Summary
This article describes how to adjust the power settings so you can close your laptop when it's connected to a docking station and use only the external monitors, keyboard, and mouse.
Body
Introduction
If you are using a laptop connected to a docking station, you may prefer to close the laptop and use only the external displays, mouse, and keyboard. However, this isn’t an option if closing the laptop causes the computer to sleep. This article describes how to change the setting that determines what happens when you close the lid.
Staying awake when the laptop is closed has become the default behavior for PCC staff computers. If you change the setting, it automatically reverts to the default when you restart the computer. If your external monitor goes dark when you close the lid of your staff laptop, even after a restart, contact IT for assistance.
Instructions
Select the instructions below for the operating system that is running on your laptop.
Windows 10
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Open the Control Panel by searching for Control Panel in the Windows Search Bar, and then select Power Options.
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Once in the “power options” menu, do not adjust the power plan. Instead, click the sidebar link that says Choose what closing the lid does.
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Click the dropdown options for When I close the lid under On battery and Plugged in. Ensure that each one is set to Do nothing and then save the changes. 
The laptop should now stay awake when the lid is closed. If it is still going to sleep, check the power options menu again to make sure the changes are saved. If the issue persists, try restarting the computer, disconnecting and reconnecting the external displays, or creating a troubleshooting ticket for assistance.
Windows 11
- In the Search field (to the left in the Taskbar), type power options, and then, in the Optimize device power panel, click Open.
- In the Power & Battery panel, scroll down to locate the Lid, power, & sleep button controls option, and then select its down arrow.
- On the Closing the lid will make my PC drop-down menu, select Do Nothing.
The laptop should now stay awake when the lid is closed. If it still goes to sleep, check the Power & Battery Settings again to ensure they match the illustrations shown here.
If the issue persists, try restarting the computer, disconnecting and reconnecting the external displays, or creating a troubleshooting ticket for assistance.