Should You Close Your Laptop When Using an External Monitor?

You do not have to close a laptop when connecting an external monitor. Keep it open if you genuinely use its screen as a secondary display, need its camera or want quick access to the built-in keyboard. Close it if the external monitor is your only display and the open computer creates a low, distracting screen or consumes valuable desk space.

The better choice depends on how you work and on the laptop manufacturer’s instructions. Closing the lid changes ventilation, power and display behaviour on some models. Ergonomically, the goal is not simply open or closed. It is to give the primary screen a comfortable position while keeping the keyboard and mouse within easy reach.

Quick decision guide

• Close the laptop when you work mainly on one external monitor, use an external keyboard and mouse, and the device is approved for closed-lid operation.
• Keep it open when the laptop screen has a real secondary role, you need its camera, or closing it would interfere with cooling or required controls.
• Raise or mount it when the open screen is used often but sits far below the external display.
• Turn the laptop screen off when it remains open for ventilation or camera access but you do not need it as a display.

When closing the laptop usually works best

A closed laptop can simplify a single-monitor workstation. It removes a low screen that may pull your gaze downward, reduces visual clutter and frees enough surface for documents or a more centred keyboard. The external monitor can sit directly behind the keyboard and in front of your normal seated or standing position.

This arrangement works best with a separate keyboard and pointing device. The University of Toronto’s ergonomics guidance recommends propping up a laptop and aligning its screen with other monitors when it is used as a display. If it is not used as a display, an external monitor lets the computer act as the source while the viewing surface is positioned independently.

Before closing the lid, confirm the laptop supports closed-display or clamshell operation, connect power if required, and select the correct operating-system settings. Follow the manufacturer’s ventilation instructions. Do not place a running computer in a sealed drawer, under papers or against soft fabric.

When keeping it open is useful

An open laptop earns its space when it performs a clear task. It might hold messaging, reference material, meeting controls or a preview window while the external monitor carries the main work. It can also provide the webcam and microphone for calls.

Keep the main monitor centred on your body. Place the laptop to one side and angle it toward you if it receives occasional use. If you look at both screens equally, bring them closer together and align their visible areas as much as practical. Avoid putting the seam directly in front of you when one display receives most of your attention.

A compatible laptop tray or arm can raise and position the computer without using the centre of the desk. See our guide to mounting a laptop beside a monitor before choosing hardware.

Is it ergonomic to put the laptop below the monitor?

A laptop directly below an external monitor can be practical for occasional reference, but it creates two vertical viewing zones. Repeatedly looking down to the laptop and up to a high external screen can increase neck movement. It also may push the external display higher than necessary.

If the external display is primary, keep its useful area in the comfortable viewing zone and treat the lower laptop as secondary. Move frequently used windows to the external monitor. If the laptop becomes the main screen for a task, raise it or change the arrangement rather than leaning toward it for long periods.

CCOHS notes that a monitor placed too high, low, far or off to the side can encourage awkward head and upper-body positions. The correct arrangement is the one that keeps your most-used content closest to your natural line of sight.

Screen height and distance

Start with the primary external monitor. Place it directly in front of the keyboard and your body, with the top area around eye level or slightly below. Keep it at a distance that allows comfortable reading without leaning forward. Text size and display scaling should be adjusted before you pull a large screen unusually close.

Next, decide whether the laptop screen is primary, equal or secondary. A secondary screen can sit slightly to the side. An equal-use screen should be closer to the same height and distance as the external monitor. Our ergonomic laptop and monitor setup guide covers alignment, screen priority and sit-stand transitions in more detail.

Keyboard and mouse placement

If the laptop is raised, do not type on its built-in keyboard for extended work. Raising the screen also raises the keyboard and can elevate the shoulders or bend the wrists. Use an external keyboard and mouse on the main desk surface, close enough that the elbows stay near the body.

If the laptop stays low because you type on it, accept that the screen will also be low. That compromise may be reasonable for short tasks, but it is less suitable for a full workday. Our guide to external keyboards and mice for laptops explains why separating the screen from the input devices creates more adjustment options.

Cooling and device safety

Ergonomic advice cannot replace the computer manufacturer’s instructions. Some laptops exhaust heat near the hinge or through the keyboard area. Others are explicitly designed for closed-lid use when placed on a hard surface. Check the manual for the exact model.

• Keep ventilation openings clear.
• Use a rigid, stable surface or a compatible stand.
• Do not stack papers, fabric or accessories on the computer.
• Stop if the device becomes unusually hot, shuts down or shows a warning.
• Use the recommended power adapter and docking equipment.

A vertical stand can save space when the lid is closed, but it must fit the laptop without squeezing it and must not cover required vents. Route cables so they do not pull on ports when a height-adjustable desk moves.

Camera, microphone and meetings

If you rely on the built-in camera, an open laptop may be the simplest choice. Raise or angle it so the camera does not force a severely downward view. You can also use an external camera mounted near the main screen and close the laptop.

Choose based on the task rather than leaving every device active by default. During focused work, one centred screen can reduce visual clutter. During meetings, the open laptop can provide controls or a camera while the external monitor holds shared content.

Closed-laptop setup checklist

1. Confirm closed-lid use is supported by the device manufacturer.
2. Connect the external monitor, keyboard and mouse.
3. Set the external display as primary and test wake and sleep behaviour.
4. Position the monitor in front of the body at a comfortable height and distance.
5. Keep the laptop on a hard, ventilated surface.
6. Secure power, video and peripheral cables with enough slack.
7. Test the full travel range if the desk adjusts in height.

Open-laptop setup checklist

1. Decide which screen is primary before arranging either one.
2. Centre the primary display on the keyboard and body.
3. Raise the laptop if its screen is used frequently.
4. Use external input devices when the laptop is elevated.
5. Angle the secondary screen toward you and keep the gap small.
6. Match text scaling so switching screens does not require leaning.
7. Move applications according to how often they are used.

The practical answer

Close the laptop when one external monitor does the real viewing work and the computer supports safe closed-lid operation. Keep it open when the laptop screen, camera or controls have a useful role. If the screen is open but rarely used, it may add clutter without adding value.

Whichever option you choose, prioritize the main screen, separate input devices from an elevated laptop, protect ventilation and test the setup in both sitting and standing positions. A suitable monitor stand or compatible arm can help create the needed height and surface space.

Sources

• CCOHS: Office Ergonomics, Positioning the Monitor
• University of Toronto: Ergonomic FAQs
• OHCOW: Laptop, Tablet and Smartphone Ergonomics