Are you tired of dealing with a cluttered workspace, distracted by the glowing screen of your laptop while working on a larger monitor? Do you wish to maximize your productivity and minimize distractions? You’re not alone! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to make your laptop screen go black when connected to a monitor, unlocking the ultimate productivity hack.
Why Make Your Laptop Screen Go Black?
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s explore the benefits of making your laptop screen go black when connected to a monitor.
First and foremost, having a blank laptop screen can significantly reduce distractions. When you’re working on a large monitor, you’re already focused on the task at hand. Having a second screen staring at you can be a constant reminder of emails, social media, or other notifications, taking your attention away from the task at hand. By turning off the laptop screen, you can maintain your focus and stay in flow.
Secondly, a dark laptop screen can help reduce eye strain. When you’re working on a large monitor, your eyes are already fixed on the main display. Having a secondary screen lit up can cause eye fatigue and discomfort. By turning off the laptop screen, you can reduce the strain on your eyes and maintain a healthier viewing experience.
Lastly, making your laptop screen go black can also help extend the battery life of your laptop. When your laptop screen is turned off, it reduces the power consumption of your device, allowing you to work for longer periods without needing to recharge.
Method 1: Windows Laptops
If you’re using a Windows laptop, making your laptop screen go black when connected to a monitor is a relatively straightforward process.
Using the Windows Key + P Shortcut
One of the easiest ways to turn off your laptop screen is by using the Windows key + P shortcut.
Here’s how it works:
1. Press the Windows key + P on your keyboard.
2. This will bring up the Projector window.
3. Click on the “Second screen only” option.
4. Your laptop screen should now turn off, leaving only the monitor active.
Using the Display Settings
Another way to make your laptop screen go black is by adjusting the display settings.
Here’s how it works:
1. Right-click on an empty area of the desktop.
2. Select “Display settings” from the context menu.
3. In the Display settings window, click on the “Identify” button next to the monitor you’re using.
4. Click on the “Multiple displays” dropdown menu.
5. Select the “Show desktop only on 2” option (assuming your monitor is display 2).
6. Your laptop screen should now turn off, leaving only the monitor active.
Method 2: Mac Laptops
If you’re using a Mac laptop, the process is slightly different.
Using the Displays Preference Pane
To make your Mac laptop screen go black when connected to a monitor, you can use the Displays preference pane.
Here’s how it works:
1. Click on the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
2. Click on the “Displays” icon.
3. Select the “Arrangement” tab.
4. Click on the “Close” button next to the laptop screen preview.
5. Your laptop screen should now turn off, leaving only the monitor active.
Method 3: Third-Party Software
If you’re having trouble making your laptop screen go black using the built-in methods, you can try using third-party software.
Turn Off Laptop Screen (Windows)
Turn Off Laptop Screen is a free utility software that allows you to turn off your laptop screen with a simple keyboard shortcut.
Here’s how it works:
1. Download and install Turn Off Laptop Screen from the official website.
2. Launch the software and set a keyboard shortcut (e.g., Ctrl + Shift + F1).
3. Press the keyboard shortcut to turn off your laptop screen.
MonitorControl (Mac)
MonitorControl is a free, open-source utility software that allows you to control multiple monitors on your Mac.
Here’s how it works:
1. Download and install MonitorControl from the official website.
2. Launch the software and select the “Turn off internal display” option.
3. Your laptop screen should now turn off, leaving only the monitor active.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Sometimes, you may encounter issues when trying to make your laptop screen go black. Here are some common problems and troubleshooting tips:
Issue 1: Laptop Screen Won’t Turn Off
If your laptop screen refuses to turn off, try restarting your laptop and reconnecting to the monitor. If the issue persists, try updating your graphics drivers or seeking assistance from the manufacturer’s support team.
Issue 2: Monitor Not Detected
If your laptop isn’t detecting the monitor, try restarting your laptop and reconnecting the monitor cable. Make sure the monitor is properly connected and configured. If the issue persists, try updating your graphics drivers or seeking assistance from the manufacturer’s support team.
