using keyboard with external display

[ar1111]

Hi!

I want to start out by saying I have already searched for and read the solutions given to other folks who have this same problem, and none of them work.

I would like to use an external display with my laptop with the screen folded under the keyboard. However, when I fold the screen all the way back, the keyboard is automatically disabled. I have set it to never switch to tablet mode. The drivers that some suggest to disable do not exist on my device. How do I make this work? I don't have room for both displays because the laptop screen partially blocks the external monitor. If I could just fold the built in screen underneath, everything would fit and be just where I need it to be on my desk.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @ar1111 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It sounds like you're trying to use your laptop in clamshell mode with the built-in screen folded under the keyboard while using an external display, but the laptop automatically disables the keyboard when you fold the screen back. This behavior is typically due to the laptop’s sensor detecting that the screen is in a folded position, and it switches the laptop to tablet mode or disables the keyboard for safety.

Here are some steps you can try to resolve this issue and make it work the way you want:

1. Check Tablet Mode Settings

You’ve mentioned that you've already set it to "never switch to tablet mode," but let's ensure this setting is properly configured:

1. Open Settings: Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System > Tablet.
3. Make sure the Tablet mode setting is set to Don't switch to tablet mode (this will prevent Windows from automatically switching when the screen is folded back).

2. Adjust Power Settings for Laptop Lid Close Action

Windows might be detecting the laptop screen as "closed" when you fold it back, triggering it to disable the keyboard. You can adjust what happens when you close the lid to avoid this issue:

1. Open Control Panel: Press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter.
2. Go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options > Choose what closing the lid does.
3. Under When I close the lid, make sure it is set to Do nothing for both On battery and Plugged in.
4. Click Save changes.

This setting should stop Windows from turning off your laptop when you fold the screen back.

3. Check Auto-rotation Settings (for Convertible Laptops)

If you have a convertible laptop (2-in-1), sometimes auto-rotation settings can interfere with external display usage when the laptop screen is folded. Make sure that auto-rotation is disabled when the laptop is in clamshell mode:

1. Open Settings and go to System > Display.
2. Scroll down to the Display Orientation section.
3. Disable Rotation lock if it’s turned on, and manually adjust your display to Landscape if necessary.

4. Disable Tablet/Touch Screen Features

Some laptops automatically disable the keyboard and trackpad when the screen is folded back, recognizing that it’s in tablet mode. If this is happening, and you don’t need the touchscreen functionality in clamshell mode, you can try disabling the tablet or touch features:

1. Device Manager: Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Find the Human Interface Devices section and expand it.
3. Look for any touchscreen drivers (e.g., HID-compliant touch screen), and right-click to Disable them.
4. Also, check under Keyboards to ensure that the laptop keyboard is enabled.

5. External Keyboard and Mouse

If none of the above steps work and you’re still unable to use the built-in keyboard while the screen is folded, the simplest workaround might be to use an external keyboard and mouse to control your laptop while the screen is folded under.

6. Update BIOS and Drivers

In some cases, BIOS and firmware updates can address issues with the laptop’s auto-sensing capabilities (i.e., detecting when the screen is folded). It’s worth checking for the latest BIOS or firmware update for your laptop model:

1. Visit the HP Support website (or your laptop manufacturer’s site).
2. Search for your laptop model and check for BIOS and driver updates.
3. Install any available updates, as they may improve hardware functionality or offer additional settings for screen folding.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support

[Sneha_01]

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[ar1111]

Thanks for your help! There were several suggestions there I didn't find searching. Sadly, though, none of them worked. Since all of my USB ports are already in use and I'm not willing to go through the additional hassle of connecting a bluetooth keyboard every time I want to use my computer, I think I'm just going to give up on the larger monitor. Oh well.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @ar1111 

I'm sending out a private message to assist you with the next course of action. In order to access your private messages, click the private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile Name.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571 

HP Support