible to keep your laptop on when closed, even while running Windows 8? Well, the answer is yes! Contrary to popular belief, there is a way to configure your Windows 8 settings so that your laptop stays powered on even when the lid is closed. This can be a convenient feature for those who need their laptop to continue running tasks or downloads without interruption. Let's explore how you can achieve this functionality and make the most out of your Windows 8 experience.

To keep your laptop on when closed in Windows 8, you can tweak the power settings. By default, Windows 8 is set to go into Sleep mode when the lid is closed, but you can change this to keep it running. This feature can be particularly useful when you have ongoing processes or need to access your laptop remotely. By customizing the power settings, you can ensure that your laptop stays active even when closed, allowing you to continue working or downloading files without any interruptions. So, if you want to maintain productivity and maximize the utility of your laptop, follow these steps to keep it on when closed in Windows 8.

What is the Purpose of Keeping Your Laptop on When Closed in Windows 8?

When it comes to using laptops, one common issue users face is that the device goes into sleep mode when the lid is closed. While this feature is designed to save battery power and protect the laptop from unnecessary wear and tear, there are situations where you may want your laptop to stay on even when the lid is closed. Windows 8 offers various options to customize the power settings and keep your laptop running when the lid is closed, allowing you to continue tasks such as downloads, file transfers, or running applications in the background.

Method 1: Adjusting Power Settings

The first method to keep your laptop on when closed in Windows 8 is by adjusting the power settings. Here's how you can do it:

Step 1: Open Power Options

To start, open the Power Options menu by right-clicking on the Battery icon in the system tray and selecting "Power Options." Alternatively, you can search for "Power Options" in the Start menu and click on the corresponding search result.

Step 2: Choose the Desired Power Plan

Within the Power Options window, you will see a list of available power plans. Select the power plan you are currently using by clicking on the "Change plan settings" link next to it.

Step 3: Customize Advanced Power Settings

In the next window, click on the "Change advanced power settings" link. This will open the Advanced Power Options dialog box.

Step 4: Adjust Power Settings

Scroll down the list of settings in the Advanced Power Options dialog box and locate the "Power buttons and lid" category. Expand it by clicking on the arrow next to it. Here, you will find options related to what happens when you close the lid.

• On battery: Choose "Do nothing" or "Hibernate" to keep the laptop on when the lid is closed while running on battery power.
• Plugged in: Choose "Do nothing" or "Hibernate" to keep the laptop on when the lid is closed while connected to a power source.

Method 2: Using External Display Options

Another method to keep your laptop on when closed in Windows 8 is by utilizing external display options. Here's how you can do it:

Step 1: Connect an External Monitor

Start by connecting your laptop to an external monitor using an HDMI cable or any other appropriate connector.

Step 2: Change Display Settings

Once the external monitor is connected, press the Windows key + P on your keyboard. This will bring up the "Project" menu.

Step 3: Choose Extended Display

In the "Project" menu, select the "Extend" option. This will enable your laptop to continue running even when the lid is closed, as the external monitor will act as the primary display.

Method 3: Modifying Power and Sleep Settings in Control Panel

If the previous methods didn't work, you can modify the power and sleep settings in the Control Panel. Here's how:

Step 1: Open the Control Panel

To begin, open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu or right-clicking the Start button and selecting "Control Panel" from the menu.

Step 2: Go to Power Options

Within the Control Panel, click on the "Power Options" category.

Step 3: Choose the Power Plan

Select the power plan you are currently using by clicking on the "Change plan settings" link next to it.

Step 4: Modify Advanced Power Settings

In the next window, click on the "Change advanced power settings" link. This will open the Advanced Power Options dialog box.

Step 5: Adjust Power and Sleep Settings

Scroll down the list of settings in the Advanced Power Options dialog box and locate the "Sleep" category. Expand it by clicking on the arrow next to it.

• On battery: Set the "Lid close action" to "Do nothing" to keep the laptop on when the lid is closed while running on battery power.
• Plugged in: Set the "Lid close action" to "Do nothing" to keep the laptop on when the lid is closed while connected to a power source.

Using Third-Party Software to Keep Your Laptop on When Closed

If the built-in options in Windows 8 are not sufficient for your needs, you can also consider using third-party software to keep your laptop on when closed. These software solutions provide additional customization and control over power settings. Here are some popular options:

Software 1: Insomnia

Insomnia is a free and open-source utility that prevents your computer from going into sleep mode or hibernation when the lid is closed. It runs in the background and keeps your laptop awake, even when the lid is shut. Insomnia offers various options to customize the behavior based on your requirements.

Software 2: Amphetamine

Amphetamine is a macOS utility that allows you to keep your laptop awake even when the lid is closed. While it is primarily designed for macOS, there are third-party versions available for Windows that provide similar functionality. Amphetamine offers features such as customizable sleep triggers and timers to keep your laptop running for specific periods of time.

