A simple but useful tip for laptop owners

@Asylum (47893)

Manchester, England

January 2, 2016 2:17pm CST

Yesterday I reinstalled Windows on my laptop, after which I always immediately change various settings. This reminded me of a simple setting that may prove useful to some. Since many Mylot users possess laptops, I thought it worthwhile to create a discussion on this subject. A laptop is very convenient if you wish to move to another room or building because you can simply close the lid and carry it under your arm. The only downside if you happen to be using it at the time is that the laptop goes to sleep as soon as the lid is closed, so you have to wait for it to wake up again afterwards. This is the default setting for all laptops, but can very easily be changed. Open Control Panel, either by clicking the desktop icon or from right clicking the Start menu, then select Power Options, which can be located under System and Security. In the left hand pane will be a link for “Choose what closing the lid does”. I always change this from the default sleep to “Do nothing”, which enables me to close the lid, walk downstairs and carry on with no delay. There are also options on the page to change what the power and sleep buttons will do.

46 people like this

41 responses

@pgntwo (22408)

• Derry, Northern Ireland

2 Jan 16

Yes, a most worthwhile topic for a discussion, I wholeheartedly agree. Most of my MyLotting is done on a smartphone though, I find it more convenient.

5 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

2 Jan 16

Obviously it is entirely different with a smartphone, but for a laptop it is either change the power options or try carrying it with the lid open, but which can be a little dangerous.

3 people like this

@pgntwo (22408)

• Derry, Northern Ireland

2 Jan 16

@Asylum It is not safe to attempt to move from one room to the other whilst keeping a laptop lid open, I agree. Your tip makes absolute sense.

2 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

2 Jan 16

@pgntwo Not all people will be likely to change rooms while using a laptop, but I have a habit of doing so.

3 people like this

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@AbbyGreenhill (45496)

• United States

3 Jan 16

You came up with one I really like - I always close my lid when I walk out of this room and it's a pain...now I will follow your instructions. thanks. I don't normally 'suggest' discussions, but I will share this one!

4 people like this

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@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

3 Jan 16

@AbbyGreenhill This is obviously a matter of personal preference, but it is always good to know what the options are.

1 person likes this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

3 Jan 16

I am glad that you find it useful, which I was hoping it would be for many laptop owners.

2 people like this

@AbbyGreenhill (45496)

• United States

3 Jan 16

@Asylum Now that I changed it I changed it back - I don't carry my laptop around much - but I do close the lid when I walk out of the room. I think having it go to sleep mode in that case is the better way to go.

3 people like this

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@jaboUK (64361)

• United Kingdom

2 Jan 16

Thank you, I've made a note of this.

3 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

3 Jan 16

It can be annoying to walk to another room and discover that the laptop has been put to sleep.

4 people like this

@garymarsh6 (23393)

• United Kingdom

3 Jan 16

That is a most helpful tip. Well done!

3 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

3 Jan 16

I am glad that you like it Gary.

3 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

3 Jan 16

@garymarsh6 It is one of those simple things that is surprisingly not well known.

2 people like this

@garymarsh6 (23393)

• United Kingdom

3 Jan 16

@Asylum I admire your knowledge and you sharing it with others!

3 people like this

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@TheHorse (205716)

• Walnut Creek, California

2 Jan 16

I've never felt comfortable with them, though I can survive with them.

2 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

2 Jan 16

The only thing that I really dislike with a laptop is the touchpad, so I always use a mouse.

3 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

2 Jan 16

@TheHorse I find a trackball even more ungainly.

3 people like this

@TheHorse (205716)

• Walnut Creek, California

2 Jan 16

@Asylum Agreed. I prefer a mouse as well.

2 people like this

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@fishtiger58 (29823)

• Momence, Illinois

2 Jan 16

I don't care for laptops, my sons have had their share and they just don't seem to last as long as desk tops. Have you found this to be true?

2 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

2 Jan 16

Yes, I agree completely, which is why I have both. A desktop is also far easier to upgrade if the operating systems and programs begin requiring greater system resources, which constantly happens.

2 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

2 Jan 16

@fishtiger58 Heat will affect a laptop more than a desktop computer because there is less space for air circulation inside. Cleaning the fans regular is usually a wise move. You are right to suggest not to leave one on the bed while running because it restricts the ventilation.

4 people like this

@fishtiger58 (29823)

• Momence, Illinois

2 Jan 16

@Asylum I thought so, is the issue heat perhaps that make laptops crash or die or whatever it is they do. I am for ever telling them not to leave them on laying on a bed as they heat up so much.

2 people like this

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@celticeagle (159008)

• Boise, Idaho

3 Jan 16

I have Windows 10 and mine is set up differently so I cannot follow these steps. I think I have my laptop set up pretty good. I don't just close the lid when finished. I shut it down.

2 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

3 Jan 16

This works precisely the same in Windows 10 as it does in any other versions.

2 people like this

@celticeagle (159008)

• Boise, Idaho

4 Jan 16

@Asylum ...Oh, I am sure it does.

2 people like this

Arthur Chappell

@arthurchappell (45002)

• Preston, England

3 Jan 16

pretty handy to be able to fire up and type again so quickly, cheers. I rarely move my laptop at all actually - It serves as a main desk computer especially until I get a new Tablet again.

2 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

3 Jan 16

Several people that I know use a laptop that way.

2 people like this

Peter B. Giblett

@pgiblett (6524)

• Canada

2 Jan 16

Well done for pointing out this option. You choice is actually very smart as many times closing the lid is about changing location.

