Changing the Lid Close Action in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

• To modify the lid-closing behavior on Windows 11, navigate to Settings > System > Power & battery. Locate and select the “Lid & power button controls” option to adjust the “Closing the lid will make my PC” settings for both “Plugged in” and “On battery.”
• You can also access Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options, then click on “Choose what closing the lid does,” modify the “When I close the lid” settings, and designate actions for “On Battery” and “Plugged in.”
• Choosing “Do nothing” ensures that your device continues to operate even when the lid is closed.
• “Sleep” “ switches the laptop to a low power state.
• “Hibernate” saves your active session before powering down the laptop.
• “Shut down” completely powers off the laptop.

By default, Windows 11 will put your laptop to sleep when you close the lid. However, this may not always be the most suitable setting.

There are various scenarios where you might prefer to modify the lid closure action in Windows 11. For instance, conserving battery life during low power situations may prompt you to select hibernate, while maintaining performance when plugged in could lead you to keep your laptop active even with the lid closed.

If you’re utilizing an external display or projector, you may wish for your laptop to remain functional even when the lid is shut. Alternatively, for security, you might want your device to enter sleep mode to prevent unauthorized access to your files.

Regardless of your reasoning, Windows 11 offers several methods to adjust what happens when you close the laptop lid, either through the traditional Control Panel or the updated Settings app under the “Power & battery”section, applicable if your version is 24H2 or later.

This guide will demonstrate how to change the lid closure behavior on Windows 11.

• Modify lid closure behavior on Windows 11 (Settings)
• Modify lid closure behavior on Windows 11 (Control Panel)

Modify lid closure behavior on Windows 11 (Settings)

To alter the lid closure action via the Settings app, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Select System.

3. Access the Power & battery section.

4. Click on the “Lid & power button controls” option.

5. Choose the desired action (“Do nothing,” “Sleep,” “Hibernate,” or “Shutdown” ) from the “Closing the lid will make my PC” settings under the “Plugged in” and “On battery” categories.

   

After completing these steps, your chosen action will be set for the laptop lid.

The option to modify lid closure behavior in the Settings app is introduced in Windows 11 version 24H2 and subsequent updates. If you’re running an earlier version, you’ll need to utilize the Control Panel method.

Modify lid closure behavior on Windows 11 (Control Panel)

To adjust the lid closure action on your laptop, follow these directions:

1. Open Start.

2. Search for Control Panel and select it from the list to launch the application.

3. Click on Hardware and Sound.

4. Choose Power Options.

5. Select the “Choose what closing the lid does” option from the left menu.

   

6. In the “Power button and lid settings” area, modify the “When I close the lid” option and select the desired action (“Do nothing,” “Sleep,” “Hibernate,” or “Shut down” ) corresponding to both “On Battery” and “Plugged in.”

   

7. Click on the Save changes button to apply your preferences.

Upon completing these steps, Windows 11 will perform your selected action—whether that be keeping the laptop awake, sleeping, hibernating, or shutting down—according to your specified options when you close the lid.

If the “Hibernate” option isn’t visible, it may not be enabled. You can enable it by selecting the “Change settings that are currently unavailable” option in the “System Settings” window and checking the “Hibernate” box. If this option is absent, it must be activated via Command Prompt.

Update as of October 10, 2024: This guide has been revised to ensure the information is current and reflects any procedural updates.

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