How to disable laptop monitor but still use the laptop's keyboard with the lid open?

Answer this question

  • How to disable laptop monitor but still use the laptop's keyboard with the lid open?


Answer #1 | 27/12 2013 16:52
What you're asking to do is simple actually. First of all you've gotta spend some time looking for a VGA Splitter - there's a technical name for them but I can't remember off the top of my head. You should be able to find them if you Google for something like "Single VGA Port to 2 monitors" or something like that. There are a few that come up first and they're really expensive, just keep looking there are some that are like $40-$60. If memory serves me correctly they're made by Startech or something like that but don't quote me on that one. OR you can looker for the USB to VGA adapter made by Startech (pretty sure it's Startech again) and spend like $20 to get a second monitor running. You have to use the install disk prior to connecting the adapter, but that's the only caviat I can remember on that one. So now you've got 2 external monitors, just open up your screen resolution, set one external monitor to your primary screen, extend the desktop to the other external monitor and just exclude the onboard monitor. There's a little dropdown right under the actual screen resolution slider that will let you make those changes. WHen you're in the screen resolution if all 3 screens are working you should see 3 icons labeled 1, 2 and 3 at the top. Make sure you have them setup correctly, in the right orientation order and everything - click Apply, Keep the changes and rock the multi-external monitor experience. NOTE: Those 3 icons can be dragged and dropped so if it should go 3, 1, 2 then you can move them around accordingly.
Answer #2 | 27/12 2013 22:43
On my systems, I enable the second monitor in display settings and set it as primary, then disable the first (formerly primary) monitor.  No extra hardware or software required.

Possible answer