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Fix a Windows that has lid close that will not sleep

We'll set the correct lid-close action so the laptop sleeps when you close the lid.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
5–15 min
Step 1 of 4

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Steps

Goal: Set lid-close to Sleep.

  • Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do. Set “When I close the lid” to Sleep.
  • Good: Laptop sleeps when lid closed. Bad: Update driver.

Set lid-close

Goal: Configure lid-close action.

  • Power Options > When I close the lid > Sleep. For both Plugged in and On battery.
  • Good: Sleep selected. Bad: Change settings and save.

Check power plan

Goal: Confirm settings apply.

  • Active power plan controls lid-close. Set for both power states.
  • Good: Both set to Sleep. Bad: Set both.

When to get help

Call a technician if:

  • Lid-close is set to Sleep but laptop still will not sleep.
  • Lid sensor or motherboard may need service.

Verification

  • Laptop sleeps when lid is closed.
  • Lid-close set to Sleep for Plugged in and On battery.
  • No manufacturer app overriding the setting.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Set lid-close Power Options > When I close the lid > Sleep.
  2. Power plan Confirm active plan; set for Plugged in and On battery.
  3. Driver Update chipset driver.
  4. Call a pro Lid sensor may need service.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Lid-close: what is set for Plugged in and On battery?
  • Power plan: which is active?
  • Manufacturer app: any override?
  • Steps already tried

Is lid-close set to Sleep?

Do nothing means laptop stays on.

Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do. Set "When I close the lid" to Sleep for Plugged in and On battery. Good: Sleep selected. Bad: set it and save.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Set lid-close to Sleep

Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do. Change settings. Set When I close the lid to Sleep. Save. Restart.

Done

Does it sleep when you close the lid?

Test after changing.

Close lid. Wait 30 seconds. Open. If still on, update chipset driver. Check manufacturer power app. Good: sleeps. Bad: driver or lid sensor may need service.
Question

Lid-close works?

Continue

You can change your answer later.

Update driver or call a pro

Update chipset driver from manufacturer. If still fails, lid sensor or motherboard may need service.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would closing the lid not sleep?
Lid-close action set to "Do nothing", or power plan override. Set "When I close the lid" to Sleep in Power Options.
Can I fix lid-close sleep myself?
Yes. Power Options > Choose what closing the lid does. Set to Sleep for Plugged in and On battery.
When should I call a technician for lid-close?
If lid-close is set to Sleep but laptop still will not sleep—lid sensor or motherboard may need service.

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