Windows 10: Why can I only use one of my two monitors when laptop is closed?

I have this strange issue where I can only use one of my external displays if I'm not using my laptop display as well. When I have my monitor open or just have the display enabled in settings while closed then all works well, but once I close my laptop or disconnect its display, it also forces one of my two monitors to disconnect. The display that gets turned off is still visible within display settings, but can't be re-enabled until I turn my monitor screen back on.I'm using an Anker dock to connect my two displays as well as peripherals, the dock has worked just fine in the past.My laptop

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Monitor settings when close laptop lid

Hi,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

In order to get clarity and to assist you accordingly, we would need some information.

1. What is the version and
   build of you operating system? In the Search box, type
   winver to get this info.
   
2. May I know the Make and the model of the computer and external monitor?
   
3. Are you aware of any changes made on your computer before this issue occurred?
   

We also suggest following the steps below and check if it makes any difference.

Since you are facing issue with the Secondary monitor, I would suggest you to
Troubleshoot external monitor connections in Windows 10
and check if it fixes the issue.

Additionally refer this article on Second
screen or Projector mode does not persist after you close and reopen a laptop lid.

I look forward to your reply.

Thanks,

Suman.B

Microsoft Community – Moderator

 

Dell Monitor Camera

I have a Dell Monitor hooked to a Dell XPS Laptop. I want to use the monitor camera not the laptop camera. I've tried the suggestions from a closed thread about activating the camera but when I try the steps it keeps going to the laptop camera.

Suggestions or am I asking the impossible.

 

Windows 10 sleeps when using external monitor and closing the laptop lid.

Hey Likitha

Thanks for your response.

Before we assist further, I would like to ask you a few questions:

• Have you set Sleep function to activate on closing the laptop lid?
• Did you check if the laptop goes to sleep when not connected to external monitor and lid closed?

To respond to your questions

(1) I have set the sleep function to operate on laptop lid close only when the laptop is on battery power. When it is plugged in I have set it to do not sleep ever.

(2) I have tested that it does *not* go to sleep when I the laptop is plugged in and I close the laptop lid

Further information:

(1) When I first turned the laptop on I attached it to the monitor and closed the lid. It then ran successfully for approximately an hour before hibernating.

(2) I then restarted the system, external monitor plugged in, lid closed and it went to hibernate after approximately 2 minutes.