How to Change What Happens When Your Close Your Laptop Lid

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By eric1985
User-Submitted Article

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(3 Ratings)

A laptop computer

When I close my laptop lid, I want my computer to stay on. Some people want their computer to hibernate. Others prefer the computer shut down. If you want to change what happens in Windows, the process if fairly simple and straight forward.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Windows Laptop
About 2 minutes

Step 1

Click on Power Options in the Control Panel

First, open the power options. There are two methods to do this. If you see a power icon in the task bar, you can right click on it to open power options. Otherwise, go through the control panel from "my computer" or your start menu.
Step 2

Click Here to Access Lid Options

In Vista or Windows 7, you can click on "choose what closing the lid does" in the left menu in power options. In XP navigate to the power button/lid options.
Step 3

Choose Your Options and Save

Choose what happens from the drop-down menu. In Windows XP press apply. In Vista or Windows 7 press save changes at the bottom.
Step 4

Once you hit apply or save, just close the Window. Everything is updated and will work as you selected when you next close the lid.

Tips & Warnings

Ensure hibernate is enabled if you would like to hibernate when you close the lid.
Hibernate uses no power. It takes longer to turn off and back on.
Standby is fast, but it still uses a little power.
If you press the power button to force a shut down while the computer is preparing to hibernate or standby, you can cause damage to files that are not saved.