When the lid of a Windows laptop is closed, the system typically enters a low-power state, such as sleep, hibernate, or turns off the display entirely. This behavior is by design to conserve power and prevent overheating. However, when using a remote desktop application like VNC, closing the laptop lid can disrupt the connection as the display may become inactive or unavailable for remote viewing.
This happens because most laptops automatically disable the internal screen when the lid is closed unless explicitly configured otherwise. Without an active display, the VNC server cannot transmit the desktop view.
Workarounds for Maintaining a Display When the Laptop Lid Is Closed
Here are some solutions to prevent the display from disconnecting when the lid is closed, ensuring uninterrupted remote access:
Change Power Settings to Keep the Laptop Awake
Windows allows you to configure the behavior when the lid is closed:
- Open Control Panel and navigate to Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
- Click Choose what closing the lid does from the left-hand menu.
- For both On battery and Plugged in, set When I close the lid to Do nothing.
- Click Save changes.
This ensures that the laptop remains powered on and the display stays active even when the lid is closed.
Use an External Monitor or Virtual Display Adapter
If the laptop’s internal screen still turns off when the lid is closed:
- Connect an External Monitor: Plug in an external monitor, which will act as the primary display when the lid is closed.
- Use a Dummy Display Adapter: Dummy HDMI or DisplayPort plugs are inexpensive devices that simulate an external monitor. Plugging one into the laptop will trick the system into keeping a display active.
- Use a virtual display driver: There are many options but here's one that is proven to work well: https://github.com/itsmikethetech/Virtual-Display-Driver
Update Display Settings in Graphics Driver
Some graphics drivers disable the internal display when the lid is closed regardless of power settings. To address this:
- Update your graphics driver to the latest version via the manufacturer’s website (Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD).
- Open your graphics control panel (e.g., Intel Graphics Command Center, NVIDIA Control Panel, or AMD Radeon Software).
- Ensure the internal display is set to remain active even when the lid is closed.
Conclusion
The display disconnects when the laptop lid is closed due to power-saving and hardware behavior. By adjusting power settings, using external or virtual displays, updating graphics drivers, or configuring VNC settings, you can ensure uninterrupted remote access. If you encounter further issues, consult your VNC software’s documentation for additional configuration tips.