Laptop Not Turning Off When Closed: Causes & Fixes

Have you ever tried to close your laptop when it’s on, only to find that it doesn’t really shut down? There are a few reasons why this might be happening: It could be a problem with your power settings, your laptop’s battery, or even a BIOS issue. In this article, I will explore each of these potential reasons and offer some solutions to help you get your laptop to turn off when you want it to.

Why Does Laptop Not Shut Down When You Close the Lid (6 Reasons)

1. Your Sleep Mode Feature Has Not Been Set Properly

On a Windows 10 computer, the default setting is for your laptop to not turn off when you close its lid. This prevents any unsaved work from being lost if the battery dies while the lid is closed. However, this means your laptop will continue to use power even when it’s not in use. If you want to save power, you’ll need to change your power settings so that your laptop turns off when you close the lid.

To set up your Windows computer’s sleep mode feature, simply:

1. Open the Start Menu and search for “Power & sleep settings.”
2. Under “Related Settings,” click “Additional power settings.” This will open the Control Panel’s power options.
3. You can change the “Power buttons and lid” settings to suit your needs. If you want your laptop to turn off when you close the lid, select “Sleep” from the drop-down menu.

You must adjust your power settings if you want your laptop to enter standby mode when you close it. Most laptops have a “sleep” setting that can be adjusted to achieve this.

Alternatively, you can set your computer to enter standby mode after a certain period of inactivity. By doing this, you can ensure that your computer is only using power when you need it.

2. You Have a Pending Windows Update

Windows updates are essential, but they can also be disruptive. If you’re in the middle of working on something, you may not want to be interrupted by a reboot. That’s why Microsoft gives you the option to schedule updates for a time when you’re not using your computer.

But if you forget to do that, or if there’s an important update that can’t wait, your laptop will keep running until it installs the update. So, if you’re wondering why your laptop won’t turn off, even when you close the lid, it might be because there’s a pending Windows update.

3. Third-Party Applications Are Running in the Background

People often think their laptops are not shutting down because the hardware is faulty. However, in most cases, it is actually because of some third-party applications that are running in the background. These apps can be anything from photo editors to games.

While these apps may not seem like they would use a lot of power, they can actually keep your computer from going into sleep mode properly. To fix this, you can either disable the offending apps or simply quit them before closing your laptop’s lid.

4. The Taskbar Is Not Responsive

The taskbar is responsible for managing all the open windows and programs on your computer. If it’s not working correctly, it can cause all sorts of problems. In this case, it’s preventing your computer from shutting down properly.

When you close the lid, Windows 10 will go into sleep mode to save power if you’ve set up the appropriate sleep setting. However, if the taskbar is not responsive, Windows 10 will not be able to go into sleep mode and will stay on. This can be caused by a number of things, such as an app running in the background or an out-of-date driver.

5. Malware Infection or Virus

One possibility is that you have a malware infection or virus. This can happen if you download files from untrustworthy sources or click on links that lead to malicious websites. If your computer is infected with malware, it can start to behave erratically and may not turn off when you expect it to.

Another possibility is that there is a problem with your computer’s hardware. This is less common, but it can happen if your computer’s power button is damaged or if there is a problem with the connection between the power button and the computer’s motherboard.

6. Corrupted Windows Files

Over time, as you install and uninstall programs or even just use your computer normally, files can become corrupt. These corrupt files can cause all sorts of problems, including preventing your computer from shutting down properly. If you’ve been having this problem, don’t worry, it’s relatively easy to fix.

8 Potential Fixes

1.Set Your Power Options and Configure Sleep Mode

If your laptop is not turning off when you close the lid, it’s usually because the power options are not set correctly. You can generally fix this problem by going into the power options and adjusting the settings for when the lid is closed.

To do this:

1. Open the Control Panel and go to Hardware and Sound.
2. Click on Power Options.
3. Next, find the section that says, “Choose what closing the lid does.”
4. For most laptops, you’ll want to set it, so the laptop goes into sleep mode when the lid is closed. Sleep mode is a low-power state that uses very little battery power.

