Docked Laptop Turns Off External Monitor

Instructions for prioritizing monitor arrangements on a docked laptop to ensure all displays stay on and in the proper order when closing the laptop's lid.

Issue/Question

My external monitor disconnects if I dock my laptop or close the lid on an already docked laptop.

Environment

• Dell Laptops

Cause

A setting configured by Intel's Graphics Control Panel software can override Windows' monitor arrangement settings.

Resolution

1. Dock the laptop and open the lid.
    Note: If the external monitor is still disabled, enable it in Windows' settings. See this article for assistance.
2. Open Intel HD Graphics Control Panel.
3. Click Display.
4. Select Display | Multiple Displays.
5. Set the external monitor as the Primary Display. If you have multiple external monitors, match the priority with Windows' settings, placing the Built-In Display as the last monitor.
6. Click Apply.