Issue 3: Laptop Screen Turns Off but Monitor Doesn’t Turn On
If your laptop screen turns off but the monitor doesn’t turn on, try adjusting the display settings to ensure the monitor is set as the primary display. You can do this by following the steps outlined in Method 1 for Windows laptops or Method 2 for Mac laptops.
Conclusion
Making your laptop screen go black when connected to a monitor is a simple yet effective way to boost productivity, reduce distractions, and extend battery life. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can easily turn off your laptop screen and focus on the task at hand. Remember to troubleshoot common issues and seek assistance if necessary. Happy productivity hacking!
Why do I need to make my laptop screen go black when connected to a monitor?
Making your laptop screen go black when connected to a monitor can help improve your productivity and reduce distractions. When your laptop screen is black, you can focus on the larger monitor in front of you, without having to constantly glance at your laptop screen. This can help you stay focused on your work and avoid multitasking.
Additionally, having a black laptop screen can also help conserve battery life. When your laptop screen is turned off, it consumes less power, which can help extend the battery life of your laptop. This is especially useful when you’re working on the go and need to make the most of your laptop’s battery.
Is it possible to make my laptop screen go black on all operating systems?
The method to make your laptop screen go black when connected to a monitor may vary depending on the operating system you’re using. For Windows laptops, you can use the Windows key + P to project your screen to the monitor and then select the “Second screen only” option. For Mac laptops, you can go to System Preferences > Displays and select the “Arrangement” tab to extend your desktop to the monitor and turn off the laptop screen.
However, it’s worth noting that some older operating systems or laptops may not have this feature built-in. In such cases, you may need to use third-party software or adjust your display settings to achieve the desired result.
Will making my laptop screen go black affect my workflow?
Making your laptop screen go black when connected to a monitor should not affect your workflow in any significant way. You can still use your laptop’s keyboard and touchpad as usual, and all your open applications will still be accessible on the monitor. The only difference is that you won’t have to glance at your laptop screen, which can help you stay focused on your work.
In fact, having a black laptop screen can even improve your workflow by reducing distractions and helping you stay organized. You can use the extra space on your monitor to open multiple windows and applications, making it easier to multitask and work efficiently.
Can I still use my laptop’s touchscreen features when the screen is black?
Unfortunately, when your laptop screen is turned off, you won’t be able to use the touchscreen features on your laptop. The touchscreen is only active when the screen is on and displaying an image. However, you can still use a separate mouse or touchpad to control the cursor on your monitor, which should be sufficient for most tasks.
If you need to use touchscreen features regularly, you may want to consider adjusting your display settings to mirror your laptop screen on the monitor instead of turning it off completely. This way, you’ll still be able to use the touchscreen features on your laptop while also having the benefit of a larger screen.
Will making my laptop screen go black affect my battery life?
Turning off your laptop screen when connected to a monitor can indeed help conserve battery life. When your laptop screen is turned off, it consumes less power, which can help extend the battery life of your laptop. This is especially useful when you’re working on the go and need to make the most of your laptop’s battery.
However, the extent to which turning off the laptop screen affects battery life may vary depending on the specific laptop model and operating system you’re using. In general, it’s a good idea to turn off unnecessary devices and features when not in use to conserve battery life.
Can I make my laptop screen go black on a Mac?
Yes, you can make your laptop screen go black on a Mac by going to System Preferences > Displays and selecting the “Arrangement” tab. From there, you can select the “Turn display mirroring off when monitors are connected” option to turn off the laptop screen when connected to a monitor. Alternatively, you can also use keyboard shortcuts like Command + F1 or Command + F2 to toggle the laptop screen on and off.
It’s worth noting that the exact steps may vary depending on the Mac model and operating system you’re using. You can also use third-party software or apps to customize your display settings and achieve the desired result.
Is it possible to schedule when my laptop screen turns off?
While there isn’t a built-in feature to schedule when your laptop screen turns off, you can use third-party software or apps to achieve this. For example, you can use automation software like AutoHotkey or Automator to create custom scripts that turn off your laptop screen at specific times or under certain conditions.
Additionally, some laptops may have built-in features or settings that allow you to schedule when the screen turns off. You can check your laptop’s documentation or support website to see if such features are available.