Software 3: Caffeine

Caffeine is another popular utility that prevents your computer from entering sleep mode or screensaver mode when the lid is closed. It works by simulating user activity at regular intervals, tricking the system into thinking you are actively using the computer. Caffeine offers a simple and intuitive interface for controlling the behavior and duration of the caffeine mode.

Conclusion

Keeping your laptop on when closed in Windows 8 can be useful in certain scenarios where you need the device to continue running uninterrupted. By adjusting the power settings, utilizing external display options, or using third-party software, you can customize the behavior of your laptop and ensure it stays on even when the lid is closed. Consider the specific requirements and limitations of your laptop before implementing any changes, and always keep in mind the potential impact on battery life and system performance.

Keeping Your Laptop On When Closed in Windows 8

In Windows 8, by default, the operating system is configured to go into sleep mode or hibernate when you close your laptop lid. However, there may be instances where you need to keep your laptop on even when it is closed. This can be particularly useful in situations where you are downloading large files, running automated tasks, or need continuous access to network resources.

To keep your laptop on when closed in Windows 8, you can modify the power settings. Here's how:

• Go to the Control Panel and open the Power Options.
• Click on "Choose what closing the lid does" in the left-hand menu.
• Under the "When I close the lid" section, select the "Do nothing" option for both "On battery" and "Plugged in" settings.
• Click on "Save changes" to apply the new power settings.

By following these steps, you can keep your laptop on even when it is closed in Windows 8. Remember to adjust the power settings back to the desired configuration when you no longer need to keep the laptop on continuously.

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions section on how to keep your laptop on when closed in Windows 8. Below, we've answered some common queries to help you understand the process and keep your laptop running smoothly. Read on for more information.

1. How can I keep my laptop running when it's closed in Windows 8?

To keep your laptop running when it's closed in Windows 8, you can adjust the power settings. Here's how:

1. Go to the Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu or by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting Control Panel.

2. In the Control Panel, click on "Power Options."

3. Under the "Choose or customize a power plan" section, click on "Change plan settings" next to the power plan you are currently using.

4. Now, click on "Change advanced power settings."

5. In the Power Options window, navigate to the "Power buttons and lid" category and expand it.

6. Under "Lid close action," select "Do nothing" from the dropdown menu.

7. Click on "OK" to save your changes, and your laptop will now stay on when it's closed in Windows 8.

2. Are there any risks associated with keeping my laptop on when it's closed?

Keeping your laptop on when it's closed does come with a few risks that you need to be aware of:

1. Overheating: When the laptop is closed, the heat generated by the internal components may not be able to dissipate properly, leading to overheating. This can potentially damage the hardware and affect the overall performance of your laptop.

2. Impact on battery life: If your laptop is running on battery power, keeping it on when it's closed can drain the battery faster. This may result in reduced battery life and the need for more frequent charging.

It's important to weigh the convenience of keeping your laptop on when it's closed against these potential risks. If you decide to do so, make sure to regularly check the temperature of your laptop and monitor its battery health.

3. Can I keep specific programs running when my laptop is closed?

No, when you close your laptop, Windows 8 puts it into a sleep or hibernation mode, which suspends all active programs and processes. This is designed to conserve power and protect your laptop's hardware.

If you need specific programs to continue running while your laptop is closed, you may consider changing the power settings to prevent the laptop from sleeping or hibernating when the lid is closed. However, this may come with the risks mentioned earlier, such as overheating and impact on battery life.

4. Are there alternative methods to keep my laptop on when it's closed in Windows 8?

Yes, there are alternative methods to keep your laptop on when it's closed in Windows 8:

1. Use an external monitor: Connect an external monitor to your laptop and configure it as the primary display. This way, you can close the laptop lid while continuing to work on the external monitor.

2. Use a docking station: If your laptop supports docking stations, you can dock it and connect it to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. This allows you to use your laptop like a desktop computer with the lid closed.

These methods provide an alternative solution without compromising the safety and performance of your laptop.

5. Can I keep my laptop on when it's closed in other versions of Windows?

The process of keeping your laptop on when it's closed may vary depending on the version of Windows you are using. For other versions of Windows, such as Windows 10 or Windows 7, you can follow similar steps to adjust the power settings and

In summary, keeping your laptop on when closed in Windows 8 can be achieved by adjusting the power settings and configuring the power options. By changing the settings to prevent the laptop from going into sleep or hibernate mode when the lid is closed, you can continue to use your laptop even when it is closed.

However, it is important to consider the potential impacts on battery life and heat dissipation when keeping the laptop on when closed. Extended periods of use with the lid closed may result in reduced battery life and increased heat buildup, which can affect the performance and lifespan of your laptop. Therefore, it is recommended to use this feature judiciously, taking into account the specific requirements of your tasks and ensuring proper ventilation and cooling for your laptop.