How to Keep Music Playing When Laptop is Closed in Windows 11 – Simple Solutions

If you’re using a laptop and enjoy listening to music, it can be frustrating when the music stops playing as soon as you close the lid. This is a common issue for Windows 11 users, but there are solutions that can keep your music going, even with the laptop closed. Here’s a detailed guide on how to keep music playing when laptop is closed Windows 11 and why it happens in the first place.

Why Does Music Stop When You Close Your Laptop?

By default, Windows 11 is set to enter sleep mode or hibernate when you close the laptop lid. This is intended to save battery and protect the hardware when not in use. Unfortunately, sleep mode pauses all running applications, including music streaming apps. But you can change this behavior in just a few steps.

Solution 1: Adjust Power & Sleep Settings

The most straightforward way to keep your music playing is to change the default action that happens when you close the lid. Here’s how to keep music playing when laptop is closed Windows 11:

1. Open Control Panel: You can do this by searching “Control Panel” in the Start menu.
2. Navigate to Power Options: Once in Control Panel, click on “Hardware and Sound” and then “Power Options.”
3. Choose What Closing the Lid Does: In the Power Options window, on the left sidebar, click “Choose what closing the lid does.”
4. Modify Lid Settings: Under “When I close the lid,” you’ll see two dropdown menus—one for when the laptop is on battery and one for when it’s plugged in. Change both settings to “Do nothing.”
5. Save Changes: Click “Save changes” at the bottom of the screen to confirm the new settings.

Now, when you close your laptop’s lid, it will continue running as usual, and your music will keep playing. This is the easiest method for how to keep music playing when laptop is closed Windows 11, but keep in mind that this means your laptop won’t go into sleep mode when closed, which could impact battery life.

Solution 2: Use an External Monitor

Another way to keep the music playing without having to worry about the lid is to set up your laptop with an external monitor. Here’s how:

1. Connect an External Monitor: Use HDMI, DisplayPort, or another compatible connection.
2. Use “Second Screen Only” Mode: Press Win + P to open the display options and choose “Second screen only.” This keeps your laptop running with the external monitor while letting you close the lid.
3. Change Lid Settings: Make sure to follow the steps from Solution 1 to ensure that closing the lid does not put your laptop to sleep.

This method works best if you’re using your laptop as a desktop replacement or want a clean setup with the laptop out of sight while listening to music.

Solution 3: Using a Third-Party App

There are apps like Insomnia and Caffeine that can prevent your laptop from going to sleep, which can also help you keep music playing when laptop is closed Windows 11. These apps are lightweight and designed to keep your computer awake, making them a good option if you want a quick fix without diving into system settings.

1. Install a Third-Party App: Download an app like Caffeine from a trusted source.
2. Activate the App: Most of these apps work with a single click and will prevent your computer from going to sleep as long as they are active.
3. Enjoy Your Music: Once the app is running, you can close your laptop and keep listening without any interruptions.

User Reviews and Feedback

Many users have shared on forums that adjusting the power settings is the best and most reliable way to keep the music playing. Some have noted that while third-party apps can be useful, they may not be as effective in all situations or could interfere with other settings.

For example, on a popular tech forum, users have praised the “Do nothing” lid option as the go-to solution for uninterrupted music. However, some also expressed concern over battery drainage if this setting is used too frequently without proper charging.

External monitor users mentioned that this setup works well for extended use, but it can be cumbersome if you’re constantly on the go. Lastly, feedback on third-party apps like Caffeine was generally positive, though some users experienced minor issues with certain applications causing unexpected behavior.

Important Considerations

• Battery Life: Keep in mind that keeping your laptop running with the lid closed can drain your battery faster, especially if you’re streaming music over Wi-Fi.
• Overheating: Make sure your laptop has proper ventilation, as keeping it running with the lid closed might cause it to overheat if placed on soft surfaces like a bed or couch.
• External Peripherals: If you’re using Bluetooth headphones or speakers, ensure that the Bluetooth connection remains stable when the lid is closed.