Do you know how to turn off laptop display when using external monitor? If you don’t, then keep reading to find out how to do so! Working with multiple displays is often the wise choice for people who need to focus on several tasks at once.
Not only does it give you a great sense of freedom and flexibility when switching from one task to another, but it also gives you more space to work with multiple files and programs.
But, you should know that there’s a hiccup: the built-in computer display will continue to run even if you don’t need it. To conserve power, you might want to consider turning off the display from the built-in computer to increase the useful life of your display.
Now, most people don’t even know that the built-in display on their computer can be turned off while still keeping the files and the programs running actively on the external monitor display.
This isn’t a complicated problem to solve at all. In fact, it’s incredibly easy and you can easily turn off the display and push everything out to the external display that you have connected.
You can also put the lid down and continue to work in peace. This way, you will be able to work seamlessly on the files without having to worry about tweaking the settings every other time.
How To Turn Off Laptop Display When Using External Monitor in Windows 10
Most Windows operating systems, especially those powered by Windows 10, allow you to customize the primary and secondary display when you are working with an external display.
This setting is important and allows you to keep the external display running on a single one, stretch it over multiple displays, duplicate it on both displays, or just use the external display as an extension as well.
Here are the steps you need to follow to turn off the primary display on your Windows PC, while still keeping the external display running smoothly.
1. Keyboard Shortcut
The first step is to make sure the Windows PC and the external display are both connected with each other using a suitable connection method. It could be the DisplayPort, the HDMI, the DVI, or the VGA cable. Make sure that they have been configured correctly.
Now that you are sure that the two are connected, just press the Windows and the P key together. You will see an arrangement on a sidebar with four distinct display arrangement modes.
These include the PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend, and the Second Screen only. Now, if you want to turn off the display on your primary monitor and continue working on the second one, you should press the Second Screen Only.
It will take a few seconds before the changes are able to take effect. In a few moments, your primary display will go dark, and the external screen will light up.
This is arguably the simplest and the most effective way to turn the display off while still keeping the external monitor running. But, this isn’t the only way. There’s also another way to do it via the Control Panel.
2. Via the Control Panel
Again, the first step is to make sure that the Windows PC and the external display are both connected to each other properly. Check for the connection via the DisplayPort, the HDMI, the VGA, or the DVI cable.
Then, from any open area on the desktop, just right click on the touchpad and then select Screen Resolution. The Control Panel window will open up for the display settings.
The computer will automatically identify which display is labelled 1 and which is the external monitor. To figure out which display is the external one, you need to click on the Identify button.
For a brief moment, the number that corresponds on each display is going to show up. Commonly, you should know that the external display is identified as the second one, so for the purpose of clarity, we are going to refer to the external display as the second one.
Once you have identified the external display, the next step is to click on the dropdown menu for Multiple displays. You will see a series of options. Click on the “Show desktop only on 2” and then confirm your choice.
The primary display on your computer is going to shut off in a few seconds, and only the second one will remain active. To save the setting, you will have to click on “Save changes” when a pop-up window opens up. Then, you are good to go.
How To Turn off Macbook Screen When Using External Monitor
The Macbook uses a completely different interface as compared to Windows, so the procedure is also quite different. Macs come with a clamshell mode, that allows you to use your Macbook while keeping it shut.
It’s a great way to improve the useful lifespan of your Mac’s display, while also saving quite a bit of space on your desk. Here are the steps you should follow to enable clamshell mode on your Macbook laptop.
However, to make this method work, you are going to have to connect an external keyboard and mouse, either via Bluetooth or a USB.
1. Using Clamshell Mode
Now, when your Mac is turned on and running, you should close down the lid to activate Sleep mode on your laptop. It’s important that you do not shut down the Mac in the process.
Then, connect a power cable to your Mac and pair it with a mouse and keyboard. Finally, plug your external display into the computer using any of the compatible methods; HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, or the USB-C adapter.
Then, just press any key on the display, and you will be able to see the external display light up, showing you the screen. Now, this same thing can also be done directly from the System Preferences. Here’s how that works.
2. From System Preferences
First off, you need to make sure your Mac and the external display are properly connected, with the help of a suitable connector. Then, click on the Apple logo on the top left, and then select System Preferences. From there, you need to select Displays.
Now, click the tab that says Arrangement and then select the box that’s labeled “mirror displays,” then just close the lid and put it in sleep mode.
All you have to do now is connect a compatible keyboard and a mouse with your Mac. Now, just press any key on your keyboard, and your external display will light up.
Why You Should Disable Your Built-in Computer Display
Disabling the built-in computer display is an excellent idea, especially for people who like working on the big screen. If you like to work with several applications and files open simultaneously, you should definitely consider using an external display.
Things can get a bit bogged down when you are working on a smaller display. More importantly, disabling the laptop’s display also allows you to prevent burn-in on the screen.
These are just a few things you should know about how to turn off laptop display when using external monitor. It’s a simple procedure that can come in quite handy for most people.
