How can I use an external monitor with my laptop closed?

You just need to tweak a setting in your power options! Look for the choice that determines what happens when your laptop lid is closed. The default is usually set to sleep, but switch it to 'Do Nothing' and you'll be good to go! You can close your laptop without disrupting your monitor setup.

You can also get there through Control Panel. Just go to 'Power Options', click on 'Choose what closing the lid does', and set it to 'Do Nothing' when it's plugged in. Easy fix!

Totally agree! Just head to the power settings and set the action for closing the lid to 'Do Nothing'. It's really straightforward, and I do it all the time with mine!