In the realm of laptop usage, there are moments when one might prefer to turn off the display without putting the device to sleep. This is particularly relevant for users engaged in media playback or running applications that keep the screen active. While desktop users can simply power down their monitors, laptop users often find themselves without that straightforward option. Fortunately, there are several methods available for Windows users to effectively turn off their laptop displays.
1. Run a PowerShell Command to Turn Off the Display
For those seeking a quick, one-time solution, utilizing a PowerShell command is an efficient approach. Users can easily copy and paste the command into PowerShell to turn off the display instantly.
To begin, search for “powershell” in the Windows search bar and open Windows PowerShell. Enter the following command:
Add-Type -MemberDefinition '[DllImport("user32.dll")] public static extern int SendMessage(IntPtr hWnd, int Msg, IntPtr wParam, IntPtr lParam);' -Name Monitor -Namespace User32[User32.Monitor]::SendMessage([IntPtr]0xffff, 0x112, [IntPtr]0xF170, [IntPtr]2)This command will immediately turn off the display, which can be reactivated by pressing any key or moving the mouse. If the display turns back on, simply rerun the command to turn it off again.
2. Make the Power Button Turn Off the Display
Another practical method involves configuring the power button to turn off the display instead of shutting down the laptop. This adjustment is especially useful for users who frequently access the power menu for shutdowns. Here’s how to set it up:
Search for “power plan” in the Windows search bar and select Choose a power plan from the results. Next, click on Choose what the power button does in the left panel, and select Turn off the display for the When I press the power button option.
Now, pressing the power button will turn off the display. For laptops, users can also opt for Do nothing under the When I close the lid setting, allowing the system to operate with the lid closed while turning off the display.
3. Create a Desktop Shortcut That Turns Off the Display
For those who prefer a more accessible solution without altering the power button’s function, creating a desktop shortcut is an excellent alternative. This allows users to turn off the display with a simple double-click.
To create the shortcut, right-click on an empty space on the desktop and select New → Shortcut. In the Type the location of the item field, enter the following command and click Next:
powershell.exe -Command "(Add-Type '[DllImport("user32.dll")]public static extern int SendMessage(int hWnd,int hMsg,int wParam,int lParam);' -Name a -Pas)::SendMessage(-1,0x0112,0xF170,2)"After entering the command, name the shortcut—perhaps “Turn Off Display”—and click Finish. A new shortcut will now be available on the desktop, ready to turn off the display at a moment’s notice.
4. Create a Keyboard Shortcut
For even swifter access, users can establish a keyboard shortcut to turn off the display with a simple key combination. This method allows execution from any screen without needing to navigate to the desktop.
To set up the keyboard shortcut, start with the desktop shortcut created previously. Right-click on the shortcut and select Properties. Under the Shortcut tab, designate a key combination in the Shortcut key section. The combination will always begin with Ctrl + Alt, so simply select an additional key to complete the shortcut. With this setup, pressing the designated keys will activate the command and turn off the display.
For those who prefer a more straightforward solution, a dedicated third-party tool can also be utilized to turn off the display on demand. The ScreenOff App is a commendable option, being both free and open-source, allowing users to turn off the display with ease.
Users can download either the .bat script or the executable file, both of which will effectively turn off the display upon execution. Alternatively, the Turn Off Monitor tool offers enhanced functionality, enabling users to set shortcut keys and add a context menu entry for display control. However, it is important to note that this tool is available as a fully-functional trial version, requiring a payment of .78 to unlock its full capabilities.
Having the ability to turn off the display on demand proves especially beneficial when certain applications inhibit the automatic display turn-off feature. For those concerned with privacy, exploring quick methods to put the PC to sleep may also be worthwhile.