2 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

2 Jan 16

I have been doing this for many years, but I do realise that many people are unaware of the option. Setting up the settings again last night after reinstalling Windows prompted me to submit this information while it is still on my mind.

1 person likes this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

2 Jan 16

@pgiblett That is logical and does provide a better use of an item.

2 people like this

Peter B. Giblett

@pgiblett (6524)

• Canada

2 Jan 16

@Asylum Whenever there is a new version, I check out the options, what switches can be switched and what the impact is.

2 people like this

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@PainsOnSlate (21854)

• Canada

6 Jan 16

I have a mac and its like learning how to speak a foreign language. Maybe someone with knowledge of the Mac will post some hints for my machine. I'm glad you were able to help Abby.

2 people like this

@AbbyGreenhill (45496)

• United States

6 Jan 16

Maybe you need to start a discussion asking that question that way more people will see it who can help you.

3 people like this

Margaret Mwangi

@Missmwngi (12927)

• Nairobi, Kenya

2 Jan 16

Thanks. I never knew that comes with an option. Kind of thought it should be that way but now i know better

2 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

2 Jan 16

The default is always Sleep, so many people assume that to be simply how a laptop works.

2 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

2 Jan 16

@Missmwngi This is only to be expected since every laptop is sold with that specific setting.

2 people like this

Margaret Mwangi

@Missmwngi (12927)

• Nairobi, Kenya

2 Jan 16

@Asylum Until now that is what i thought

2 people like this

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ElizabethWallace

@ElizabethWallace (12074)

• United States

3 Jan 16

This will be handy information for people who use their laptops all over the house. Mine rarely leaves my desk in my office. I buy laptops because I prefer their size. I only take mine into another room a couple times a year, usually when working on a project with a friend.

2 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

3 Jan 16

Mine is often taken from one room to another. I also take mine on holiday with me and like to use it in the room and communal areas.

2 people like this

ElizabethWallace

@ElizabethWallace (12074)

• United States

3 Jan 16

@Asylum I use my iPad for those things. It is much smaller and weighs less.

2 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

3 Jan 16

@ElizabethWallace I prefer the screen size of a laptop and only use my tablet on rare occasion.

2 people like this

@T_gray (7774)

• Salina, Kansas

2 Jan 16

I have found this tip very handy. I hate when my laptop would shut down when I would close the lid. Thanks for sharing

2 people like this

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@T_gray (7774)

• Salina, Kansas

2 Jan 16

@Asylum Yup, there's a lot of things we have to figure out on our own it seems.

2 people like this

@Elizaby (6902)

• Pensacola, Florida

2 Jan 16

Interesting tip

2 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

2 Jan 16

I am glad that you think so.

1 person likes this

@GardenGerty (157552)

• United States

2 Jan 16

I have to remember this. That is something I find annoying when using the laptop.

2 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

2 Jan 16

It would be annoying to me to come downstairs and then wait for the laptop to wake up.

1 person likes this

@kevin1877uk (36988)

•

3 Jan 16

Thanks Barry I've already done that :)

1 person likes this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

3 Jan 16

There are certain to be many people who are fully aware of this Kevin, but also many who were not.

1 person likes this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

3 Jan 16

@kevin1877uk I always find that the simple things are most helpful. Many years ago I created a website containing a lot of simple tasks to be done in Microsoft Office, such as how to set up an auto responder or redirect in Microsoft Outlook, which was very popular.

1 person likes this

@kevin1877uk (36988)

•

3 Jan 16

@Asylum You can't please everyone no matter how you try, it's good you past on your knowledge because someone will be interested and needing help.

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@sueznewz2 (10409)

• Alicante, Spain

2 Jan 16

hey that sounds very useful ... thanks for the suggestion...

2 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

2 Jan 16

It can save a lot of annoyance over the years.

2 people like this

@poehere (15126)

• French Polynesia

3 Jan 16

That is a helpful tip I am sure a lot of peole don't know about. I always modify all my setting for my computers to suit me. I basically only use a laptop in the field or if I need to go to another island. At home I work on my desktop because they have a larger hard drive and more processing speeds that I like much better than my laptop.

1 person likes this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

3 Jan 16

Despite being so very basic, it was something that I felt many may not realise. According to the comments I have received it seems that I was right.

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

3 Jan 16

@poehere Several people have commented that it was helpful to them, so obviously it was worthwhile.

@poehere (15126)

• French Polynesia

3 Jan 16

@Asylum No you are right on this one. I know a lot of people don't understand this and I think it was an excellent idea to teach them this or tell them about it.

1 person likes this

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Angshuman Dee Raj

@deeraj005 (132)

• Mumbai, India

3 Jan 16

Thanks for the tip. I guess my laptop is smart. whenever I close the lid, it shuts down. :3 Then I have to boot all over again.

1 person likes this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

3 Jan 16

It is annoying if you simply want to take it downstairs to use.

1 person likes this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

3 Jan 16

@deeraj005 I do know a few people who use that approach as a quick way of switching off the laptop.

1 person likes this

Angshuman Dee Raj

@deeraj005 (132)

• Mumbai, India

3 Jan 16

@Asylum I guess the laptop is annoyed at the fact that I never let it shut down,unless I close the lid.. :P

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@HazySue (39264)

• Gouverneur, New York

2 Jan 16

@Asylum interesting. I am glad you wrote this, I can go in and stop my laptop from shutting down when I move from room to room. Thanks

2 people like this

@Asylum (47893)

• Manchester, England

2 Jan 16

I do this automatically as soon as I set up a new install of Windows. There is also an option to change the period of time before the screen goes blank or the computer sleeps due to inactivity.

2 people like this