You may also want to set the laptop to do nothing when the lid is closed. This is a good option if you don’t want the laptop to power down completely and you don’t mind if it uses a bit more power.

2. Install All Pending Windows Updates

Many times, Windows updates include patches that can fix common problems. So, the first thing you should do is make sure all pending updates are installed. To do this:

1. Open the Settings app and go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Then, click Check for Updates and install any available updates.
3. Once that’s done, restart your computer and see if the problem is fixed. If not, move on to the next solution.

3. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

If your Windows 10 laptop won’t turn off when you close the lid, it’s likely because of a power setting issue. To fix this problem, you can run the Windows Update Troubleshooter. This troubleshooter will help you find common problems in your system and attempt to fix them on its own.

To run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Click Update & Security.
3. Click the Troubleshoot tab.
4. Click on Additional Troubleshooting Option
5. Scroll down and click Windows Update.
6. Click Run the troubleshooter.

The Windows Update Troubleshooter will now scan your system and attempt to fix any issues it finds. Once finished, you should reset your laptop and see if the problem has been resolved.

4. Uninstall Intrusive Programs and Unnecessary Applications

Many programs include an option to start automatically when your computer starts. While this can be convenient, it also means that these programs are running in the background even when you’re not using them. Over time, this can slow down your computer and drain your battery.

To fix this, uninstall any programs that you don’t use regularly or that you don’t need at all. This includes programs pre-installed on your computer and any apps you’ve installed from the internet or from a disc. Alternatively, you can also use software like Advanced System Care to automatically scan applications running in your background and uninstall them.

5. Fix Taskbar

1. Open Task Manager by hitting Ctrl+Shift+Esc at the same time on your keyboard.
2. Click on the Processes tab.
3. Look for the Windows Explorer process and right-click it.
4. Choose End task from the menu that appears.
5. Click on the File menu at the top of Task Manager and select New task.
6. Type in explorer.exe and hit Enter to restart Windows Explorer. This should fix the issue and allow you to properly shut down your laptop.

6. Scan Your Laptop With an Antivirus Program

Even if you don’t think your laptop is infected with a virus, it’s always a good idea to scan it with an antivirus program just to be sure. If your laptop is infected with a virus, this could be the reason why it’s not shutting down properly.

You’ll need to download and install a program like Microsoft Security Essentials (included in Windows by default) to scan your laptop with an antivirus program. Once you’ve done that, open the program and click on the scan now button. The scan may take a few minutes to complete, but once it’s finished, hopefully, your laptop will be able to shut down properly.

7. Reset Windows

If you’re still having trouble with your Windows operating system, you may need to restore it to its original settings. This can be done using Windows’s “Reset this PC” feature. This will erase all of your files, so be sure to backup your data before proceeding.

To restore Windows, follow these steps:

1. Go to the “Start” menu and click “Settings.”
2. Click “Update & security.”
3. Click “Recovery.”
4. Under “Reset this PC,” click “Get started.”
5. Choose whether you want to keep your files or erase them.
6. Follow the prompts to finish the restore process.

8. Reinstall Windows

If you’ve tried all the other solutions on this list and your laptop still won’t shut down, you may need to reinstall Windows. This is the last resort because it will delete all your files, so be sure to back up everything first. To reinstall Windows, use a bootable Windows DVD or a bootable flash drive.

5 Additional Fixes You Can Try

1. Update Laptop BIOS

Updating your computer’s BIOS is a crucial part of keeping your system up-to-date and running smoothly. This process is usually pretty simple, but it’s essential to follow the instructions carefully. Before you start, it’s always a good idea to backup your existing BIOS settings.

To update BIOS on a Windows 10 PC, you’ll need to download the BIOS update utility from your computer manufacturer’s website. Once you’ve downloaded the update utility, run it and follow the on-screen instructions. The process is usually pretty straightforward, but make sure to read all the instructions carefully.

It’s important to note that you should only update your BIOS if there’s a specific reason to do so. BIOS updates can be risky and may lead to problems if not done correctly. So, if you’re not experiencing any issues with your computer, it’s best to leave your BIOS as is.

