In today’s digital age, laptops have become an indispensable tool for millions of people around the world. Whether it’s for work, entertainment, or school activities, laptops provide the flexibility and convenience that desktop computers simply can’t match. However, there may be times when the built-in display of your laptop doesn’t provide enough screen real estate for your needs. That’s where an external monitor comes in.
Attaching an external monitor to your laptop can significantly boost your productivity and enhance your viewing experience. Whether you’re a gamer in need of a larger display or a professional seeking more screen space for multitasking, using an external monitor can make a world of difference. In this guide, we’ll show you how to close your laptop and use an external monitor effectively.
Why Use an External Monitor?
Laptops typically come with built-in displays ranging from 12 to 17 inches. While these displays are adequate for most tasks, there are times when you need more screen real estate. Using an external monitor allows you to expand your workspace and enjoy a larger and more immersive viewing experience.
There are several advantages to using an external monitor with your laptop:
- Increased Screen Real Estate: An external monitor provides additional screen space, allowing you to have multiple windows open simultaneously and work more efficiently.
- Enhanced Productivity: With a larger display, you can easily multitask by having multiple applications open side by side, improving your productivity.
- Better Viewing Experience: Whether you’re watching movies, playing games, or editing photos and videos, an external monitor offers a larger and more immersive viewing experience.
- Ergonomic Benefits: By using an external monitor, you can position the screen at eye level, reducing strain on your neck and improving your overall comfort while working.
Steps to Use an External Monitor
Using an external monitor with your laptop is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to set up your laptop for dual-screen functionality:
Step 1: Check Laptop and Monitor Compatibility
Before you begin, ensure that your laptop and monitor are compatible with each other. Most laptops have either an HDMI port or a USB-C/DisplayPort that can be used to connect an external monitor. Check your laptop’s specifications to determine which type of port it has.
Step 2: Gather the Necessary Cables
To connect your laptop to an external monitor, you’ll need the appropriate cables. If your laptop and monitor both have HDMI ports, you can use an HDMI cable for a simple and straightforward connection. Alternatively, if your laptop has a USB-C port, you’ll need a USB-C to HDMI or USB-C to DisplayPort adapter.
Step 3: Connect the Monitor to Your Laptop
Once you have the necessary cables, connect one end to your laptop’s HDMI or USB-C port and the other end to the corresponding port on the external monitor. Make sure the connections are secure and tight to ensure a stable and reliable connection.
Step 4: Adjust Display Settings
After connecting the external monitor, you may need to adjust the display settings on your laptop to enable dual-screen functionality. Here’s how you can do it on Windows 10 or 11:
- Search “Change what closing” in the Windows search bar, then click the top result: “Change what closing the lid does.”
- A System Settings menu will open, allowing you to control what happens “When I close the lid.” Select “Do Nothing” from the drop-down menu next to “When I close the lid” when plugged in.
Now, when you close the lid of your laptop while it’s plugged into the external monitor, the laptop will remain on, and the display will be redirected to the external monitor.
Step 5: Adjust Display Settings (Mac)
If you’re using a Mac, you can easily adjust the display settings to use an external monitor:
- Go to the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
- Click on “Displays” and navigate to the “Arrangement” tab.
- Check the box next to “Mirror Displays” if you want the same content to be displayed on both your laptop and the external monitor. If you want to use the external monitor as an extension of your laptop’s display, leave the box unchecked.
Step 6: Position the External Monitor
Once your laptop is connected to the external monitor, you can position it according to your preferences. You can use a monitor stand or an adjustable arm to ensure the monitor is at the optimal height and angle for comfortable viewing.
Step 7: Configure Display Settings (Optional)
Depending on your preferences, you may want to configure additional display settings, such as resolution, orientation, and brightness. You can access these settings through your laptop’s operating system or the monitor’s on-screen display menu.
Tips for Using an External Monitor with Your Laptop
Now that you know how to connect and use an external monitor with your laptop let’s explore some tips to enhance your experience:
Use Keyboard Shortcuts: To switch between your laptop’s display and the external monitor, use the appropriate keyboard shortcut. On Windows, press the Windows key + P to open the “Project” menu and select the desired display mode. On Mac, press Command + F1 to toggle between displays.
Adjust Display Settings: Experiment with different display settings, such as resolution and orientation, to find the configuration that works best for you. You can access these settings through your laptop’s operating system or the monitor’s on-screen display menu.
Utilize Window Management Tools: Take advantage of window management tools that allow you to snap windows to different parts of the screen. These tools can help you organize your workspace and make the most of the additional screen real estate.
Consider an External Docking Station: If you frequently use your laptop with an external monitor, consider investing in an external docking station. These devices provide additional ports, such as USB, Ethernet, and audio, allowing you to connect multiple peripherals to your laptop with ease.
Conclusion
Using an external monitor with your laptop can significantly enhance your productivity, provide a better viewing experience, and improve your overall comfort while working. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily connect your laptop to an external monitor and make the most of the additional screen real estate. Experiment with different display settings and utilize window management tools to optimize your workflow and maximize your productivity.
Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.
