Secondary monitor shuts off when laptop lid close

I have a new dell XPS laptop. My external Dell monitor attached to my laptop.Everything works fine if my laptop lid is open, but if I close the laptop lid, I lose the display on the monitor attached to laptop. How can I close the laptop and keep the display on the monitor showing?

I've already tried this solution http://www.troublefixers.com/stop-windows-7-laptop-from-sleeping-on-closing-lid/ but still problem is same.

metal gear solid

Posted 2011-05-27T07:03:59.647

Reputation: 7 796

When I close the lid, It disables one of the two external monitors. When I open it again, it disables both externals after re-enabling the built-in monitor. Then I have to manually re-enable the externals and re-arrange my windows. VERY annoying. I wish I could tell windows to just leave the monitors as they are! – Killroy – 2015-08-17T10:23:42.590

Good question... I'm still looking for an answer here! Nothing so far I'm afraid. – Noldorin – 2011-10-24T23:00:43.140

The solution you linked has a really roundabout way of changing the setting. Try the solution I mentioned in my answer instead. – rob – 2012-02-28T19:58:26.320

Answers

By default, most laptops will go to sleep when you close the lid.

Click the Start (Windows) button
type "Power Options" and press enter
In the left hand pane, click "Choose what closing the lid does"
Under "When I close the lid:" select "Do nothing" (you can do this for on battery, plugged in, or both)
Click "Save Changes"

Now when you close the lid, your laptop should keep running and should recognize that only the external display is available.

rob

Posted 2011-05-27T07:03:59.647

Reputation: 13 188

Try selecting the external monitor as a primary display. If that doesn't work check if there is a button to switch display outputs on your laptop.

xciter

Posted 2011-05-27T07:03:59.647

Reputation: 524

Edit for windows 8: While in desktop mode right click the windows tile button, select power options, on left hand side select choose when to turn off the display, below all the options click change advanced power settings, scroll down to power buttons and lid, then select lid close action, and change both settings to never. boom youre all set :)

computersweg420

Posted 2011-05-27T07:03:59.647

Reputation: 21

The question was for Windows 7 though, not Windows 8. – lzam – 2014-09-22T02:43:31.420

I tested with my HP Compac 6710b / Windows 7 Pro with external monitor and found out that there is a Presentation state (got it by WIN+P). When choose Projector only I can close laptop and monitor stays on. Have to set laptop not to go sleep when closing lid also.

Teet Hiob

Posted 2011-05-27T07:03:59.647

Reputation: 1