2. Disable Fast Boot

If you’re using Windows 8 or 10, you can try to disable Fast Boot. This power-saving setting can cause problems when you’re trying to shut down your laptop. To do this:

1. Open the Control Panel and search for Power Options.
2. Click on Choose what the power buttons does and then click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
3. Scroll down and uncheck the Turn on fast startup option.
4. Save your changes and restart your computer. This should fix the problem.

3. Clean Your Laptop

Dust can build up over time and prevent your computer from functioning correctly. To clean your laptop, start by unplugging it and removing the battery. Then, use a can of compressed air to blow out any dust from the keyboard and vents.

You can also use a damp cloth to wipe down the laptop’s exterior. Be sure to avoid getting any water inside the computer.

4. Remove Laptop Batteries and Reinstall Them

If you have a removable battery in your laptop, take it out and put it back in. This could jostle loose whatever is causing the problem and get things working again. If you don’t have a removable battery, try unplugging the power cord and then plugging it back in.

5. Hard Shutdown Your Laptop

You can try a hard shutdown if your laptop still doesn’t shut down. This is when you forcibly shut down your computer by holding down the power button for 5-10 seconds. Doing this will cause your computer to lose any unsaved data, so only do this as a last resort.

If it’s still not working, you can try unplugging your laptop from the power source and removing the battery (if possible). Let it sit for a few minutes, plug everything back in and try again.

Is It Okay if My Laptop Keeps Running With the Lid Closed?

It is perfectly fine to keep your laptop running with the lid closed. In fact, many people do this all the time without any issue. If you’re worried about overworking your laptop, you can always set it to sleep mode. As long as you’re not keeping your laptop running 24/7, there’s no need to worry.

Is It Okay To Never Shut Down Your Laptop?

There are drawbacks to leaving your laptop in sleep mode all the time. For one, it can shorten the lifespan of your laptop’s battery. And secondly, it can put a strain on the computer’s components, which can lead to overheating. So, it’s not okay to never shut down your laptop.

If you’re only going to be away from your laptop for a short period of time, then it’s probably fine to leave it in sleep mode. But if you’re going to be gone for an extended period of time, you should just shut off your laptop.

How Long Should a Laptop Stay On?

Most laptops are designed to stay on for a long time, but that doesn’t mean that’s what’s best for them. In fact, it’s usually better to turn off your laptop when you’re not using it, especially if you’re not going to be using it for more than a few hours.

So, how long should a laptop stay on? It’s typically best to turn it off if you won’t be using it for more than three hours. This will help conserve battery power and prevent your laptop from overheating.

Of course, suppose you’re using your laptop for something important, like a work presentation. In that case, you may need to keep it on for a more extended period of time.

What Are the Benefits of Sleep Mode?

Sleep mode is a feature on most computers that allows the user to save power while the computer is not in use. When activated, sleep mode will put the computer into a low-power state. This can help both the user and the computer, as it can help save energy and extend the life of the computer.

There are a few different types of sleep modes, each with its own set of benefits:

• Standby mode. This is the most common type of sleep mode, and it is typically used when the computer will be inactive for a short period of time.
• Hibernation mode. This is used for more extended periods of inactivity, and it will completely power down the computer.
• Hybrid sleep mode. This is a combination of standby and hibernation, and it is typically used on laptops to preserve battery life

Laptop Screen Does Not Turn Off When Lid Is Closed

Many people have their laptops set to automatically go into sleep mode or hibernate when the lid is closed. This can be highly annoying when you’re trying to actually close your laptop and have it turn off.

The reason this happens is that the default setting for most laptops is to do nothing when the lid is closed. You can change this setting in your power options, and I’ll show you how to do that below.

If you want your laptop to enter Sleep Mode when the lid is closed, follow these steps:

1. Open up Control Panel
2. Find Power Options from the list on the left
3. Under Choose what closing the lid does, choose Sleep

The Bottom Line

There could be a number of reasons why your laptop doesn’t turn off when you close it. It could be a software issue, a hardware issue, or even a problem with the settings. If you’re unsure what the problem is, it’s best to take it to a professional to check it out.