Helping people with computers... one answer at a time.
The default configuration for most Windows laptops is to go into standby when the lid is closed. We'll look at how to change that.
When I close the lid of my Toshiba notebook, the internet stops, meaning that if I want to download stuff, the lid always has to be open, which is really annoying. Any way to change this without connecting another monitor and mouse?
•
It's probably not the internet that's stopping - it's the entire computer.
The default configuration for most laptops these days is to go into Stand-by, or even Hibernation, when the laptop is closed.
Fortunately it's just a setting you can control in Windows.
•
Windows includes a fairly robust, if somewhat confusing, array of power management options. And like many options, they're in Control Panel.
Fire up Control Panel, and double click on Power Options. You should see something along these lines:
Click on the Advanced tab for this:
Note the items in the Power Buttons section, in particular the one labeled "When I close the lid of my portable computer:". This has two or three options: Stand by (the default), Hibernate (if you have hibernation enabled) and Do nothing.
I'm guessing it's Do nothing that you really want. It also happens to be what I use most of the time - particularly when I'm mobile I'd like to be able to close my laptop for carrying without having it shut down on me.
Click on the list drop-down arrow at the far right of Stand by:
Click on Do nothing, and then click on either OK or Apply.
You should now be able to close your laptop and have it keep downloading without interruption.
Article C3277 - January 24, 2008 « »
Leo A. Notenboom has been playing with computers since he
was required to take a programming class in 1976. An 18 year career as a programmer at Microsoft soon followed.
After "retiring" in 2001, Leo started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place for answers
to common computer and technical questions. More about Leo.
December 18, 2011 2:29 PM
Would like to knw wen computer is on and i just shut dwn internet connetion and just close top lid wit out turnin off computer HOW LONG IS IT SAFE TO JUST KEEP Lid CLOSED
19-Dec-2011
December 18, 2011 4:23 PM
@Robert
Eventually your battery will run out. Length of time depends on battery type and age.
January 6, 2012 8:07 PM
Great information! I tried to do this, but I'm not able to change that setting. Any thoughts on why I'm not allowed to change this setting?
It might be hardware related, and I was hoping you could shed some light on that possibility.
January 12, 2012 3:47 PM
For me, it IS the internet. I've changed all the power settings and my wireless internet drops everytime I close the lid. When I am not online I use my laptop like a desktop. Would love a solution.
March 28, 2012 2:13 AM
This was exactly what I was looking for and explained what to do perfectly. Thanks!!